Are you a practical kind of person who enjoys making things work? Or perhaps you are seeking an engineering apprenticeship? Either way, this is the programme for you. The New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) is the perfect qualification for those wishing to enter the engineering trades. Mechanical Engineering involves the design, manufacture and maintenance of machinery, equipment and tools, and the industry has experienced significant growth over recent years due to developments in engineering processes. Due to this, there are numerous employment opportunities in areas such as tool making, fitting and machining and trades associated with the heavy and light fabrication industries. With a responsible attitude, you may even step up into project management. This hands-on pre-apprenticeship programme will give you ample opportunity to work within our workshops and to gain valuable off-site work experience. On completion of this Certificate you will have completed the first year of an industry apprenticeship and start off as a second year apprentice in the field. This will reduce your time down to two years left to complete out in industry. Roles may include a CNC Machine Operator, Machine Operator, Specialist Production Welder, Metal Worker/Fabricator, Ducting Fabricator, Pipe Fitter/Welder, Metal Polisher or a Pattern Maker Trade Assistant. Skills required Practical thinking Analytical and problem-solving skills Good computer skills Planning and organisational ability Excellent communication skills. You will study The Certificate is made up of nine compulsory modules, made up of a mixture of practical and theoretical components. The nine modules incorporate assessment against 27 registered NQF unit standards. Off-site practical work experience is also incorporated within the programme and will comply with Otago Polytechnic health and safety requirements and requirements for contracts with employers. This programme has 9 compulsory modules: Health and Safety Calculations Drawing Machining Fabrication Welding Workshop skills Process quality Communication Further study options This qualification can lead to, but is not a prerequisite for, the following qualifications (an apprenticeship within industry at Level 4 Mechanical Engineering): New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4) with strands in Fitting and Machining, General Engineering, Machining, Maintenance Engineering, Metal Forming, and Tool making New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4) with strands in Heavy Fabrication, Light Fabrication, and Steel Construction International students Whilst you cannot enter an apprenticeship within New Zealand, you do have the option of progressing into our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering to enhance your knowledge and skills. Your workload You will be expected to complete up to 30 hours of contact time at Otago Polytechnic and up to 15 hours of additional self-directed study per week; with an additional 120 hours of work experience will be required for completing as part of the programme.