Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides foundational electrical knowledge and practical skills.

• Prepares students for further electrical training and apprenticeship opportunities.

• Develops understanding of electrical safety and work practices.

• Covers electrical systems, installations, testing and electrical equipment.

• Develops industry-related literacy and numeracy skills.

• Provides practical learning opportunities to build confidence in electrical work.

• Offers study locations in Palmerston North, Whanganui and Masterton.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The qualification consists of 121 credits, covering electrical theory, workplace practices, electrical installations and practical technical skills.

The published programme structure includes:

- Electrical Work Practices – 15 credits

• Electrical workplace standards.

• Occupational health and safety practices.

• First aid certification.

- DC Fundamentals – 15 credits

• Direct Current (DC) circuit principles.

• Electrical systems and fundamental theories.

- AC Fundamentals – 15 credits

• Alternating Current (AC) theory.

• Magnetism and electromagnetism.

• Safe use of electrical tools and equipment.

- Cables, Fittings and Testing – 15 credits

• Electrical cords and cables.

• Installation and testing.

• Fault-finding techniques.

- Electricity Supply Systems – 15 credits

• New Zealand electricity supply systems.

• Electrical supply protection.

• Protection of users and installations.

- Protection, Plans and Circuits – 15 credits

• Circuit protection.

• Electrical drawing conventions.

• Switching circuits.

• Lighting systems.

- Electrical Installations – 15 credits

• Cable and wiring systems.

• Electrical installation techniques.

• Safe working practices in damp environments.

- Transformers, Electrical Machines and Isolation – 15 credits

• Transformer operating principles.

• Electrical machines.

• Isolation procedures.

- Capstone Assessment – 1 credit

• Final closed-book examination.

• Assessment of knowledge, understanding and competency.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The qualification focuses on the following electrical engineering disciplines:

• Electrical fundamentals.

• DC and AC electrical systems.

• Electrical installation.

• Electrical wiring and cabling.

• Electrical testing and fault-finding.

• Electrical safety and workplace practices.

• Electricity supply and distribution fundamentals.

• Transformers and electrical machines.

• Circuit protection and electrical systems.

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-approved Level 3 qualification.

• 121-credit electrical pre-trade programme.

• One-year full-time study.

• Practical and theoretical electrical education.

• Covers DC and AC electrical fundamentals.

• Includes electrical installation, cabling and testing.

• Includes electrical safety and workplace practices.

• First aid certificate achievement/maintenance is included in the Electrical Work Practices component.

• Offers three campus locations.

• Provides foundational preparation for electrical apprenticeships.

• Students gain knowledge of electrical work practices and New Zealand electricity supply systems.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can use this qualification as preparation for entry-level employment and further training in the electrical industry.

Potential career pathways include:

• Electrical apprentice.

• Electrical trade assistant.

• Entry-level electrical worker.

• Electrical installation assistant.

• Electrical maintenance assistant.

• Electrical industry trainee.

• Further study in electrical engineering or related trades.

Important professional limitation:

Graduates are prepared to undertake electrical work under the supervision of a licensed electrical worker.

This qualification alone does not establish that a graduate is a licensed electrician or independently authorised to undertake all regulated electrical work in New Zealand.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest published programme information as of 2 November 2026:

• The 2027 programme dates are published.

• Palmerston North and Masterton advertise February 2027 starts.

• Whanganui advertises a March 2027 start, with its Engineering listing indicating a full intake and waitlist.

• International tuition fees are published at NZD $27,987.53.

• The programme includes 121 credits and 34 teaching weeks.

• UCOL's international application process requires certified academic and English-language documents.

Additional costs:

• Steel-cap safety boots: approximately NZD $100. This cost is not applicable to Palmerston North students.

• Basic tablet or laptop: approximately NZD $300–$1,000.

• A smartphone is not considered a suitable substitute for the required device.

Other considerations:

• Work experience is recommended but not compulsory.

• Students should have access to an internet-capable device.

• UCOL provides access to campus computers and study resources.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), including credit transfer and cross-credit applications, may be considered individually.

• Applicants under 18 must provide additional documentation.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students applying from India generally need to obtain a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa before commencing their studies.

Main requirements:

1. Offer of Place

• Obtain an Offer of Place from UCOL.

• The education provider must confirm that the programme is appropriate for the student and that the student has the required academic and English-language capability.

2. Tuition fee evidence

• Provide evidence of payment of tuition fees, ability to pay, or an approved scholarship.

• UCOL allows offshore applicants to pay before or after receiving Approval in Principle (AIP), following the applicable process.

3. Financial requirements

• Students undertaking tertiary study for one year or more generally need to demonstrate NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses.

• For courses shorter than one year, the requirement is generally NZD $1,667 per month.

• Evidence may include bank statements, acceptable sponsorship, scholarship documents or qualifying financial undertakings.

• Funds for outward travel must also be demonstrated, or an appropriate outward travel arrangement must be provided.

4. Medical and travel insurance

• International students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for their stay.

• UCOL automatically enrols international students in its preferred Studentsafe insurance arrangement.

• Students wishing to arrange their own insurance must ensure that it meets UCOL's requirements.

5. Health and character requirements

• Applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand's health and character requirements.

• Medical examinations or chest X-rays may be requested, depending on individual circumstances.

• Police certificates may be required depending on age and the length of the intended stay.

6. Genuine student requirements

• Demonstrate genuine intentions to study.

• Provide relevant academic records and supporting documentation.

• Explain the purpose of study and how the programme relates to future career plans.

• Demonstrate the ability and intention to leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay, unless eligible for another visa.

7. Work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions of the visa.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student; the actual visa conditions must be checked.

8. Visa duration and application

• A Fee Paying Student Visa may be issued for the period of paid study, subject to the applicable immigration conditions.

• The visa can allow a stay of up to four years.

• Immigration New Zealand currently advises applying at least three months before planned travel.

• The published visa fee starts at NZD $850, subject to change and individual circumstances.