Programme overview
Start your electrical engineering training with the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) (NZCEP). This pre-trade programme is a significant first step in electrical training before you enter into an apprenticeship arrangement with an employer.
You’ll learn and develop Level 3 competencies such as:
- Fault diagnosis and testing techniques
- Safe practices
- Electrical legislation
- Installation and maintenance of electrical equipment
- Communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related matters
This qualification is suitable for a career in becoming a registered electrician and related electrical fields or further education in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.
Highlights
- Once you have completed this qualification, you could gain cross credits into the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 4.
- Practical experience reflecting real-world application
- We offer flexible learning options.
- Graduates of this qualification can progress into studying New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)
- NZCEP graduates fulfilll the practical assessment for the Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed) (EASQ) class of Electrical Workers Registration Board registration.
- It is a nationally developed and recognised qualification.
Qualification pathway
Once you’ve completed this programme you’ll receive the qualification New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3).
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work within the electrical industry as an electrical apprentice, including maintaining current competency and communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related matters in the context of the wider electrical industry and under supervision in a controlled environment. You will also have the option to progress into further education, such as the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)
Graduates of this programme intending to work within the electrical industry or pathway into further education will be required to work in physically demanding environments. If you face fitness or mobility challenges, this programme may not be suitable for you. Please contact us at 0800 10 95 10 or email us at study@unitec.ac.nz to discuss your options.
Funding your study
We have scholarships and fees free options that are specifically created to support you in maintaining your ongoing course of study.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
Academic requirements
You must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester, and you’ll need to:
- AchievedNCEA Level 1 with Mathematics and English subjects; Or
- Equivalent.
Note: Any domestic applicant for whom English, Māori or NZ Sign is not their first language who cannot provide evidence of the above must provide evidence described in NZQA Rules.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify.
- You may also be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
For more information download the full programme regulations, click here to download
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must meet at least 16 years of age and meet one of the below;
- All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement;
- And English entry requirements;
- If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an overall IELTS (General or Academic) band score of at least 5 in each band; Or
- Equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students
- If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and a range of English Language programmes can help you qualify.
For more information download the full programme regulations, click here to download
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace Skills and Safety (ENCE3001) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will apply electrical workplace standards and health and safety practices. They will also achieve/maintain a first aid certificate. |
| DC Fundamentals (ENCE3002) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will apply fundamental theory and principles of Direct Current (DC) circuits and systems. |
| AC Fundamentals (ENCE3003) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will apply fundamental theory and principles of magnetism and electromagnetism and demonstrate the safe use of the tools and equipment used in an electrical workplace. |
| Cables, Fittings and Testing (ENCE3004) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will install, test and fault-find electrical cords, cables, and equipment in accordance with legislation. |
| Supply Systems (ENCE3005) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will apply knowledge of the New Zealand electricity supply system and methods used to ensure the protection of users and installations. |
| Protection, Plans and Circuits (ENCE3006) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will apply knowledge of circuit protection, electrical drawing conventions, switching circuits and lighting. |
| Installations (ENCE3007) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will apply knowledge of cable and wiring systems, damp situations and special installations. |
| Transformers, Electrical Machines and Isolation (ENCE3008) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students will apply theories underpinning the operation of transformers, electrical machines, and isolation procedures. |
| Capstone Assessment (ENCE3009) | 1.0 credits (0.008 EFTS) | Learners will demonstrate the knowledge of theory and practice for electrical workers in accordance with EWRB final closed-book examination (capstone assessment). Learners will complete a final closed-book examination (Capstone Assessment) to measure their understanding and competency gained towards the end of the qualification. This examination is set and moderated by the Standard Setting Body (or Workforce Development Council) to prepare trainees for further training and assessments leading to relevant EWRB registration classes. Note: Achievement of this capstone assessment alone does not entitle trainees to legally perform prescribed electrical work without supervision. Until registered and licensed under the Electricity Act 1992, trainees are assisting, and must work under supervision when carrying out prescribed electrical work. |
