Course Overview

Step into the amazing world of Engineering Fabrication with our flexible, four-year apprentice course. Learn everything from engineering materials, sketching and drawing to welding and fabrication 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 manage your apprenticeship right to your graduation, giving you everything you 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 Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4), in either Heavy Fabrication strand or Light Fabrication strand
Locations Wider BOP/Other
Next intake Feb 2025 View more details
Study options

4 years part-time

Total credits 270
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 of this course will be able to work independently as Engineering Fabrication tradespeople in their chosen discipline, in a broad range of sectors within the fabrication or construction industries. Specific roles for each of the strands may include:

Heavy Fabrication strand:

  • Process Plant Fabricator 
  • Fabricator for pressure equipment, heavy transport equipment, or machinery

Light Fabrication strand:

  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Process Plant Fabricator

Topics you'll cover

  • Engineering Health & Safety
  • Measurement
  • Hand and Power tools
  • Engineering materials
  • Sketching and drawing
  • Trade calculations
  • Welding processes (MMAW, GMAW, GTAW)
  • Fabrication processes
  • Jigs and fixtures
  • Cutting and Gouging
  • Pattern development

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * $270 per topic for domestic students

2025 Indicative Fees - $287 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.


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Course Locations and Intake Information

Location Campus Start Date
Wider BOP/Other --- 11 Nov 2024 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 10 Feb 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 12 May 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 11 Aug 2025 Apply now
Wider BOP/Other --- 10 Nov 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 4 years part-time

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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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)