- Location
Dunedin and in your workplace
- Duration
- Four years (in conjunction with an apprenticeship)
- Delivery
You will be expected to attend a weekly night class, additional one-week block courses throughout the four years, and to undertake some self-directed study in conjunction with your apprenticeship
- Credits
- 250
- Level
- 4
- Start
- Flexible
- Apply
- Now - contact EngTrades@op.ac.nz
Gain the skills and knowledge to work independently as a commercially competent electrician.
This programme is studied in conjunction with an apprenticeship so is ideal for candidates who are training in the workplace and want to earn while they learn.
It includes the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) electrical theory and regulations exams which is required for registration as an electrician. Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to apply to the EWRB for registration.
Once registered and licenced, you will be able to supervise other electrical workers up to and including your licence class. Roles may include an Electricity Supply Electrician, Domestic/Commercial Electrician, Industrial Electrician or Appliance Service person.
This Level 4 qualification also provides a pathway into the Electrical strand of our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering if you wish to advance your training and expand your employment options. Further study could lead to employment in management roles and in electrical engineering.
By studying this programme at Otago Polytechnic in conjunction with your apprenticeship, you will gain access to our cutting-edge workshop and training facilities. In addition, you will be trained by lecturers who are Registered Electricians with significant industry experience as well as on-the-job learning.
Application process
As this programme is heavily based in industry and you must be employed at the time of your study. You must enter a three-way training agreement between yourself, your employer and Otago Polytechnic.
Entry requirements
- NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and Physics or General Science, OR
- New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) OR equivalent.
- For applicants 20 years and over there are no minimum academic requirements.
Alternative requirements
Skills for tertiary study (including literacy and numeracy) may be acquired through study, work and/or life experience. Students who can demonstrate these skills may be approved for alternative entry. Literacy and numeracy assessments are available.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), 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.
Special entry
In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under the age of 20 who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed on the programme.
Recognition of prior learning
If you already have extensive knowledge and skills gained from practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification in the course of your life. Visit www.capablenz.ac.nz
Your workload
You will be expected to attend a weekly, three-hour hour night class during term time. There will also be an additional one-week block courses per year during your apprenticeship.
Additional self-directed study hours (of up to nine hours per week) may be required to complete this qualification.
Further study options
To expand your knowledge and career options, undertake our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical).
Student loans and allowances with TTAF
Whilst this programme is free for you to study via the Trades and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), this fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible for you or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink.
It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.
- For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website
For more information
- For general enquiries, please contact administration: EngTrades@op.ac.nz
- For programme enquiries, please contact: Paul Rietveld (Programme Leader) | 021 199 7758
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.