New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 6)

Daria Chernova - Civil Engineering

“This seemed my best course of study because I’m good at maths and New Zealand needs civil engineers. I am from Russia and my sister and I researched study options before I moved here, and we found that NorthTec was a good technical school. I then moved here, studied English to level 4, and I started my civil engineering training.”

“I really enjoy the maths content in the course because it was always my favourite subject at school, but I struggle a bit with some of the other subjects because of the English. However, I’m learning to believe in myself and to just do it, and I’m surprised to find I’m getting good results. The tutors always support me and are helping me to relax more. They explain things patiently and the students are really encouraging as well.”

“I like doing everything myself, so the challenge for me is to learn to ask for help – because sometimes I need help. By doing that both my language and confidence are improving.”

“I want to get a good job so that I have confidence in my future and can be independent. I want to prove to myself I can do this as a student, as a civil engineer, and as a woman.”

“Engineering will give me a stable income while I build up my passion for video. I recently started working as a video editor for travel, music and advertising videos, and I want to have the money to get the gear and learn more about it. My dream is to have my engineering career support me as I build up my side-gig of freelancing in video editing.”

Tom Taylor - Civil Engineering

“I’m working full time as a project manager and price estimator for Robinsons Asphalt and they are supporting me to study part time here for my diploma. I became interested in engineering when I was working for an engineering company in post-earthquake Christchurch for a few years.”

“I find what I’m learning in the course is refreshing my overall engineering knowledge, filling in some gaps for me, and it’s directly relevant to the context of my work. The content is broad-ranging and includes things like surveying and geo-tech.” 

“I haven’t studied for seven years so getting back into the maths is a bit of challenge, as is time management in juggling work and study, but the course is giving me the credentials and confidence to progress in my field.”

“A lot of the other students and the tutors are working or consulting as well, so we’re all able to network and give each other professional leads. When I get my diploma I’ll stay in the job I have out of both interest and loyalty, and long term I want to work in a similar field.”

Ian Page - Civil Engineering

“With all the new building and roading development in our region, now seemed a good time to step into civil engineering. Previously sport was my main driver and I did fill-in jobs to support it. I was helping run the Aquatic Centre before enrolling for this course.”

“I have two uncles who are civil engineers so I know it’s a viable career and I knew it was what I wanted to do but I kept putting it off. Studying part time makes this possible for me because I can continue to work. When I started the course I was working at the pool but then an opportunity came up for a cadetship with an engineering firm. It’s great to be working in the industry already but I have to be sharp with my time management to fit in work and study.”

 “I’d been away from study for nine years so wasn’t sure how I’d cope but it’s a lot easier than I thought because the tutors are easy going and make it enjoyable. They are smart with industry experience and we get the added advantage of other specialist professionals coming in on certain topics. One of the best parts of the course is that there is now a new engineering lab up and running where we can do practical things like concrete testing and hydraulic flow reading.”

“I feel really fortunate to have a job in engineering already so when I finish the course I hope to be able to continue there. At the moment I’m working in asset management but there will be other areas to explore. I’m keen on roading at the moment and longer term I may go on to do an engineering degree.”

Kereama Bedggood-Noa - Civil Engineering

“I’ve been working in structural engineering for four years and was keen to study sooner but work and family commitments meant I had to put it on hold. As soon as the circumstances changed and I returned to the north from Tauranga, I researched study options and found doing this course for two years full time was the best choice.”

“I love learning about bridges, buildings and towers as well as roading and geo-tech. And I’m enjoying the drawing, which is a real surprise to me. It looks complicated but on the computer it’s so easy. It’s very satisfying when you get all the components together.”

“Working out the maths for engineering can be a bit complicated but because it’s applied directly to a project, I’m motivated to work through it - and the tutors are there to help. The other challenge for me is the time management of full-time study and family.”  

“The course has really broadened my horizons and opened options I didn’t know existed. We look at structures in places like Dubai, Malaysia and China so I’m realizing that structural engineering can be about seeing and developing the world.”

“From here I hope to get a job as an engineering draftsman or a structural engineer and ultimately I’d love to work with really large scale buildings and structures.”

Trent Knox - Civil Engineering

“I was offered a job as a contractor before I left school. After about a month in, my work colleague suggested I sign up for this course and I was on board the next semester. I was contracting for two years then I got offered a job by a consulting engineer.”

“I have just finished the Diploma and the flexibility of doing it part time while still working made sense. As well as being able to earn, I could put what I was learning into practice straight away. I’ve gained so much by learning then directly applying knowledge on geotechnical processes, storm water and wastewater.”

“It’s been a challenge managing work and study, and I gave up a lot of time in weekends but it’s been well worth it and I’m still only 21.”

“Getting the Diploma has enabled me to progress quickly at work and now I want to do the degree (Bachelor of Engineering) and can cross credit some of the papers. I’m especially interested in geotechnical engineering.” 

“Eventually I’d like to become chartered so I could have the opportunity to have my own business.”