Course Overview
Get a career in the amazing world of Mechanical Engineering with our flexible four-year apprentice course. Learn everything from mechanical fitting, fluid power and trade calculations to welding and machining processes, all while getting valuable on-the-job experience.
As a studying apprentice, you'll get the best of both worlds’ with equal work and study opportunities. Our tutors and your employer will work together and will manage your apprenticeship right to your graduation, giving you everything you'll need to succeed.
Classes are flexible and tailored to suit your study needs. With night classes, day release, block courses and online learning all available, it's never been easier to balance your study and work commitments.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4), in either Fitting and Machining strand or General Engineering strand
| Locations | Wider BOP/Other |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
4 years part-time |
| Total credits | 280 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $270 per topic for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be able to work independently as Mechanical Engineering tradespeople in their chosen discipline in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing industries. Specific roles for each of the strands may include:
Fitting and Machining Strand:
- Fitter Turner
General Engineering Strand:
- General Engineer
Topics you'll cover
- Engineering Health & Safety
- Measurement
- Hand and Power Tools
- Engineering Materials
- Sketching and Drawing
- Trade Calculations
- Basic Fabrication
- Welding Processes
- Machining
- Mechanical Fitting
- Fluid Power
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $270 per topic for domestic students |
|---|
2025 Indicative Fees - $286 per topic
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
You must have:
- 40 credits NCEA Level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits (or equivalent) AND,
- be working in the engineering industry
- be supervised by someone who is prepared to support the training
- Apprenticeship Agreement - Enrolment into this course will also require the apprentice, employer, and provider to enter into a training agreement. The agreement will outline the responsibilities of each party to the apprenticeship, and will align with the principles in the Code of Good Practice for New Zealand Apprenticeships
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English language requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 11 Nov 2024 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 10 Feb 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 12 May 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 11 Aug 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 10 Nov 2025 |
Study options
- 4 years part-time
Important dates
Further Study Options
Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai
Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions
- New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Advanced) (Level 5)
