The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) is an applied academic qualification of 2-year full time (240 credits) programme at level 6 on the NZQF and currently students have the ability to major in Civil or Mechanical Engineering.

A common curriculum and national examinations and moderation process provide confidence to industry over the consistent quality of graduates and the strong involvement of industry in the oversight of the qualification through the New Zealand Board of Engineering Board (NZBED) ensures that the qualification remains aligned with industry needs. NZDE is a national qualification that has been developed with industry’s call for technician level qualifications that recognise practical skills by combining quality academic study to national standards with a rigorous and structured assessment of practical skills.

Are you looking for a career that:

• Combines the application of technical knowledge and practical know-why?
• Has great job prospects in an area of high skill demand?
• Contributes significantly to New Zealand’s future development?
• Is supported by a structured national qualification pathway recognised by industry?
• Provides standing and recognition through a professional body?

There is a shortage of engineering professionals in New Zealand, and new graduates are in high demand. Many engineering jobs are on Immigration New Zealand’s skill shortage lists, which mean the Government is encouraging engineering professionals to migrate to New Zealand. Civil and structural engineers are especially in demand due to the rebuilding of Christchurch.

The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) is the professional body and registration authority for engineers in New Zealand. IPENZ has accredited the 2 year New Zealand Diploma in Engineering. IPENZ accreditation provides graduates with the added benefit of enhanced international recognition of their engineering qualification.

• Estimated average income for engineering professionals - $88,000
• Employment in engineering has generally expanded since 2003

On achievement of this qualification, graduates should:

• Be competent apply a technical and conceptual knowledge to practical situations.
• Be confident, critical thinkers who have the ability to solve problems within a broad engineering setting.
• Have developed capabilities as effective communicators, with inquiring, flexible, creative and critical attitudes towards contemporary issues and underlying theoretical concepts.
• Have an appreciation of management and information technology within the context of the qualification.
• Have an awareness of social, ethical and environmental issues.

The path is clear!

For Mechanical Engineering apprentice Jaron Wallace, the decision to enter into a trade has been a successful one.  Before entering the Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at SIT, Jaron had recently finished school and was working fulltime. “I’d never done anything like that before, but I was interested in it. I worked at Nightcaps mill for a few months then decided to come to SIT and get a trade.” 

He chose a trade because he saw it as a valuable way to gain both a qualification and a career.  “I chose it so I would have something to fall back on, it’s always there.”  He chose SIT exclusively for a couple of reasons, “It’s Zero Fees and it’s close to home – I didn’t need to look anywhere else.”

The quality of the facilities and tutors were a high point for Jaron and the maturity level of the students provided an enjoyable learning environment. “It was good – heaps of good facilities and the tutors were really good too, easy to get along with.  It was a lot better than school because I was actually treated like an adult, treated fairly.”

Jaron found the amount of practical work, both at SIT and out on work experience, especially helpful. “I learnt the basics of engineering. When we were studying at SIT, for two weeks at a time, we would do a couple of hours a day in the engineering workshops. Then we would spend a week at work experience. The work experience was very good.”

Jaron was able to gain work experience in three different businesses, the last of which offered him a job at the culmination of his course.  “They offered me an apprenticeship straight out of SIT.  I was rapt.”

Chloe Branks had no previous experience in anything even remotely related to engineering when she decided to enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). 

“I chose Mechanical Engineering because after thinking about doing a trade for a long time, I decided engineering looked fun and interesting, and why not give it a go.”

Smashing stereotypes, Chloe has come out of her year of study as the top student, walking straight into an apprenticeship. Tutor Bruce Hartley cannot speak highly enough of Chloe. “Chloe is not only the top student on this year’s course, but is the best pre-trade engineering student I have taught. Her ability in the machine shop rivals that of apprentices attending their final year block course. I am confident that Chloe will become an exceptional tradesperson and an asset to the industry.”

Chloe had previously tried studying a couple of other courses after leaving school but hadn’t found her niche until this year, studying mechanical engineering. Knowing she wanted to do something hands on that would give her a skill she could use for the rest of her life, mechanical engineering fit the bill, and she has enjoyed the course immensely.

“The tutors were great and not only taught me the content, but gave me a passion for the trade and a really good foundation to start my future career.”

Especially enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of her classes, Chloe appreciated that while the tutors had the skill and experience to answer all the questions the students threw at them, they were also easy to get along with and to have a joke with, which made it easier to learn and succeed as you were having fun doing it.

The workshops at SIT have everything an engineering workplace in the real world would have which makes the transition into the workplace that much easier.

Chloe will be focusing on her apprenticeship and becoming a qualified tradesperson for the next couple of years. Looking forward to working in an industry she enjoys, she hasn’t ruled out completing further study once her apprenticeship is finished, but the main thing for Chloe is to enjoy her work.