12 June 2013
Open Polytechnic now offers the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical)
The Open Polytechnic is now offering the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical). Graduates of the new distance
learning qualification will be work-ready to help ease the mechanical engineer shortage in New Zealand.
The development of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) (Mechanical) has been a collaborative initiative from
within the National Engineering Education Plan (NEEP).
According to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment estimates, the number of people in mechanical engineering
technician roles remains relatively flat. However, demand for their services has been rising. Because of this,
mechanical engineering technician also appears on Immigration New Zealand's immediate skill shortage list.
The qualification is available by distance learning. The Open Polytechnic has developed a distance study programme for
this qualification to assist the Government in increasing the number of engineering graduates in New Zealand. Students
will be able to fit their studies around their existing work and life commitments, and gain a qualification that’s in
high demand amongst New Zealand employers.
“The NZDE is for people who want to become an Engineering Technician, and can also act as a stair-casing qualification
into Bachelor level study, from which students can become an Engineer,” says Christo Potgieter, Head of School,
Engineering, Trades and Construction at Open Polytechnic.
“Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical) will be able to apply engineering theory to practice
and competently perform technical operations to the standards, ethical and professional responsibilities required by the
engineering profession.
“They will be able to work collaboratively with clients, authorities, agencies, industry and other professionals to
provide a comprehensive engineering service in the mechanical engineering field.”
The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical) is now open for new enrolments. More information on how to enrol can
be found at: http://openpolytechnic.ac.nz/campaigns/enrolment/NZDE/
Background
The NZDE is a national and Industry recognised qualification that will give graduates the theoretical skills need to be
an engineering technician.
This qualification will give graduates the skills to work in the following areas:
• Product design and development in areas such as machinery, bikes, washing machines and equipment
• Testing tools such as engines, machines or other mechanical devices
• Planning and implementing routine maintenance on equipment and machinery.
The Open Polytechnic is the nation’s specialist provider of open and distance learning, enrolling an average of 34,000
individual students each year. The majority of students are adult learners combining work and study, making the Open
Polytechnic one of New Zealand’s major educators of people in the workforce.
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