Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop practical knowledge of road pavement construction and material compaction.

• Understand how to prepare road surfaces to sealing standard.

• Learn how to identify and treat weak or unsuitable subgrade areas.

• Improve understanding of soil properties, material specifications and compaction requirements.

• Learn how to select and apply appropriate compaction equipment.

• Develop skills in grading, trimming, shaping and compacting soil and aggregate layers.

• Understand how to meet performance-based specifications in roading and civil construction projects.

• Apply construction theory to practical field activities.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The official brochure lists the following topics:

• On-site preparation.

• Excavation.

• Identifying problem areas in the subgrade.

• Treating poor subgrade areas to achieve strength requirements.

• Interpreting material specifications.

• Soil properties that influence compaction.

• The relationship between maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum water content (OWC).

• Compaction behaviour of cohesive soils, such as clay, and non-cohesive granular materials.

• Field assessment of compaction.

• Types and applications of compaction equipment.

• Spreading and placement of aggregate materials.

• Grading, trimming, shaping and compacting the final surface.

• Surface preparation.

On completion, participants are expected to be able to:

• Prepare roads up to sealing standard.

• Carry out on-site preparation.

• Excavate and prepare subgrade.

• Grade, trim, shape and compact soil and aggregate layers.

• Understand the importance of compaction measurement criteria in specifications.

• Interpret compaction specifications and criteria.

• Achieve consistent compaction when preparing base-course surfaces.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The course focuses on road pavement construction and related civil engineering activities, including:

• Roading construction and maintenance.

• Earthwork and excavation.

• Pavement and subgrade preparation.

• Soil and aggregate material management.

• Compaction technology.

• Road surface preparation.

• Construction supervision and field operations.

Programme Highlights

• One-day specialist training course.

• Presenter: John Hallett.

• Available in Christchurch, Auckland and Palmerston North.

• Domestic and international participants are charged the same published course fee.

• Practical focus on pavement construction, subgrade preparation and material compaction.

• Covers both soil and aggregate compaction.

• Intended for supervisors, plant operators and field staff involved in earthwork and pavement construction.

 

Career Outcomes

The course may help participants improve their practical knowledge and performance in roles such as:

• Road construction supervisor.

• Civil construction site supervisor.

• Earthworks supervisor.

• Plant operator.

• Pavement construction worker.

• Road maintenance field staff.

• Construction team leader.

• Civil infrastructure field technician.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The official brochure was last updated on 28 September 2026.

• The current live page lists five upcoming sessions, including March and April 2027 dates that are not included in the brochure.

• The course duration is one day.

• The presenter is John Hallett.

• The course focuses particularly on material compaction and performance-based pavement construction specifications.

• The official course information does not publish a compulsory PPE list, equipment list, assessment process or certificate details.

• Exact venue and daily timetable should be confirmed with NZIHT before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international participant travelling to New Zealand from India to attend this one-day course:

• A New Zealand Visitor Visa generally allows eligible visitors to study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period. A one-day course is within this duration limit, subject to the visa conditions and the course meeting any applicable requirements.

• Immigration New Zealand specifies that people taking short courses approved or exempted by NZQA for up to 3 months in total do not need a Student Visa or an offer of place; they can study on an appropriate Visitor Visa or work visa. The published WITT course page does not confirm the NZQA approval or exemption status of this specific workshop, so this should be checked with NZIHT before travel.

• Indian passport holders are not included in Immigration New Zealand’s published visa-waiver country list. An Indian passport holder travelling for this course will generally need to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling.

• The current Visitor Visa application fee starts at NZD $441, and 80% of applications are processed within 2 weeks. Fees and processing times can change.

• Applicants must be in good health and of good character, have a genuine reason for visiting, have enough funds or an acceptable sponsor, and show that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their visit.

• Applicants paying their own expenses generally need at least NZD $1,000 per month for living costs, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation has already been paid.

• A Visitor Visa does not permit ordinary employment in New Zealand.

• Study lasting more than 3 months generally requires a Student Visa and an eligible offer of place.