Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop practical awareness of hazards associated with trenching, drainage and excavation work.

• Understand safety requirements for work ranging from small-pipe drainage and small excavations to large stormwater and deep excavations.

• Learn about the construction and installation of shoring and retaining equipment and materials.

• Explore design exercises during the course.

• Understand the consequences of unsafe trenching procedures and how appropriate training can help reduce accidents.

• Learn about the responsibilities of workers and safety observers.

• Suitable for civil-industry employees and organisations seeking to demonstrate staff training and professional development.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The official description identifies the following subject areas:

• Trench safety in the civil industry.

• Working safely in and around trenches.

• Drainage work involving small pipes.

• Small-scale excavations.

• Large stormwater and deep excavations.

• Construction and installation of shoring equipment.

• Construction and installation of retaining equipment and materials.

• Design exercises relating to shoring and retaining systems.

• Risks and consequences of incorrect trenching procedures.

• Worker responsibilities for personal safety.

• Safety observer responsibilities.

• Training and professional development for employees exposed to trenching hazards.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The course is relevant to the following areas:

• Civil engineering and civil construction.

• Drainage and stormwater infrastructure.

• Excavation and trenching operations.

• Construction-site health and safety.

• Shoring and retaining systems.

• Infrastructure and utilities construction.

Programme Highlights

• One-day professional training course.

• Delivered through NZIHT at WITT.

• Published Level 3 label on the WITT/NZIHT safety-course listing; formal NZQF qualification status is not confirmed.

• Covers trenching, drainage, excavation and stormwater safety.

• Includes coverage of shoring and retaining equipment and materials.

• Includes design exercises during the day.

• Addresses the responsibilities of both workers and safety observers.

• Open to domestic and international participants at the same published base fee.

Career Outcomes

This is a short professional-development course, not a full diploma or degree. It may help participants improve their understanding of trenching hazards and safe work practices in roles such as:

• Civil construction worker.

• Drainage and stormwater worker.

• Excavation or trenching worker.

• Construction-site supervisor.

• Civil engineering technician.

• Health and safety representative.

• Safety observer.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current course page lists three upcoming 2027 sessions: Auckland on 17 February, Christchurch on 19 March and Palmerston North on 15 April.

• Bill Wright is the listed presenter.

• The course covers safety in trenches across a range of civil-industry drainage and excavation activities.

• The course page does not publish a required personal protective equipment list, tools or materials participants must bring, or a detailed assessment policy.

• Participants should confirm the exact venue, daily schedule, registration process and any required safety equipment with NZIHT before attending.

• The Level 3 label appears on the wider safety-course listing; applicants should request written confirmation of the exact certificate or evidence of completion issued after the course.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an Indian citizen travelling to New Zealand to attend this one-day, in-person course:

• Indian passport holders are not included in New Zealand’s visa-waiver country list. An Indian citizen will generally need to obtain a Visitor Visa before travelling.

• A Visitor Visa permits study for up to three months, subject to the visa conditions. A one-day course is within this duration limit.

• Visitor Visa holders cannot work in New Zealand.

• Applicants must have genuine reasons for visiting, sufficient funds or an acceptable sponsor, and evidence that they intend to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.

• Immigration New Zealand currently lists Visitor Visa fees from NZD $441 and says 80% of applications are processed within two weeks. These are general published figures, not course-related charges, and may change.

• Immigration New Zealand states that people intending to study for more than three months generally need a Student Visa.

• A one-day course does not, by itself, create eligibility for a Post Study Work Visa.