Get a career as an electrical engineering technician.

Electrical engineers undertake a wide variety of work ranging from the design and programming of PLC's in industrial applications to the design and commissioning of complex building services or electrical distribution installations. Study electrical engineering and look forward to future career roles such as project management, maintenance management and contract management as well as general hands-on electrical engineering problem-solving. There is presently a significant shortage of trained engineers and qualified technicians are in high demand for their skills and experience.

Use this qualification to gain the necessary expertise and supply the demand; New Zealand-trained engineering graduates have a good reputation worldwide for their work-readiness and high calibre and with this Dublin accord-accredited qualification, international employment opportunities are available. Gain a sound knowledge, understanding and practical appreciation of electrical engineering processes and theory, and develop your ability to apply learning in a practical and innovative way.

Skills required

• Analytical and problem-solving
• Good computer ability
• The ability to plan, organise and adapt
• To enjoy working with groups or on your own.

Further study options

Upon successful completion of this qualification, there are opportunities for you to move in to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic or degree programmes at either Canterbury or Auckland Universities. Completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering can reduce the length of these engineering degrees by a year, or with appropriate experience, two years on application.

You will study

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering has been designed to provide skilled and competent engineering technicians who:

Apply engineering theory to practice and competently perform technical operations to the standards, ethical and professional responsibilities required by the engineering profession

Have a knowledge sufficient to permit informed, rational decision making in a specialist field of engineering and to implement these decisions

Will work collaboratively with construction workers, clients, authorities, agencies, industry and other professionals to provide a comprehensive engineering service in the relevant specialist area

Have an understanding of all cultures and, in particular, an awareness and clear understanding of the tangata whenua and the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Resource Management Act.

As these courses have a high practical content, relevant work experience would be an advantage. You will also learn through theoretical study, project work and laboratory sessions.

Your workload

Your workload will be significant as assessment is continuous throughout the year with assignments issued regularly and end of semester exams. If you are studying full-time, you will be expected to undertake approximately 40 hours per week which consists of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and your own study time.