Mechanical engineering pre-trade training on the job

Competenz partners with New Zealand's mechanical engineering employers to build skilled, work-ready teams — and to support the business behind them. NZQA-recognised training on the floor. Real employer support, every step of the way.

Right now, we're backing your business even further

For a limited time, Competenz is covering 12 months of elev8 and Canvas training
fees — valued at $1,895 + GST per new enrolment — for the following qualifications:

Limited-time offer
  • NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
  • NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4)
  • NZ Certificate in Fabrication (Level 4)
  • NZ Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Level 4)
  • NZ Certificate in Air Conditioning Installation (Level 4)
  • NZ Certificate in Mechanical Building Services (Level 4)

Available limited time only. T&Cs apply.

$1,895

+ GST per new enrolment

First year’s enrolment fee covered

A clear pathway, built around your business

When your people and skill base grow, your business grows with them. The NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering gives you a clear, supported pathway — Level 3 for someone taking their first step into the trade, Level 4 for a team member ready to go further. Both delivered on the job, around your production.

NZQA-recognised
Qualifications your team earns, and your industry respects.

On the job
Your people build real skills without stepping off the floor.

Supported end to end
Dedicated training advisors who go the distance with you.

Level 3 Mechanical Engineering

What the next two years actually look like

Week one

You and your worker meet your Competenz advisor. Their day-to-day job doesn’t change.

The foundations

They build what every tradesperson needs first: workplace safety, engineering calculations and technical drawing.

Assessed as they work

No exams in a hall — competence is signed off against real jobs, on your machines, as they hit each standard.

Level 3, done

Pre-trade qualified: a recognised certificate, and the grounding to begin an apprenticeship.

From Level 3 to Level 4: they finish the certificate having already completed 34–41% of the units in their Level 4 apprenticeship — depending on the engineering trade. The apprenticeship starts with its foundations already banked.

Programme details

Qualification

New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)

Specialisations

Mechanical engineering or fabrication

Delivery

Work-based learning

Duration

24–30 months

Entry requirements

Open entry for new and current employees in mechanical engineering roles. NCEA Level 1 required.

Pathway

Clear pathway to the Level 4 apprenticeship

GET STARTED

Talk to a partner, not a sales pitch.

Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch to understand your business and find the right fit for your team. No hard sell. Just a straight conversation about what your workforce needs.

Introducing the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)

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A new pathway to develop your workforce

The New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) has been developed in direct response to industry feedback, helping learners take their first step into mechanical engineering and helping employers grow capable, confident teams.

For the first time, this Level 3 qualification can be delivered in the workplace, not just through a classroom or polytechnic. That means learners gain real, practical experience while adding value to your business from day one.

Key benefits for employers

  • Industry-designed training that builds essential trade skills, safety practices, and technical knowledge.
  • Two specialisation options — mechanical engineering or fabrication, to align learning with your business needs.
  • Built-in learner support, including induction, study groups, and maths and drawing fundamentals to set learners up for success.
  • Ideal for growing businesses — helping you build capability, support succession planning, and prepare learners for their Level 4 apprenticeship.  

Fee waiver now extended to Level 4

We've extended the limited time offer to include the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4). Whether you have someone ready to start at Level 3 or a more experienced team member ready for the level 4 apprenticeship — the fee waiver now covers both.

From 1 June, enrol in an eligible qualification and get 12 months of key training fees covered, valued at $1,895 + GST per enrolment.

Available for a limited time only.

T&Cs apply.

Programme details

  • Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
  • Specialisations: Mechanical engineering and fabrication
  • Delivery: Workbased learning
  • Duration: 24-30 months
  • Entry requirements: Open entry for new and current employees in mechanical engineering roles
  • Pathway: A clear pathway to the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4) — a full apprenticeship programme.

Qualifications

Invest in your business's future with qualifications in print and packaging.

New Zealand Diploma in Print Industry Management

The Level 5 Diploma in Management – Print is a great way to advance your career in the print industry. If you already work or are planning to work in production, administration, sales or management, this is the ideal way to advance your knowledge, skills and qualifications for the present and future.

This diploma has been designed with flexibility, understanding you already have busy jobs. It is also challenging. Like stepping into a management role, the diploma is a step up from apprenticeships you may have done in the past.

Study Programme

Most of the learning for printing and binding and finishing qualifications is completed on the job. Depending on the area of training selected there may be the requirement to attend a short course. Your account manager will advise you on these as necessary.

NZQA qualification overview

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New Zealand Certificate in Fibreboard Packaging

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the fibreboard packaging industry with individuals who have attained appropriate capabilities and competencies to work in the industry as a skilled machine operator without supervision.

It is designed for people who are employed as assistant operators in the fibreboard packaging industry and who wish to progress to undertaking high level specialized production activities in one or more of the areas of case corrugating, case converting and carton converting.

The qualification has been developed to encourage learners to train to higher levels in a formal programme of training, and to credential employee capabilities.

It recognises knowledge and skills that will support: competent job performance, the future introduction of new technologies within the sector, and further personal up-skilling in the fibreboard packaging workplace, particularly in areas such as production training and supervision.This level four qualification has a pre-requisite of New Zealand Certificate in Fibreboard Packaging (Level 3) and provides a pathway to qualifications in management.

NZQA qualification overview

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Mechanical Engineering keeps New Zealand moving
Mechanical Engineering keeps New Zealand movingRead more

How to get started

Contact your Competenz training advisor to find out more — or simply complete the form below, and we’ll connect you with the right person.

Together, we’ll help you build a skilled, confident, and future-ready workforce.

Get in touch today.