Otago Polytechnic is a public tertiary institute based in Dunedin, New Zealand, offering hands-on, industry-relevant programmes from certificates to postgraduate study. It is known for practical training, strong links with industry, and support services for students — including international student support, academic guidance, wellbeing resources and assistance with visas.

 

Engineering and trade qualifications at Otago Polytechnic blend workplace learning with formal study to prepare students with the real-world skills employers seek.

 

Why Study the New Zealand Certificate in

Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4)

This qualification trains you to become a skilled engineering fabricator across three specialist strands:

• Heavy Fabrication – building large or heavy metal structures such as pressure vessels and machinery

• Light Fabrication – creating lighter products like ducting and architectural metalwork

• Steel Construction – producing and installing structural steel for buildings, bridges and frames

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

The programme builds core skills in:

Common Module Areas

• Health & Safety Legislation and Workplace Safety
• Engineering Core Skills & Hand Tools
• Materials Science & Engineering Metals
• Machining Processes & Fabrication Principles
• Engineering Calculations & Technical Drawing
• Welding Processes (basic to advanced)

Strand-Specific Skills

Heavy Fabrication:

• Advanced heavy fabrication skills

• MMAW, FCAW, GMAW welding in all positions

• Making heavy gauge plate and pipe structures

Light Fabrication:

• Light metal fabrication best practices

• GTAW welding for stainless steel and aluminum

• Fabrication of architectural finishes and lighter gauge materials

Steel Construction:

• Structural steelwork for buildings and civil applications

• Installation of steel beams, frames and connections

• Combined fabrication and erection techniques

 

Disciplines & Specialisations

This qualification offers distinct strands so you can specialise in what interests you most:

Heavy Fabrication

• Fitter Welder

• Boilermaker

• Process plant fabrication roles

Light Fabrication

• Sheet Metal Worker

• Process plant fabricator focused on light materials

Steel Construction

• Structural steelworker

• Fabrication for civil and building projects

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to work independently as fabrication tradespeople with a high degree of competency in their specialised strand, in sectors such as:

Heavy Fabrication:

• Process plant fabricator

• Fabricator of pressure equipment, heavy machinery

Light Fabrication:

• Sheet Metal Worker

• Lighter gauge fabrication roles

Steel Construction:

• Structural steelworker for buildings, bridges and civil projects

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

If you plan to study this programme on site in New Zealand, you must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa. To apply you will need:

• Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic
• Proof of funds (tuition + living costs)
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance
• Valid passport and supporting documentation