Metal forming and casting

Metal forming and casting

The metal forming and casting programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to manipulate and shape metal into functional components and structures using processes such as forging, casting, and press working. Training covers pattern making, mould design, pouring techniques, heat treatment, finishing, and quality control—delivered in line with industry standards and safety practices.


Benefits of this programme
•   Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
•   A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
•  Flexible structure combining workplace learning, eLearning, and block courses
•  Build skills in pattern making, mould preparation, metal forming methods (forging, pressing, casting), and finishing techniques
•  Ability to produce and deliver cast or formed metal components with adherence to quality and tolerances
•  Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

Programmes available

What do they do?

Metal casting engineers produce parts from molten metal and test, control and adjust the chemical make-up of the metal. They use traditional and modern techniques and a high level of skill.

A typical day

Normally an eight-hour day; sometimes working longer may be required.

Work can include reading, interpreting and creating design drawings, producing replicas, before making moulds, selecting the metals, inspecting, testing and repairing castings, then tempering, hardening, polishing and coating the final product.

You will learn about all sorts of materials; metals, woods, clays, plastics and resins.

Sound like you?

Study areas
  • English or Media or History
  • Maths or Accounting or Economics
  • Sciences or Workshop Technologies
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.
Attributes
  • Reasonable strength and fitness
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good work habits/time management
  • Good literacy and numeracy skills
Helpful experience
  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery.
Preferred work environments
  • Indoors (workshop or plant).

Pathway

School

These can be useful from school:

Ideally NCEA Level 2 in:

  • Maths
  • Science (physics)
  • Technology (metal work)
  • English.
Entry level jobs

Apprenticeship

  • Foundryman
  • Pattern Maker
  • Mould Maker
  • Metal worker
  • Metal Forger
  • Blacksmith
  • Metal Extruder
  • Metal Worker.

Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Specialist Engineer
  • Supervisor
  • Leading Hand
  • Workshop Supervisor
  • Welding Supervisor.
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Foreman
  • Site Supervisor
  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.

Ready to get Started?

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.

How we work with you

We partner with industry associations like Metals New Zealand to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential apprentices, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences, competitions and graduations and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

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