New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4)

Increase your knowledge and skill set further. During this programme, you will add more advanced techniques such as wheel building, suspension servicing, frame preparation and e-Bike diagnostics to your existing abilities and hone your previous knowledge to methodically diagnose, repair, overhaul and rebuild bicycles and components.

Domestic

Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
34 Weeks Part-time
Level
4
Credits
60
Fees
$3,582*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
Online with block course(s)
Work-based
Location
Cromwell
Distance
Intakes
February
July

International

Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
Level
4
Credits
60
Fees
$12,766*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
Online with block course(s)
Location
Cromwell
Intakes
February
July

What You Study

What you will learn

During this programme, you will learn how to:

- Work safely and efficiently in a professional bicycle workshop

- Perform a range of advanced bicycle mechanic techniques and processes, including:

  • Wheel Building
  • Suspension Servicing
  • Electronic Shifting Systems
  • E-Bike Introduction
  • Road and Gravel Bike Specifics

- Diagnose, overhaul, and repair an extensive range of bicycle components spread across all bicycle systems:

  • Frames
  • Steering
  • Braking
  • Drive Train
  • Wheels
  • Suspension

- Perform product-specific mechanical techniques and processes

- Design, select, fit, and tune bicycles to meet specific rider requirements

- Communicate and work with customers, co-workers, and other industry providers.

 

Outcomes Credits
Carry out diagnostic procedures, and repair and/or overhaul a range of bicycle components and systems under broad guidance; and inspect frames and forks 40
Effectively communicate with customers to interpret their needs and make recommendations for component and system solutions based on end-user requirements 5
Apply design principles and ergonomic considerations to select and tune components and systems of a bicycle to fit a rider 5
Apply wheel-building techniques for a specific purpose and end user 5
Conduct research to plan and price a bicycle for a specific purpose and end user 5
Total 60

When you graduate, you'll be ready for a wide range of jobs including:

  • Senior bicycle store workshop and retail positions 
  • Mechanic in unsupervised sole employee workshop 
  • Specialist bicycle servicing providers (wheel building, suspension servicing)
  • Bicycle industry tourism providers (guides, workshop) 
  • Bicycle mechanic on professional racing teams 
  • Other areas of opportunity within the industry: 
    • bicycle store ownership 
    • bicycle import businesses 
    • bicycle coaching and fitting 
    • bicycle designing and building 

This programme will also provide a great step towards other industry-related positions such as working in research, marketing, journalism or event management.  

Workload

Your workload

You will study online by distance for 10-12 hours per week and attend two, eight-day block courses. The block courses will be held at our Central Campus in Cromwell. During the block courses, class will be held from 9am-3pm, Monday to Friday.

In addition, you will need to complete 200 hours of bicycle industry work-based learning. This can be completed at any suitable bicycle workshop within New Zealand. Ideally your work-based learning will be completed either in a six-week block (30-35 hours a week) towards the end of the semester or continuously over the full semester (15-18 hours a week). Alternate arrangements can be discussed with the Programme Facilitator.

The Programme Facilitator can also assist you to find a work experience placement and/or provide a reference if needed.

Block course dates

All full-time and part-time students will complete our two block courses on the same dates in August and September.

  • Block course 1: 10 – 18 August
  • Block course 2: 21 – 29 September

Entry

Entry requirements

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Selection criteria

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the programme has reached its capacity.

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email central@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.

Fees

Domestic fees

Full tuition
Standard
$3,582

International fees

Full tuition
Standard
$12,766

Additional costs

You will need to cover your travel, food and accommodation costs during the block courses.

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. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.

Application

A change for 2023 enrolments

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz