New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)

Summary

Jump-start your career in Mechanical Engineering. The subjects studied in this one year programme are equivalent to the first year of your apprenticeship.

This hands-on, one-year programme will give you a strong head start in the industry. You'll gain essential skills, making you a valuable candidate for an engineering apprenticeship.

This programme is equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship and is a recognised entry for apprenticeships in the mechanical engineering trades. You will gain general knowledge of engineering tools, machinery and equipment, and worksite processes and principles. You will also gain skills and expertise in health and safety, numeracy, communication and teamwork.

Your learning will take place in the on-campus workshop, the classroom, and as work experience. You may even get out and about on field trips, gaining valuable industry insight and skills.

To complement your learning on campus, work experience with an employer in the engineering industry is recommended. Tutors can support your search for suitable work opportunities.

Marlborough Study Grant

In 2026, students in the Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at Woodbourne are eligible for the Marlborough Study Grant. This grant waives tuition fees and supports the region’s need for skilled tradespeople, showing NMIT’s commitment to accessible vocational training.

While this grant targets regional growth in the Top of the South, all NMIT learners, including those in Nelson, can access a range of scholarships each year supporting various study areas, including mechanical engineering.

Explore these scholarship opportunities here.

Career opportunities

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