Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Tai Poutini Polytechnic
Tai Poutini Polytechnic logo

New Zealand Certificate in Civil Infrastructure Bulk Earthworks (Level 3)

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Certificate

Duration

29 weeks

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Visit provider website

Summary

About the programme

This digger and construction training programme is perfect for school-leavers or people with no prior experience in the industry. Known locally as the "Digger School" you will be equipped with practical experience on machinery, along with the necessary theory and industry contacts you'll need to make it in these exciting and varied sectors. Once you set out in the industry, it's up to you which path you decide to follow, from hands-on operations to management and even further study. The programme is also relevant for people already working in the construction, forestry or mining industries who want to up-skill and push their career to the next level.

You'll work on earthmoving machinery and other machinery and plant to learn the basics of operating safely. Our skilled and diverse tutors are dedicated to delivering expert training in Infrastructure Works to student in a safe simulated work environment along with industry based work experience and the opportunity to transition to on the job work-based learning.

Core elements
  • Apply Health and Safety procedures, works habits and practices on a infrastructure works site and use risk management practices to maintain own safety

  • Prepare large plant i.e. Hydraulic Excavator, Wheel Loader and Self Propelled Roller for onsite infrastructure works operations

  • Operate large plant to complete infrastructure earth works to job specifications and complete post-operational procedures

  • Develop knowledge, skill and attributes in order to understand and comply with infrastructure work sites quality and environmental requirements including:

    • the application of techniques for compaction, erosion, sedimentation and dust for bulk earthworks,
      • the application of quality assurance practices,
      • the completion of daily records,
      • the application of Mana Whenua environmental values.
Further study pathways
  • New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Civil) with strands in Earthworks, Road Construction, and Road Maintenance
  • New Zealand Certificate in Civil Infrastructure Bituminous Product Manufacturing (Level 4)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure (Forestry Earthworks) (Level 4)
Career opportunities

New Zealand's civil infrastructure industry is booming and there are plenty of job options for people with the right training and skills. Once you have completed the Certificate in Infrastructure Works, career opportunities exist across a huge range of sectors, including: infrastructure works companies, drain installation, water reticulation, machine operator, construction foreman, traffic management, truck driving, sealing crews, bridge building, maintenance crews, trenchless technology operator, road building, sub-division development, health and safety, and training.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be at least 17 years of age
  • Hold a Class 1 restricted driver licence or better
  • Be able to demonstrate sufficient capability in English and maths to have a high likelihood of success in the programme. (Preferably have NCEA Level 1 L&N)
  • Be physically fit and healthy
  • Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0
Special notes
  • Application outside the above requirements may be considered by the department Manager of Teaching and Learning
  • Minimum of restricted Class 1 (car) licence for applicants wanting to be assessed for W, T or R endorsement (wheels, trucks and rollers)

Share this course

Share this course

Disclaimer