Programmes
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4)
- Dunedin or Central Otago
- Three and a half years part-time
- Level 4
- Starts anytime
- Apply anytime - email autotrades@op.ac.nz
Ideal for learners who are starting, or already doing, an apprenticeship in the workplace, this programme provides is a great option for those wishing to pursue a career as an Automotive Electrical Engineer. Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs). Graduates will be able to take on senior positions in an automotive workshop. Please note: this programme is not available to international students.
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)
- Dunedin
- One year full-time
- Level 3
- Starts February
- Apply by early December
Learn how to service general automotive systems. This qualification is designed for people who are beginning a career in the industry.
New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4)
- Online with two compulsory block courses in Central Otago and work experience
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time not available
- Level 4
- Starts to be confirmed for 2022
- Apply - contact Jordan Gilmore (jordan.gilmore@op.ac.nz) to discuss
If you’re already in the bicycle industry, this is a great opportunity to receive official recognition for your current knowledge and skills - ideal if you’re keen to advance your career! If you aren’t already involved but have some bicycle mechanical skill, this programme will enable you to fill the gaps in your knowledge so you are industry ready.
New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Servicing (Level 3)
- Online with two block courses in Central Otago and work experience
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time not available
- Level 3
- Starts February, July and November
- Apply Until start date
Gain the skills you need to stand out in this rapidly growing industry. This relatively new qualification provides a blend of online learning and practical block courses held in our fully-equipped workshop to enable you to fit your study around other commitments. In addition, work experience opportunities will allow you to get a great first foot in the door of industry.
New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
- Dunedin and Central
- Three and a half to four years full-time; part-time not available
- Level 4
- Starts flexible
- Apply now - contact Carpentry@op.ac.nz
Want to become a carpenter, site supervisor, building project manager, construction firm owner or self-employed builder? Learn from professionals and gain sought after skills with a carpentry apprenticeship pathway brought to you by Otago Polytechnic and Industry Training Association Building (ITAB). Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs).
New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3)
- Dunedin Campus and Central Otago Campus
- One year full-time; part-time not available
- Level 3
- Starts Jan, Feb and June (in Dunedin) | July (in Central Otago)
- Apply now
Gain the work-ready skills you need to enter the construction trades as an apprentice carpenter working under supervision With additional training and/or experience, you could go on to further roles including a carpenter, junior and senior foreperson and self-employment. During your studies you will enjoy hands-on training in our workshops and the chance to be involved in real-world, community-based building projects – which will lead to you gaining knowledge about health and safety, trade calculations and hand tools. Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs). We also offer a version of this programme called He Toki which has a March intake. This is perfect if you identify as Māori or Pasifika, are 16-40 years old and want to learn and earn in a practical, hands-on environment.
New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5)
- Dunedin or online with block courses
- One year part-time
- Level 5
- Starts Jan, May, August or Oct
- Apply now
Charge up your knowledge of Electric Vehicles (EV) with this advanced automotive technician programme. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to diagnose and repair faults in battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles and machines.
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4)
- Dunedin and in your workplace
- Four years while in an apprenticeship
- Level 4
- Starts February and July
- Apply now
Gain the skills and knowledge to work independently as a commercially competent electrician. This programme is studied in conjunction with an apprenticeship so is ideal for candidates who are training in the workplace and your employer will enrol you in the qualification. Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs). It includes the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) electrical theory and regulations exams which is required for registration as an electrician. Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to apply to the EWRB for registration.
New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 4) (Road Transport) or (Plant and Equipment)
- Dunedin
- Three and a half years part-time
- Level 4
- Starts - flexible start
- Apply anytime - email autotrades@op.ac.nz
Continue developing your career in the automotive industry by learning how to safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults that are commonly encountered on heavy vehicles. This programme is ideal for learners who are starting, or already doing, an apprenticeship in the workplace. Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs). Graduate as a Qualified Automotive Technician with the opportunity to pursue senior positions in a heavy automotive workshop.
New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4)
- Dunedin or Central Otago
- Two years part-time
- Level 4
- Starts - flexible start
- Apply anytime - email autotrades@op.ac.nz
This qualification is ideal for learners who are starting, or already doing, an apprenticeship in the workplace. Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs). Gain the industry-specific skills you need to work in a wide range of roles in the motor industry and graduate as a Qualified Automotive Technician. Please note: this programme is not available to international students.
New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
- Dunedin
- One year full-time; no part-time options
- Level 3
- Starts February
- Apply until start date
This hands-on qualification is designed for people already working in the mechanical engineering, construction, manufacturing and fabrication industries — or for people who would like to complete a pre-trade qualification before entering these industries. Plus, it's free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs).
New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3)
- Dunedin
- 22 weeks full-time; 2 years part-time
- Level 3
- Starts to be confirmed
- Apply anytime
With the need for housing, new builds and commercial or community projects increasing, the demand for workers within the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades will remain strong for years to come. Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers assemble, install and repair pipes, drains and fixtures that supply water and gas or remove waste. Career options include a Plumber, Drainlayer, Gasfitter, Roofer, Heating and Ventilation Installer and Heat Pump Installer. This hands-on, pre-apprenticeship programme will give you the work-ready skills you need to enter an apprenticeship - your first step on the path to becoming fully-qualified.
New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry (Level 4) (Construction Stonemasonry)
- Central Otago
- 61 weeks across two years full-time (34 weeks during year one; 27 weeks during year two)
- Level 4
- Starts February
- Apply until start date
There is a strong demand nationally and internationally for people who can veneer houses in stone and build stone features, and we can help you become a specialist in this field. Through extensive practical training and work experience, this programme will give you the practical skills and knowledge required to work unsupervised as a stonemason.
