Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Infrastructure Asset Management Apprenticeship
This is an apprenticeship pathway where you'll gain experience in industry projects within your chosen specialty - Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. This degree is accredited by Engineering New Zealand (ENZ) which ensures it meets national and international standards. You will also be eligible to become a graduate member of ENZ. Internationally, the degree is accredited to the International Engineering Alliance's Sydney Accord and also supported by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA).
Domestic
About the programme
A first in New Zealand, this apprenticeship degree has been developed in partnership with industry to combat the looming skills shortage in the area of Infrastructure Asset Management.
The skills shortage is due to a lot of ageing infrastructure that needs replacing, new technological advances for sustainable infrastructure and processes, and a lack of newly trained asset managers.
The industry is taking a proactive approach to safeguard New Zealand's infrastructure and you can be part of the solution!
Through this apprenticeship pathway, you'll gain experience in industry projects within your chosen specialty - Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. You will develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through a combination of theory and hands-on practice.
Aimed at all levels of experience, the beauty of this pathway is that you learn by doing and will be fully-immersed in a real-world work environment.
It will take you two to five years to complete, depending on your pathway into the programme.
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology is accredited by Engineering New Zealand (ENZ) which ensures it meets national and international standards. Upon successful completion, you'll be eligible to become a graduate member of ENZ. Internationally, the degree is accredited to the International Engineering Alliance's Sydney Accord. Supported by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA).
What You Study
What is Infrastructure Asset Management?
Infrastructure asset management is the integrated, multi-disciplinary set of strategies used in sustaining public infrastructure assets such as water supply or treatment facilities, communications, roads, bridges and railways. Generally, the process focuses on the later stages of a facility’s life cycle, specifically maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement.
Asset Management can also refer to the management of industry/company assets (e.g. keeping the equipment running in a factory).
Asset Management is an ideal area for a workplace-focused, apprenticeship model of learning as the apprentices are able to work specifically with the assets they will be custodians of in the future.
Career options include:
- Infrastructure Asset Manager
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Water and Waste Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Natural Resources Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Draughtsperson
Who is this degree for?
Anyone who is interested in embarking on/continuing on a career in the asset management of critical infrastructure.
This area is ideal for those who like project management and strategic thinking. You'll also need to like the idea of working as part of a larger team and will need to have the ability to relate to a range of people when communicating to them out in the field.
Learners can:
- already be employed in the industry
- be new to the industry
- want a change of career
- be a school leaver.
All learners must either be:
- in employment in a relevant industry (approved by the steering committee of the degree apprenticeship), or
- be taken on as an apprentice in such a role.
Depending on your level of experience, the path you take through this programme will vary. For example, school leavers will need to complete all components and more on-campus time versus those that are more experienced engineers who are already undertaking a daily engineering role and can provide portfolios of evidence to support their experience.
Courses
During this programme, you will:
- learn the fundamental principles of asset management, communications and economics for engineering and management roles
- further your problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- develop an awareness of the social and environmental impact of engineering
- understand principles underlying the technology in your area of specialisation
- develop modern design techniques in your area of specialisation
- learn how to use advanced technology to design and develop a project
- learn how to use data analytics for decision making.
Specialisations and courses
You'll first need to choose a specialisation - Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
The concept of this programme is that it provides an opportunity to develop workplace capability and resilience. A lot of the following core courses will therefore be completed in your workplace:
- Engineering Communication
- Engineering Computing
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Design and Drawing
- Engineering Management Principles
- Engineering Development Project
- Professional Engineering Practice
- Engineering Mathematics*
(*This course will be difficult to complete in the workplace so will be taught either through blended learning (face-to-face block courses or workshops) or via the face-to-face, traditional classroom-based sessions).
In addition to the courses above, you will also complete a number of electives or replacement courses of study (these vary per major) plus these five compulsory asset management courses:
- Introduction to Asset Management
- Asset Management Planning
- Data Analytics and Statistics for Asset Managers
- Risk Management
- Resource and Environmental Management
These five courses are delivered as a combination of industry approved micro-credentials and block courses attended by industry participants. This will enable you to have direct contact with industry professionals on a regular basis.
Workload
Completed as an apprenticeship model, this degree will take a minimum of two to five years depending on your pathway into the programme.
For those who have a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (or equivalent)
- Two years combination of industry project learning on the job along with blended online courses.
For those with school entry
- Three to five years combination of industry project learning on the job along with blended online courses.
In general, the approach to learning is inquiry-based with a focus on practical experience. This will be shown by you performing set tasks to achieve your learning outcomes (solving problems, handling apparatus, using software programmes etc.)
You will be expected to research, explore concepts and develop conceptual understanding through workplace project experience or Polytechnic simulations/lab work. You will also have the opportunity to learn techniques of problem solving through the pencasts/video material as well as your own research activities.
How does the apprenticeship model work?
We have Apprentice Managers whose primary role is to maintain the relationship between you (the apprentice), your workplace mentor and the Polytechnic (and local hubs). They will ensure that you are able to meet your learning objectives, monitor your progress and facilitate opportunities to complete learning elsewhere (through blended, online or at other sites as needed).
In addition, each course has its own Learning Leader/Lecturer who is available to support your learning outcomes. When a course has been completed and your portfolio of evidence is ready for moderation, the Apprentice Manager will facilitate the moderation panel meeting to assess this. You will also need to attend these assessment sessions to present your portfolio and to answer any questions. Moderators will include industry experts and Learning Leaders from the Polytechnic.
Local hubs will be set up where there are a pool of apprentices. These will be made up of local industry leaders and mentors. Hubs will provide support for all apprentices and members will provide field trips, presentations and work placement/exchange opportunities.
Entry
Entry requirements
Please note that this programme is not available to international students.
For all domestic students:
- NCEA Level 3
- Three subjects at Level 3 including:
- Physics with a minimum of 14 credits
- Calculus with a minimum of 14 credits, and
- one other subject with a minimum of 14 credits from the list of NZQA-approved subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
- 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
- Three subjects at Level 3 including:
- OR equivalent qualifications (may include University Bursary with 45% or more in both Physics and Calculus or Algebra, equivalent Cambridge score or equivalent International Baccalaureate).
- If you are a school leaver or adult applicant with equivalent experience who does not meet all of the entry criteria, you may be given provisional entry at the discretion of the Head of College where it is considered that you have a reasonable chance of succeeding in this qualification.
- All applicants need to be in employment appropriate for a civil, mechanical or electrical major asset management pathway and have an employer that will support you in your study. Otago Polytechnic will determine the suitability of your employment in consultation with you and your workplace.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years)
- Writing band 6.0
- Speaking band 6.0
- Reading band 5.5
- Listening band 5.5, OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection process
Eligible applicants will be selected using the entry criteria. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places, applicants will be placed on to a waiting list in the order that they applied.
Fees
Domestic fees
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Application
Before beginning our online application process, please touch base with our Apprentice Coordinator to make sure this path of study is right for you.
Email sarah.hexamer@op.ac.nz
