Otago Polytechnic is a public tertiary education provider in Dunedin, New Zealand, known for its practical, industry-focused learning across engineering, design, business, IT, health and applied technology. It emphasises hands-on learning, real-world projects and strong employer connections, helping students build career-ready skills. International students are supported with dedicated pastoral care, academic resources and immigration advice.

 

Why Study the Bachelor of Engineering Technology – Infrastructure Asset Management Apprenticeship?

New Zealand — like many countries — faces a shortage of professionals capable of managing and maintaining critical infrastructure assets such as …
• roads and bridges
• water and wastewater systems
• electrical networks
• facilities and public assets

The Infrastructure Asset Management Apprenticeship pathway aims to bridge this gap by combining on-the-job learning with academic study in partnership with industry, enabling students to apply theory directly in workplace contexts. It prepares graduates to contribute to infrastructure resilience, sustainability and lifecycle planning — skills highly valued by government agencies, contractors and engineering firms.

 

Programme Structure & Subjects

Although detailed syllabi for the apprenticeship pathway are not published publicly due to its workplace-based model, the degree draws on the core content of the Bachelor of Engineering Technology qualification and adapts it for industry learning.

Core academic subjects include (from the main degree):

Common Courses

• Engineering Communication
• Engineering Mathematics
• Engineering Mechanics & Design
• Engineering Management Principles
• Engineering Development Project
• Professional Engineering Practice

Engineering Major Options

• Civil Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

Asset Management Focus

For the apprenticeship pathway, additional units focus on asset management principles, such as:

• Introduction to Asset Management

• Asset Management Planning

• Data Analytics & Statistics for Asset Managers

• Risk Management

• Resource and Environmental Management

 

Specialisations Offered

Students can focus on one of the following engineering specialisations:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

 

Highlights & Unique Features

• Industry-Integrated Learning: Apprenticeship model lets you study while working, apply theory immediately, and credential workplace skills.
• Partnership with Employers: Designed with industry partners to address workforce shortages in infrastructure asset management.
• International Recognition: Accredited to Engineering New Zealand standards and the Sydney Accord, respected globally.
• Flexible Entry Routes: Includes options like Capable NZ for those with practical experience.
• Real-World Projects: Capstone projects and workplace assessments central to learning outcomes.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (whether traditional or industry-integrated) are prepared for roles such as:

• Engineering Technologist

• Asset Management Specialist

• Infrastructure Engineer

• Project Engineer/Coordinator

• Maintenance & Facilities Engineer

• Technical Manager in Civil/Mechanical/Electrical contexts

 

Visa Requirements

For International Students

International students cannot enrol directly in the apprenticeship pathway as explained above. To study in New Zealand for engineering, international candidates should apply for the regular Bachelor of Engineering Technology instead.

To study that degree full-time, you will need a New Zealand Student Visa, which typically requires:

• An Offer of Place from the provider
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance
• Passport and other documentation as per Immigration NZ rules