A more advanced apprenticeship programme

The objective of the MaintainNZ’s new apprenticeship programme is develop craftspeople of the future and provide them with the relevant skills and knowledge required by modern manufacturing organisations for plant optimisation, equipment efficiencies and productivity.

This programme is based on obtaining an AUT University and supported by Competenz, Electrical Technology Industry Training Organisation (ETITO), and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU).

The Qualification

The Diploma of Maintenance and Reliability Engineering is an approved qualification in the School of Engineering at AUT University and allows for a comprehensive mapping process into both Level 4 and Level 5 National Certificate qualifications registered on the NZ Qualification Framework (NZQA). These allow the trainee to staircase seamlessly into higher qualifications.

The two diploma options available are:

• Maintenance and Reliability Engineering – Mechanical
• Maintenance and Reliability Engineering – Electrical

On completion of the Diploma the apprentice will also achieve:

• National Certificate in Maintenance Engineering Level 5, or
• National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 4

Length of Apprenticeship

The qualification is based on fours years combined on- and off-job training, developing skills and knowledge in maintenance and reliability engineering and the understanding of best practice maintenance techniques.

Trainee assessment outcomes of the course will be in accordance with AUT University’s General Academic Regulations and based on practical projects, coursework and exams.

Suitability to Train

Before an apprentice trainee can enrol, MaintainNZ will assess the employers’ sustainability to train. This assessment will take into account:

• The employers’ suitability as a trainer. His or her actual experience or ability to train apprentices.
• The employers’ use of systematic training programmes.
• The employers’ equipment, facilities and range of work available to teach the skills of the industry as prescribed in the training manual and the project criteria.
• The experience and performance of apprentices currently employed by the employer.
• The qualifications and experience of those trades people or trained instructors who will be involved in the ‘on the job’ training of apprentices.
• The extent to which apprentices are supervised or instructed by a tradesperson, trained instructor or supervisor while employed by the applicant.
• Any arrangements made to second apprentices to another workshop or training facility with the object of increasing the employers ability to train, shall be accompanied by written agreement from the training provider stipulating the areas of training to be undertaken.
• The allocation of a coach/mentor to each apprentice.

Prerequisite Standards for Apprentices

The prospective apprentice must have completed a minimum of three years of secondary education with a suitable academic standard reached in English, Mathematics and Sciences to become a competent Maintenance and Reliability Engineering technician.

Students who have completed four years of secondary education and have attained a minimum of 14 credits at NCEA level 2 in both Mathematics and Sciences and at least 8 credits at NCEA level 1 in English will be preferred for entry into the programme.

On-Job Training

MaintainNZ and AUT University determine the skills and knowledge to be taught to an apprentice on-job through project-based learning and documentation.

Off-Job Training

The main venue for off-job training will be MaintainNZ Training Centre based at Kawerau.

This training will take the following minimum format:

Total off-job training 44 weeks over a 4year period

Responsibilities of the Employer

An employer is responsible for:

• Applying to enrol an employee at MaintainNZ.
• Purchasing a training manual.
• Training and instructing or providing for the apprentice to be trained and instructed to become a competent tradesperson in the industry in accordance with MaintainNZ.
• Providing to the apprentice the approved Record of Achievement Book which shall become the property of the apprentice on the completion of the apprenticeship.
• Inspecting and signing the apprentice’s Record of Achievement Book at quarterly intervals.
• Applying to Maintain NZ for the issue of a Certificate of Completion as soon as an apprentice satisfactorily completes all the assessments for the Diploma in Maintenance and Reliability Engineering.
• Releasing an apprentice to attend off-job training and assessment.

Responsibilities of Apprentices

Apprentice Trainees are responsible for:

• Taking all reasonable steps to acquire knowledge and skills of the industry.
• Completion of the enrolment process and providing relevant documentation.
• Attending MaintainNZ as required for training and assessment and completing all MaintainNZ assignments, projects and examinations.
• Keeping a record of achievement in the form approved by MaintainNZ and making it available on request to the employer, MaintainNZ and other industry people.
• Showing respect for the property of customers, the employer and fellow workers.
• Maintaining ethical conduct at all times while attending MaintainNZ block courses.

Enrolment

Once confirmation is received, you can enrol in the programme, enrolment forms are available from the MaintainNZ office,