Engineering Pathways

Careers Options

Career Pathways

Mechanical, Fabrication and Plastics Engineering in the Waikato

Engineering covers a variety of fields. People who work in engineering are not motor mechanics. They may weld, machine, bend, cut and shape light and heavy steel, including stainless, carbon or mild steel, aluminium and galvanised sheet. They may build special purpose machines. Some may engage in precision toolmaking, design and product development. Waikato engineers may work in aluminium extrusion, steel tube manufacturing or plastic moulding.

Types of Engineering Roles

Mechanical Engineering Tradesperson

There is great scope in employment for qualified Tradespeople i.e. with a Level 4 National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (NCME). They will perform the skilled tasks of machining, turning, milling and welding. They will build, maintain and develop equipment and process lines.

Engineering Technician/Technologist

NZ Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) graduates often become engineering technicians with a focus on practical applications. They are typically experts in installing, testing and monitoring equipment and systems, operating and maintaining advanced plant, and managing or supervising others. They may develop expertise in the design and development of processes. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology takes this work one step further and involves the application of current and emerging technologies.

Professional Engineer

Professional Engineers work in areas requiring specialist engineering knowledge –analysing, solving and managing complex engineering problems. Most professional engineers hold four year Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degrees.

Education Pathways

Mechanical Engineering Education Pathways in the Waikato

All qualifications below will staircase into each other however entry criteria may vary according to individual circumstances. It is advised to check entry criteria with the appropriate organisation well in advance of enrolment. In all cases English and Maths are important school subjects. As the qualifications become more advanced (Level 6 and over) higher level achievement in Physics, Calculus and Statistics are highly recommended or mandatory.

• Pre-trade Training - NCME Level 2, NCE Fabrication Level 2 and NC Welding level 3– Wintec www.wintec.ac.nz

• Trade Certificate - NCME Level 4, NCE Fabrication Level 4 and NC Welding Level 4 (apprenticeship) –requires employment as apprentice – Competenz www.competenz.org.nz, Job Finders www.jobfinders.co.nz, Pampito www.pampito.org.nz, Wintec www.wintec.ac.nz .

• Advanced Trade Certificate Level 5 (requires employment) – Competenz www.competenz.org.nz, correspondence via Wintec www.wintec.ac.nz

• Technician – NZDE Level 6 – Wintec www.wintec.ac.nz

• Technologist -B Eng Tech Level 7 – Wintec www.wintec.ac.nz

• Professional Engineer – BE Level 7 – University of Waikato www.waikato.ac.nz, www.ipenz.org.nz

Work Experience

Prior to entering a career in engineering you may wish to gain some first-hand experience of what it is like in the industry. If you are still at school try talking to your Gateway co-ordinator or Careers Advisor about this. Or approach one of the engineering companies from the list of WECA members.