The UCOL Academy Mechanical Engineering Programme offers secondary school learners (years 11-13) the opportunity to explore careers in machining, welding, and fabrication. Delivered at UCOL campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, and Wairarapa, this level 2 programme enables students to work towards NCEA Level 2 while gaining practical industry-related skills and foundational technical knowledge including health and safety on engineering worksites, use of hand and power tools, measuring, welding, and light fabrication. The programme runs from early February to late September and includes sessions on campus once a week. The course comprises 28 credits based on NZQA unit standards relevant to mechanical engineering, with no additional costs, and supports further study and employment in various engineering and fabrication roles.

Course Content

• Health and safety on engineering worksites

• Safe working practices in engineering

• Workplace procedures in mechanical engineering or fabrication

• Health and safety while welding and thermal cutting

• Welding principles, quality control, and safe welding practice

• Selection, use, and care of engineering hand tools

• Selection, use, and care of portable handheld engineering power tools

• Conversion of units of measure used in engineering

• Basic geometric form in engineering

• Fabrication machinery, materials, and processes