New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing
Prepare for a future in the innovative, diverse and technology driven manufacturing sector.
Please note that this programme is pending approval with NZQA
This ‘earn as you learn’ pathway developed with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa offers the chance to explore advanced manufacturing environments that use automation, digital technologies, quality systems, sustainable practices and modern production methods.
You'll spend two days a week at Ara and three days a week applying your learning in local manufacturing businesses, gaining exposure to a range of workplaces, technologies and career pathways. Combining classroom learning with real-world industry experience, you'll build practical skills, confidence and valuable professional connections.
You'll graduate with a nationally recognised qualification and substantial paid experience gained across at least three local manufacturing businesses.
Key Features
- Modern manufacturing environments: Explore advanced manufacturing environments and discover the breadth and sophistication of modern manufacturing in Canterbury.
- Earn as you learn: Get paid for the three days each week you spend with one of our partner manufacturers.
- Partnerships with leading businesses: Get on-the-job experience with three of our partners: HamiltonJet, Argus Manutech, ENI Manufacturing, Enztec, Taurus Engineering and Taylors Manufacturing.
- Strong job prospects: Graduate with a nationally recognised qualification and a network of contacts across the manufacturing sector.
What you'll learn
- Manufacturing process flows and interdependencies
- Workplace health and safety practices
- Quality management systems and processes
- Sustainable manufacturing practices
- Digital processes, security and data
- Automated equipment set-up and operation
- Mechanical production machinery and tooling
- Productivity improvement principles
To Join the programme
- Apply through Ara's standard application processes (applications will open soon)
- Successfully complete an employment process with the industry partners
- Industry endorsement is a compulsory requirement
Manufacturing and production
- Production operator
- Manufacturing technician
- Process technician
- Production coordinator
- CNC setter
Technical and specialist roles
- Quality assurance
- Maintenance
- Automation robotics lean manufacturing
Leadership pathways
- Team leader
- Supervisor
- Operations coordinator
- Production manager
- Logistics and supply chain manager
Study options after this qualification
- New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Apprenticeship)
- New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Apprenticeship)
Course & Entry Requirements
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Frequently asked questions
This is an open entry course, which means anyone can apply (see the Details tab for further information). To be accepted onto the course, you must successfully complete an interview with an industry partner. Industry endorsement is essential, and you can't complete the qualification without it.
Manufacturing is a growth industry with excellent opportunities in Canterbury and across New Zealand. If selected for the course, you'll gain the skills you need to begin a career in the sector, plus you'll earn while you learn, get industry references and be in a strong position to gain employment when you graduate.
The course is delivered over 30-weeks. You'll spend two days a week at our Woolston campus in Christchurch, and three days a week with one of our partner manufacturers.
The course covers: operating automated equipment, digital processes, health and safety culture, sustainable practices, quality management, mechanical production process machinery, process interdependencies and map process flows. Production improvement principles is optional.
You'll gain experience with three of our partner manufacturers, spending three days a week for 10 weeks with each one. They'll pay you the minimum wage plus $1 per hour.
Our participating partner manufacturers are: HamiltonJet, Argus Manutech, ENI Manufacturing, Enztec, Taurus Engineering and Taylors Manufacturing.
Providing you complete all parts of the course successfully, you may be offered employment with one of our partners. Alternatively, you can continue your training with a Level 4 course in mechanical engineering trades, fabrication, or manufacturing.
The application process is still to be finalised but we encourage you to attend the open day at HamiltonJet. At this event, you can meet our industry partners, discover future opportunities in manufacturing, and get details about the qualification and next steps. If you're unable to attend the event you can submit your interest to info@ara.ac.nz.
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