Real tradies teach real skills
Learn from people who’ve actually been on the job site – qualified electricians who know what works.
BUILD YOUR FUTURE IN ELECTRICAL
WHY CHOOSE US?
We’ve been training tradies for 30+ years – we know what it takes to get you job-ready.
Get stuck into real work
Use the same tools that tradies use every day. This is practical learning, not sitting in lectures.
Employers want our graduates
Companies know our students can actually do the work when they start their apprenticeship.
GET THE SKILLS YOU NEED
This electrical pre-trade course gets you working with real tools from week one. Our workshops are set up like real job sites, so you'll learn by doing the actual work that electricians do every day.
When you graduate, your qualification will open doors to stable careers with good earning potential, and you’ll be confident and ready to work alongside qualified tradies.
- Start building the expertise that makes you valuable on any job site
- Develop problem-solving skills for everything from wiring faults to power installations
- Learn the techniques that only come from working alongside experienced electricians
- Join a trade where your skills will always be needed
About this electrical pre-trade course
This NZQA-approved Level 3 certificate is your pathway into electrical work. Choose between a 6-month intensive course (5 days per week) or a 12-month part-time option (3 days per week) to fit around your life.
You'll complete 121 credits covering everything from electrical theory to hands-on practical skills. You'll graduate with a nationally recognised qualification that employers trust and gives you direct entry into electrical apprenticeship programmes where you'll earn while you learn.
Study at training centres nationwide with face-to-face learning, workshop demonstrations, and online resources to support your practical training.
Course content
Electrical Theory and Practice: Learn electrical principles, circuit analysis, and how electrical systems work in real applications.
Safety and Legal Requirements: Learn electrical safety procedures and understand the Electricity Act requirements that govern all electrical work.
Tools and Equipment: Get confident using electrical testing equipment, hand tools, and installation gear that electricians rely on.
Cable Installation and Electrical Equipment: Practice installing cables, outlets, switches, and electrical equipment under supervision.
Testing and Fault Finding: Learn to test electrical systems for safety and diagnose common electrical faults.
Workplace Skills: Develop the communication and documentation skills that employers expect from day one.
Eligibility requirements
Entry requirements
- 16 years or above at the start of course
- New Zealand Citizen or Resident Visa Holder
- NCEA level 1 in English and Math or equivalent
- Demonstrated ability to meet level 2 study or above in a related discipline and/or employment for more than 1 year. This can be demonstrated through CV or academic transcripts
Completed secondary school internationally with no New Zealand qualifications:
- Academic Transcript from secondary school or any other academic qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to meet level 2 study or above in a related discipline and/or employment for more than 1 year. This can be demonstrated through CV or academic transcripts
Language requirements
- Applicants must have sufficient competency in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English, and provide evidence through one of the following:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 with New Zealand University Entrance
- IELTS score of 5.0 or above
- Have completed a recognized New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) recognized English Language test in the past two years. NZQA recognised English Proficiency Tests
Programme details
This pre-trade programme, offers aspiring apprentices a solid electrical foundation. Face-to-face learning is held at our Skills Trades Training campuses by tutors who oversee the success of apprentices.
The NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) offers a solid foundation in electrical for aspiring apprentices. The Pre-Trade Foundation Programme offers unit standards and equivalent theory and practice for graduates to apply for an EWRB Electrical Service Technicians registration.
Total Credits: 121
Programme Length: 12 month course – 3 days a week / 6 month course – 5 days a week
Fee: $6,490
Location: Skills Trades Training campuses nationwide.
Delivery method: As the courses are held in Skills Trades Training campuses, an emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on learning to reinforce theory.
Face-to-face lectures, workshop demonstrations, and practical tasks. Online learning material includes resources, quizzes, videos, group work, and workbooks.
Assessment Method: Assessments, written tests, and practical/project assessments observation.
Trainees must complete a final closed-book examination (capstone assessment) to measure their understanding and competency gained towards the end of the qualification. These examinations are set and moderated by the Standard Setting Body (Workforce Development Council) to prepare trainees for further training and assessments leading to relevant EWRB registration classes.
We’re New Zealand's leading trades training provider for electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing. Our industry experts prepare the next generation of tradies with skills that work where it matters – on the job site.
WE KEEP THE WORLD RUNNING
From power grids to water mains, our graduates maintain the essential infrastructure that keeps New Zealand running every day.