Overview
If you want to get into the electrical industry but haven’t secured an apprenticeship, this programme is a great place to start.
Ground yourself with the right skills. You’ll learn theoretical and operational knowledge of electricity production, distribution and utilisation, and will be able to safely and legally carry out a limited range of prescribed electrical work under supervision. First Aid and EST (Electrical Service Technician) qualifications are included in this programme.
What will I learn?
Graduates of this qualification will, in the context of the wider electrical industry and under supervision and in a controlled environment, be able to:
- Apply fundamental knowledge and principles of electrical theory and practice, including electrical protection, to the installation and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment.
- Apply fundamental knowledge of fault diagnosis and testing techniques of electrical systems and equipment.
- Apply safe working procedures and practices, and identify and report electrical and other hazards.
- Ensure their own activities are within legal limitations of the electrical legislation.
- Apply fundamental knowledge and principles to the installation and maintenance of electrical machines.
- Apply fundamental knowledge and principles to the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment in special electrical situations.
- Work ethically and professionally within the electrical industry, as an electrical apprentice, including maintaining current competency and communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related matters.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
- have achieved the New Zealand Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) (Level 1) in Mathematics, English, and Physics or General Science, or equivalent qualifications before starting programmes leading to the qualification.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Not yet have NCEA level 1 or NCEA level 2.
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
All fees are in New Zealand Dollars and are approximate only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Unless otherwise stated, the fees shown are for domestic students only. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Career opportunities and pathways
Graduates of this programme can move onto an apprenticeship as an industrial or residential electrician. Graduates will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and attributes to work in apprenticeships in the electrical industry in the field of their choice with guidance, mentoring, and supervision in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992.
Examples of roles that this qualification may lead to are:
- Electricity Supply Electrical Apprentice
- Domestic/Commercial Electrical Apprentice
- Industrial Electrical Apprentice
- apprenticeships in other electrical related sectors.
Graduates may also be able to work in areas such as electrical wholesaling or retailing as a counter sales person, or electrical meter readers.
This qualification provides one of two entry pathways into the electrical industry and is intended for candidates who do not have an electrical apprenticeship agreement. The second entry pathway is through an apprenticeship agreement where candidates will be signed directly into the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4).
On completion of this qualification graduates may progress to higher level qualifications within the electrical industry such as the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4), or the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Level 6). Graduates may also progress to degree level programmes.
About Te Pūkenga
NorthTec is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (Te Pūkenga). From 1 October 2022, all references to NorthTec or Northland Polytechnic on this website (and any documentation linked through this website) need to be read as references to Te Pūkenga and its NorthTec business division.
Te Pūkenga brings the Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and the arranging training activities of certain Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) together to create a national network. This will give learners more choices and flexibility in what, where, and how they learn.
Existing NorthTec ākonga (learners) will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga automatically in the same qualification and will continue to learn in the same way, in the same place, with the same people.
Learners should note that all programmes offered across Te Pūkenga are under review to ensure they are portable, consistent and aligned with the needs of industry and may be changed. Where there are changes to programmes that you have applied to enrol in, you will be notified of these changes.
