New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport Skills

Level 3

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Learn the skills for an entry level role in vehicle loading or yard duties with the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport Skills.

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Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL Palmerston North in Manawatū

Duration: 19 weeks full-time
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
Palmerston North
22 Jul 2024 - 15 Nov 2024

Domestic Fees: *
$3,406.85

Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
Please enquire for details

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

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If you're interested in getting into the road transport industry, yet have little or no prior learning or experience, gain skills employers value with the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport Skills.

Course Hours & Duration

This programme runs for 19 weeks, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

19 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings, practical activities, timetable set by your lecturer.

Industry Experience

5 hrs

Practical hours.

Study Time

12 hrs

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time, or possibly by paper. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

Career & Study Outcomes

Successful graduates of the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Road Transport Skills will be able to:

comply with the commercial road transport regulatory environment, including health and safety obligations, while working in a yard or loading area;
apply knowledge of vehicle systems, types, and technologies when undertaking workplace tasks as directed in a yard or loading area;
apply knowledge of loading principles to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of freight while working in a yard or loading area;
demonstrate sound driving techniques and strategies.

Course Information

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time.

This programme consists of 55 credits.

Commercial Road Transport Regulatory Compliance (20 credits) (20 practical hours)
An introduction to commercial road transport compliance and the regulatory environment.

Vehicle Systems, Types, Technologies and Loading Principles (10 credits) (20 practical hours)
An introduction to vehicle systems and technologies, and the principles of loading techniques for the efficient transportation of freight while working in a yard or loading area.

Loading and Driving Techniques (15 credits) (20 practical hours)
Apply loading principles while working in a loading area to ensure the safe transportation of freight. Apply sound driving techniques and strategies.

Sound driving techniques and strategies (10 credits) (20 practical hours)

Understand driving hazards and crash risk reduction strategies and responses to driving hazards. Apply risk reduction techniques and strategies while driving and operate a powered industrial lift truck (forklift).

Domestic Entry Requirements

This programme has open entry. Learners should hold a minimum of a New Zealand Class 1 driver licence issued by the NZTA.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS or equivalent, including TOEFL. Contact the info centre for more details.

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

International Entry Requirements

This programme is not available to international learners.

Advice & Guidance

As UCOL Te Pūkenga becomes Te Pūkenga on 1 January 2023, learners enrolling in a programme that is likely to continue into semester 1 2023 or starting in semester 1 2023 will become Te Pūkenga learners. They will receive their qualification from Te Pūkenga on completion.

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements for operating in the commercial road transport workforce. Learners will be advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the Programme Leader before the programme begins.

Drivers licence
Learners should have a minimum of a Class 1 driver’s licence to drive a motor vehicle on New Zealand roads issued by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). They should have held it for a minimum of six months.

Practical experience
The programme comprises 120 hours of practical experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email.

Additional Costs

While some personal protective equipment is provided by UCOL, learners must supply their own overalls, wet weather gear and steel cap boots.