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

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Fees waived for new sign-ups 1 May to 31 July 2025

For a limited time, Competenz is covering key training fees for the apprenticeship programmes listed below. That’s over $1,700 worth of fees, waived for the first 12 months from date of enrolment. Terms and conditions apply.

Mechanical Engineering • Fabrication • Refrigeration & Air Conditioning • Mechanical Building Services • Air Conditioning Installation • Dairy Systems • Locksmithing

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.  

Exclusive offer

Enrol before Tuesday 31 March 2026 and receive 12 months of key training fees covered — valued at over $1,895 + GST.

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.