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Overview 

The Etco Pre-Trade Foundation programme, offers aspiring apprentices a solid electrical foundation. Face-to-face learning is held Etco Training Centres by tutors who oversee the success of students. 

The purpose of this qualification is to equip people with underpinning electrical knowledge and basic practical skills to enter an electrical apprenticeship, further training or employment within the electrical industry. 

Graduates will be able to apply these skills under supervision by a licenced electrical worker, in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992 and any subsequent amendments.  

Career Pathways 

Graduates will be able to enter an electrical apprenticeship as a first-year apprentice, click here to find out more.

Graduates who don't wish to enter an electrical apprenticeship may be employed in other areas in the electrical trade, such as switchgear fitting, electricity supply industry, manufacturing, electrical wholesaling or retailing. EASQ and EST theory is also embedded in the programme which opens pathways in electrical servicing. They would need to meet EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board) requirements.

  • Apply knowledge and principles of electrical theory and practice to basic electrical tasks.

  • Apply safe working procedures and practices to electrical tasks, including first aid and CPR as needed.

  • Operate within legal limitations of electrical and relevant non-electrical legislation.

  • Select and use products, tools, and equipment suitable for use in the electrical industry.

  • Install cables and electrical equipment.

  • Use testing techniques to test for electrical safety, and to identify and diagnose electrical faults.

  • Demonstrate behaviour suitable for the workplace, follow instructions, and complete basic workplace documentation. 

Admission  

NCEA Achievement (Level 1) or equivalent.  

Applicants are required to be interviewed to ensure students have selected the appropriate programme of study.  

Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. 

Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen, or have a resident visa.

 

Register your interest

 

 

Programme Details

The Etco Pre-Trade Foundation programme, offers aspiring apprentices a solid electrical foundation. Face-to-face learning is held at Etco Training Centres by tutors who oversee the success of apprentices. 

Programme Details

The NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) offers a solid foundation in electrical for aspiring apprentices. The Pre-Trade Foundation Programme offers unit standards and equivalent theory and practice for graduates to apply for an EWRB Electrical Service Technicians registration. 

Total Credits: 120 

Programme Length: 3 days a week for 1 year. Mon-Wed or Wed-Fri.  

Fee: $3855.

Location: Etco Training Centres nationwide 

Delivery method: As the courses are held in Etco training centres, an emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on learning to reinforce theory. 

Face-to-face lectures, workshop demonstrations, and practical tasks. Online learning material includes resources, quizzes, videos, group work, and workbooks. 

Assessment Method: Assessments, written tests, and practical/project assessments observation. 

Trainees must complete a final closed-book examination (capstone assessment) to measure their understanding and competency gained towards the end of the qualification. These examinations are set and moderated by the Standard Setting Body (Workforce Development Council) to prepare trainees for further training and assessments leading to relevant EWRB registration classes. 

 

Register your interest

 

 

Entry Requirements

  • 16 years or above at the start of course

  • New Zealand Citizen or Resident Visa Holder

  • NCEA level 1 in English and Math or equivalent

  • Demonstrated ability to meet level 2 study or above in a related discipline and/or employment for more than 1 year.  This can be demonstrated through CV or academic transcripts

Completed secondary school internationally with no NZ qualifications

  • Academic Transcript from secondary school or any other academic qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability to meet level 2 study or above in a related discipline and/or employment for more than 1 year.  This can be demonstrated through CV or academic transcripts

Language Requirements

  • Applicants must have sufficient competency in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English, and provide evidence through one of the following:

    • Have achieved NCEA Level 3 with New Zealand University Entrance

    • IELTS score of 5.0 or above.

    • Have completed a recognized New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) recognized English Language test in the past two years. NZQA recognised English Proficiency Tests  

 

 

Fees

Fees Free

First time Tertiary students can check their eligibility for Fees Free by going to the Fees Free website: https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/

Studylink

Student loans are available for domestic full-time students through studylink.

Fee Protection:  

Fee protect ensures that any payment made to ETCO by you is securely held in trust and released to ETCO, this is managed in compliance with NZQA’s Student Fee Protection Rules and the Education and Training Act. 

 

Our booking portal is currently under maintenance from Friday the 8th December and returning Monday 18th December 2023.
Please return to make your bookings then, or alternatively please ring 0800 ASK ETCO to speak with your local Training Centre Administrator.