National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Technology (Level 1)

This is an introductory qualification for people interested in mechanical engineering technology, and has been developed primarily for use in Secondary Schools to attract students to careers in mechanical engineering or related trades or professions. Achievement of the qualification is an excellent preparation for gateway programmes and engineering apprenticeships, and will demonstrate to prospective employers that the candidate has the right skills to commence employment in their industry.

The qualification is also intended to provide students with a well balanced, practically orientated course that develops lifelong skills, stimulating self-esteem, confidence and a pride in paying attention to detail.

The qualification has a compulsory and an elective component. The compulsory section incorporates the following basic skills and knowledge:
. basic workshop safety procedures;
. basic engineering workshop techniques including, cutting, marking out, measuring, joining, assembly, and finishing;
. use of basic tools and machinery; and
. investigation, design and building of a simple product.

The elective section allows students to complement the above with achievement or unit standards from a number of supporting domains.

Following achievement of this qualification, trainees will be well prepared for entry into a variety of programmes and apprenticeships in the engineering industry, such as:
. a Gateway programme;
. National Certificate in Engineering - Fabrication (Level 4) with strands in Heavy Fabrication, Light Fabrication, and Welding [Ref: 0122];
. National Certificate in Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (Mechanical Services) (Level 4) [Ref: 0124];
. National Certificate in Locksmithing (Level 4) [Ref: 0452];
. National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 2) [Ref: 1220];
. National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4) with strands in Fitting and Machining, General Engineering, Machining, Maintenance Engineering, and Toolmaking [Ref: 1262];
. National Certificate in Metal Casting (Technology) (Level 4) [Ref: 0129];
. National Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Level 4) [Ref: 0130]; and
. National Certificate in Split System Air Conditioning (Level 3) [Ref: 1242].

The workshop skills gained would also be very useful for those wishing to pursue a National Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with strands in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, and an optional Practical Endorsement strand [Ref: 0534], or an engineering degree.

First established in 1982 as a service club project of the Gisborne Rotary clubs, the Business and Professional Women’s club and the Lions club, GDI was set up by the then Commissioner of Apprenticeships and the local Director of Maori Affairs Department. Its aim at that time was to facilitate access to employment for the young people of Gisborne.

Gisborne Development Inc is still committed towards raising the skill levels of under-represented youth and the long term unemployed and pathwaying them into industry-based apprenticeships, employment and further training. We work with a number of Industries at both local and national level to improve the access for learners into vocational careers and address the skill shortages that exist within New Zealand’s economic framework. Learners work towards gaining credits in one of the trades of engineering, carpentry, joinery, furniture making, manufacturing, automotive engineering and automotive electrical.
Our Tutors are all experts in their chosen fields and are willing and able to help you gain the knowledge and skills required to be successful in your chosen career. A mixture of theory and practical skills are taught. Work experience in Industry is also a part of the learning experience.