National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 3

Brochure

22 weeks, full-time
May
Windermere Campus

With this qualification you’ll be able to seek work as a trainee/apprentice electrician and continue to study for full electrical registration. You’ll learn electrical theory, appliance maintenance, electrical supply systems, installing electrical systems, safe practices and legislation, motor theory and practice and will gain work experience in the field.

Content Overview

The programme includes theoretical content supported by practical laboratory demonstrations to reinforce understanding.

Content Details

Electrical Theory
You will investigate:

supply systems
earthing systems
inductance
power factor
protection of cables
phasor diagrams
polyphase systems of supply
single and three phase transformers and motors
legislation and standards
testing of motors, machine windings, and single and three phase appliances

Safety
Learn about OSH and Electrical Regulations, Codes of Practice and how to safely manage hazards in the workplace.

Practical Skills
You will learn about and gain practical experience in:

use and maintenance of portable power tools
testing and fault identification
disconnection and reconnection of electrical apparatus
installing and commissioning of luminaries
working on/or near ‘live’ equipment
wiring switchboards
power and lighting outlets
testing installations

Industry Experience
The programme includes a work experience component of one day per week and selected block periods so you can use the skills you have learnt at the Polytechnic in the workplace, and gain valuable work experience.

Wherever necessary, assessment of on-job units will be carried out during work placement.

Entry

The National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 2 is a prerequisite or demonstration of equivalent knowledge and skills.

English Language Requirements
If you are an overseas student or a new resident and English is not your first language, please note that study at tertiary level requires both written and oral participation. You may be required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 or a TOEFL score of 500.

Qualifications Gained

National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 3

Career Opportunities

Apprentice/trainee electrician, electrician, appliance technician, appliance servicing, refrigeration air conditioning

Study Pathway

Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT) Electrical and Electronics Scholarships
The National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 3 qualifes for a Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT) Electrical and Electronics Scholarship. See our Scholarships page for more details.

Wil Aitken

Graduate – 2007 National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 2 & 3
Employed – Electrical apprenticeship with Switch Electrical in Tauranga

After many years as a qualified plasterer, Wil decided he needed a new direction. A long-term interest in electrical engineering saw him checking out what was on offer at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and soon he was on his way to gaining a new qualification.

Much to Wil’s surprise, going back to study after many years wasn’t as difficult as he initially thought. He breezed through and enjoyed himself along the way despite scoring a broken leg mid-way through the programme during a game of rugby.

"I really liked returning to tertiary. It was a whole new learning experience for me which, in the end, I found quite easy. The tutors were really knowledgeable and I definitely felt prepared for the workforce in this new industry at the end of the programme."

Wil didn’t have to wait long to gain a job. At the beginning of 2008, he was offered a sought after apprenticeship with Switch Electrical after a tutor recommended him for the position.

Understandably stoked, Wil signed up and is now happily working away at his apprenticeship. With his first baby on the way, he is happy to settle in the Bay with his family and his newly acquired trade to keep him busy.

Profile written: 2009