New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3)

This programme aims to prepare students for an apprenticeship and employment within the electrical industry. You will gain introductory knowledge that underpins safe electrical installation, testing, commissioning, and servicing of electrical installations and equipment.

Graduates of this qualification are not electricians but will have an operational and theoretical knowledge of electricity production, distribution, and utilisation, and can carry out a limited range of prescribed electrical work safely and ethically under general supervision in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992.

Where ever possible students will be supported to undertake a minimum 40 hours of relevant work experience during the duration of the programme to enhance their learning. The work experience is non-credit bearing. Where a student has been unable to find work experience the tutor will support the search for appropriate experience. Through MIT's industry engagement, opportunities do arise for students to gain work experience with companies within the Auckland area and these connections will be discussed with students to ensure an appropriate fit with the company. Where appropriate opportunities may arise with MIT’s Facilities Management.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and attributes to work in apprenticeships in the electrical industry in the field of their choice with guidance, mentoring, and supervision in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992.

Examples of roles that this qualification may lead to are Electricity Supply Electrical Apprentice, Domestic/Commercial Electrical Apprentice, or Industrial Electrical Apprentice, or apprenticeships in other electrical related sectors.

Graduates may also be able to work in areas such as electrical wholesaling or retailing as a counter sales person, or electrical meter readers.

Programme structure

Students complete the following courses:

Electrical Work Practices

To acquire fundamental operational and theoretical knowledge of electrical work practices

DC Fundamentals

To introduce fundamental knowledge and principles of Direct Current (DC) electrical installation practices

Installation Fundamentals

To introduce fundamental knowledge and principles of electrical installation practices and associated legislation and standards

Electrical Applications

To understand and apply fundamental knowledge of electrical theory and practice to the installation and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment

Electricity Systems

To extend knowledge of electrical systems and applications of direct and alternating current

Electricity Supply and Distribution

To gain understanding of the fundamentals of the New Zealand electricity supply system and devices used to ensure the safety and protection of users and installations

Power Conversion

To understand the theory and application of electrical diagrams in terms of circuit design and lighting installations

Power Application

To understand the theory and application of electrical machine protection, fault diagnosis, special power supplies and rotating machines.

Further training or study

On completion of this qualification graduates may progress to higher level qualifications within the electrical industry such as the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4) [Ref: 2388], or the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering [Ref: ]. Graduates may also progress to degree level programmes.