National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Advanced Trade) (Level 5) with strands in Electrotechnology Specialisation, Electrical Installation, and Industrial Electrical Engineering

This qualification is for qualified electricians who wish to develop their electrical, business and overall leadership knowledge and skills and gain a qualification at an advanced trade level. It prepares trainees for a wide range of roles in the electrotechnology, electrical contracting, or industrial electrical engineering sectors.

The qualification has two sections: a compulsory section covering advanced electrical theory and trade practice, and a section comprising three strands which allows a choice of standards to reflect the varied environments in which electricians are employed. At least one of these strands must be completed for award of the qualification.

Typically, the qualification will be gained during the course of a two to three year part-time training programme. Holders of this qualification have gained a range of knowledge and skills assessed both off-job (during courses conducted by training providers with consent to assess) and applied on-job (in the workplace).

The qualification is available with three strands, reflecting the major sectors of the electrical industry as follows:
. Electrotechnology Specialisation - a choice of broader electrotechnology subjects, at a more academic level for people who are involved in electrotechnology design, or to allow trainees to specialise in their chosen field of expertise not specifically covered by the elective section or the other strands;
. Electrical Installation - customer energy solution, electrical switchgear and switchboards, electrical installation practice, standby power plant, lighting installations, and building management systems; and
. Industrial Electrical Engineering - industrial measurement and control, programmable logic controllers, commissioning and handover of electrical engineering projects, and electrical machine safety systems.

The compulsory section of the qualification covers knowledge and skills relating to:
. project planning and management and quotation preparation;
. CAD tools;
. financial management for a small business;
. electrical circuit protection;
. non-electrical legislation;
. the inspection and certification of electrical installations;
. energy efficiency; and
. health and safety.

The qualification, which is predominantly theory-based, has credits in common with, and can lead to, the National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Advanced Trade) (Level 5) with strands in Electrotechnology Specialisation, Electrical Installation, and Industrial Electrical Engineering [Ref: 1514], which includes a significant number of on-job credits. This qualification also leads to the National Diploma in Engineering (Electrotechnology) (Level 6) [Ref: 1313].

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

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