New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) - Auto Mechanical

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) - Auto Mechanical

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) - Auto Mechanical

This 20-week programme provides students with the basic learning and employability skills needed to go onto further training or employment in entry level mechanical and automotive engineering sector roles.

 

There is a strong focus on project-based learning designed to develop engineering knowledge and practical skills while also developing an understanding of personal wellbeing and career development. 

 

The programme also seeks to broaden general skills relating to working effectively with other people and cultures to achieve their aims, some of the projects are completed in groups.

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Key Details
Invercargill
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
2
Credits:
60
Duration:

20 weeks full-time

Study Modes:
On Campus
Dates:

2026 Semester 1: 05 August to 18 December

The student will develop foundation knowledge and skills in the mechanical engineering field, focusing on welding and fabrication, under supervision. Additionally they will develop foundation knowledge and skills in the automotive engineering field, focusing on the main vehicle systems and working on engines, under supervision. 

This learning will culminate in the student applying foundation knowledge and skills in the engineering field focusing on designing, fabricating, assembling and testing a single occupant vehicle or project of similar complexity, under supervision.

They will also gain an understanding of the training and career opportunities in this field as well as strategies to help develop or review their career pathway plan. 

AM201 - Welding and Fabrication

AM202 - Vehicle Engines and Main Systems

AM203 - Design and Build Project

Graduates from this qualification will be able to progress into industry roles including apprenticeships in the following:

  • Fabricator (Apprentice)
  • Welder (Apprentice)
  • Mechanical Engineering Apprentice
  • Automotive Technician Apprentice (Light Vehicle)
  • Automotive Mechanic (Entry-Level)
  • Fitter/Turner Apprentice
  • Engineering Trades Assistant
  • Assembly Technician (Manufacturing/Workshop)

School Leavers

  • Recommended - NCEA Level 2, minimum 10 credits NCEA Level 1 in both literacy and numeracy
  • Recommended - Four years’ minimum secondary education
  • Desire to work in the mechanical engineering industry

Mature Applicants

Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme. Examples of demonstration of ability to succeed are the provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at Level 2 or above in a related discipline and/or employment in the related sector for one or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate. Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.

English Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand,,Australia,Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment


IELTS test - General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 
TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 500 (with an essay score of 4 TWE) 
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14) 
Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill. 
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests 
NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 3 (General) or (Workplace) b) Level 3 (General) 
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band score lower than 36 
Language Cert - B1 Achiever International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS
Trinity ISE - ISE I with no less than distinction in any band

* New versions of some NZCEL qualifications, and in some cases new qualifications, were published on 13 June 2017. These are intended to replace pre-existing versions and qualifications, which have been given expiring status until discontinued on 31 December 2019. (a) denotes expiring (b) denotes current

To satisfactorily complete New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) - Auto Mechanical and be awarded this qualification the student must have successfully:

  • Achieved minimum of 120 credits in accordance with the programme schedule for the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) - Auto Mechanical.
  • Completed required practical and theoretical programme work and assignments.
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) - Auto Mechanical full-time over one year.

(Please note; students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit zero fees entitlement)

Example: Three days per week class time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8.00am-5.00pm.

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