New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trades (Level 3)

Program Overview

This electrical trades apprenticeship program equips students with foundational knowledge in electrical installations and safety. Through hands-on training and coursework, participants develop skills in DC and AC fundamentals, electrical testing, and installation practices. Graduates are prepared to enter electrical apprenticeships and pursue careers as electricians in various industries, including electrical wholesaling and manufacturing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Start your career in the electrical trades. Become an apprentice electrician. This programme will give you the skills you need to get your first job in this industry. You will gain introductory knowledge that underpins safe electrical installation, testing, commissioning, and servicing of electrical installations and equipment. It is recommended you complete a minimum of 40 hours of relevant work experience. When you graduate, you will be able to carry out some electrical work under supervision. Please note: A small component of this programme is delivered by a sub-contractor. You may be required to complete literacy and numeracy assessments as part of this programme.

Outline:

You will need to complete the below nine courses (121 credits):

• Workplace skills and safety (15 credits): Students will apply electrical workplace standards and health and safety practices.
They will also achieve/maintain a first aid certificate
• DC fundamentals (15 credits): Students will apply fundamental theory and principles of Direct Current (DC) circuits and systems
• AC fundamentals (15 credits): 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 (15 credits): Students will install, test and fault-find electrical cords, cables, and equipment in accordance with legislation
• Supply systems (15 credits): 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 (15 credits): Students will apply knowledge of circuit protection, electrical drawing conventions, switching circuits and lighting
• Installations (15 credits): Students will apply knowledge of cable and wiring systems, damp situations and special installations
• Transformers, electrical machines and isolation (15 credits): Students will apply theories underpinning the operation of transformers, electrical machines, and isolation procedures
• Capstone Test (1 credit): 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. Until registered and licensed under the Electricity Act 1992, trainees are assisting, and must work under supervision when carrying out prescribed electrical work.

Assessment:

• Capstone Test (1 credit): Learners will complete a final closed-book examination (Capstone Assessment) to measure their understanding and competency gained towards the end of the qualification.

Careers:

• Graduates will be able to enter an electrical apprenticeship as a first-year apprentice.
• Graduates may be employed in entry-level positions in trades relevant to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registration classes, other electrical fields such as switchgear fitting, electronics, electricity supply industry, manufacturing, electrical wholesaling or retailing.

Other:

• It is recommended you complete a minimum of 40 hours of relevant work experience.
• A small component of this programme is delivered by a sub-contractor.
• You may be required to complete literacy and numeracy assessments as part of this programme.