The New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) is specifically designed as a practical entry point into the mechanical engineering trades.

NMIT describes it as a one-year, hands-on programme equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship. It provides students with fundamental engineering knowledge and practical workshop skills and is a recognised entry route into mechanical engineering apprenticeships.

Students learn about:

• engineering tools;
• machinery;
• workshop equipment;
• engineering calculations;
• engineering drawings;
• machining;
• fabrication;
• welding;
• engineering processes;
• quality;
• health and safety;
• communication;
• teamwork.

Programme Structure / Courses

The programme currently consists of eight compulsory courses:

1. Engineering Health and Safety – MECH3028
2. Engineering Calculations and Drawing – MECH3029
3. Mechanical Engineering Workshop Skills – MECH3030
4. Engineering Machining – MECH3031
5. Engineering Fabrication – MECH3032
6. Welding – MECH3033
7. Mechanical Engineering Processes and Quality – MECH3034
8. Mechanical Engineering Communication – MECH3046

Engineering Health and Safety – MECH3028

This course establishes the safety knowledge required for an engineering workshop and industrial environment.

Students develop awareness of:

• workplace health and safety;
• safe use of equipment;
• workshop procedures;
• personal protective equipment;
• hazard identification;
• safe working practices.

Engineering Calculations and Drawing – MECH3029

This develops the mathematical and technical drawing skills required in mechanical engineering.

Students can expect to work with concepts such as:

• engineering calculations;
• measurements;
• dimensions;
• technical drawings;
• interpreting engineering information;
• calculations used in workshop activities.

Mechanical Engineering Workshop Skills – MECH3030

This is a core practical component.

Students become familiar with:

• engineering workshop environments;
• hand tools;
• machinery;
• workshop procedures;
• measurement equipment;
• basic engineering practices;
• safe tool use.

Engineering Machining – MECH3031

This course introduces machining processes used in mechanical engineering.

Students develop practical knowledge relating to:

• machining;
• machine tools;
• workshop equipment;
• measurements;
• accuracy;
• producing engineering components.

Engineering Fabrication – MECH3032

Fabrication introduces students to processes used to manufacture and assemble engineering components.

Areas can include:

• metal preparation;
• fabrication techniques;
• component assembly;
• workshop processes;
• interpreting engineering drawings;
• accurate measurement.

Welding – MECH3033

Students develop foundational welding capability and learn how welding fits into engineering fabrication.

The course is particularly relevant to students interested in:

• welding;
• fabrication;
• mechanical engineering;
• manufacturing;
• industrial maintenance.

Mechanical Engineering Processes and Quality – MECH3034

This course focuses on engineering processes and quality expectations.

Students learn why accuracy, consistency and quality control are important in engineering environments.

The knowledge supports professional workshop practices and prepares students for the standards expected by employers.

Mechanical Engineering Communication – MECH3046

Technical skills need to be supported by good communication.

Students develop communication skills relevant to:

• engineering workplaces;
• teamwork;
• instructions;
• workplace documentation;
• communicating with supervisors and colleagues;
• professional behaviour.

Specialisations / Disciplines

The Level 3 certificate itself does not have separate formal specialisations or majors.

Instead, it provides broad introductory training across several mechanical engineering disciplines:

• mechanical workshop practice;
• machining;
• fabrication;
• welding;
• engineering calculations;
• engineering drawing;
• health and safety;
• engineering processes;
• quality;
• workplace communication.

Career Outcomes

NMIT currently identifies the following career opportunities:

• Mechanical Fitter
• Metalworker/Fabricator
• Welder
• Maintenance Engineer
• Toolmaker
• Machinist
• General Engineer
• Engineering Trades Assistant