Engineering
Curious about machines? Enjoy solving problems? Turn that passion into a rewarding career with an engineering qualification from UCOL!
New Zealand’s industries, from farming to transport, rely on skilled engineers to keep high-tech facilities and modern machinery running smoothly. That means your skills will always be in demand.
At UCOL, you’ll learn from industry experts and train in our state-of-the-art trades facility, designed to feel like a real factory. Choose from electrical, automotive, fabrication, or mechanical engineering.
Whether you’re after a certificate, diploma, or short course, UCOL gives you the tools to build a future full of opportunities.
Explore our programmes below and start your engineering journey today!
Electrical
Our Electrical programmes will help get your career started as an electrician or in many other jobs within the electrical field. Our industry-experienced lecturers will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to secure a job in a wide range of cutting edge, high tech industries.
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)
1 year consisting of 34 teaching weeks and 6 holiday weeks
Masterton - Feb 2026
Whanganui - Feb 2026
Turn your interest in electrics into a powerful future!
Electrical Service Technician
Step up your electrical career by becoming an Electrical Service Technician!
Electrical Appliance Serviceperson
Become certified to service electrical appliances. Learn how to work safely and confidently in this area of expertise.
U-Skills Academy Foundation Electrical Engineering
Discover if a career in electrical engineering is right for you, while still in secondary school!
Fabrication Engineering
UCOL’s Fabrication Engineering programme provides highly practical and useful skill-based training for people already employed in the Heavy or Light Fabrication discipline of Engineering.
New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4) - Managed Apprenticeships
4 years part-time (up to 36 weeks per year)
Master welding, metalwork, and fabrication while you earn and learn!
Mechanical Engineering
UCOL’s Mechanical Engineering programmes provide highly practical and useful skill-based training for people already employed in the Fitting and Machining or General Engineering discipline of Engineering, or those wanting to kick-start their career in the mechanical engineering, construction, manufacturing and fabrication industries.
New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4) - Managed Apprenticeships
4 years part-time (up to 36 weeks per year)
Get ready to boost your engineering career! Gain advanced mechanical engineering skills while working!
New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
1 year full-time
Ready to kickstart your trade career? Gain the skills and confidence to step straight into entry-level roles in mechanical engineering, construction, manufacturing, or fabrication!
MIG, TIG, and Arc Welding (Night Class Welding)
8 weeks, 1 night each week
Interested in a career in welding? Go beyond the basics and gain the skills to build a future with precision and passion!
U-Skills Academy Mechanical Engineering
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Thursdays
Whanganui - Fridays
Masterton - Thursdays
Discover if a career in machining, welding or fabrication is right for you, while still in secondary school!
U-Skills STAR Mechanical Engineering
1 day per week over 5 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Interested in machining? Gain the necessary skills required for working with steel, tools and gases while still in secondary school!