New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)
Electrical
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Pre-apprenticeship preparation for future electricians, providing the core knowledge and practical skills needed to start an apprenticeship or work in non-registration areas of the electrical industry.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Demonstrate safe and professional workplace practices
Identify and manage workplace hazards, follow health and safety protocols, and practice with professionalism in an electrical context.
Apply direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) theories
Understand and use DC and AC electrical theories and principles to practical tasks, including building and troubleshooting circuits.
Install, test, and diagnose electrical cables and equipment
Ability to install, test, and troubleshoot a range of electrical cables, cords, and fittings according to legal standards.
What You're Signing Up For
This intensive, hands-on programme prepares students for a career in the electrical trade. Students develop key foundational skills and knowledge for electrical work, including safety, workplace practices, electrical theory (DC/AC fundamentals), installation, wiring, testing, and understanding New Zealand supply systems. Graduates may progress directly into an apprenticeship or seek work in related areas such as electronic security or appliance servicing, with further study options available.
Course Content
- Electrical Workplace Practices
- DC Fundamentals
- AC Fundamentals
- Cables, Fittings and Testing
- Supply Systems
- Protection, Plans and Circuits
- Electrical Installations
- Electrical Machines, Transformers and Isolation
- Final Capstone Test
What you need to know first
Minimum age 16 at programme start (or Early Release Exemption Form)
NCEA Level 1 with Mathematics and English, or equivalent knowledge and skills
Special admission: age 20 or over with sufficient evidence of aptitude or experience
Discretionary admission may be available for those without standard entry requirements
English language proficiency equivalent to NCEA Level 1 English
International: qualification equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA (see provider for country equivalence); IELTS (General or Academic) score of 5.0 (no band lower than 5.0) or equivalent
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Electrical
Engineering
Building and Construction
Electronic Security
Appliance Servicing
Future employment opportunities might be
First-year apprentice electrician
Electrical trade assistant
Electronic security technician
Appliance servicing technician
Automation technician
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.