New Zealand Certificate in Civil Infrastructure Bulk Earthworks (Level 3)

New Zealand Certificate in Civil Infrastructure Bulk Earthworks (Level 3)

If you're looking for an exciting career in the busy civil and infrastructure sector, New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Bulk Earthworks will put you on the right path.

About the programme

This digger and construction training programme is perfect for school-leavers or people with no prior experience in the industry. Known locally as the “Digger School” you will be equipped with practical experience on machinery, along with the necessary theory and industry contacts you’ll need to make it in these exciting and varied sectors. Once you set out in the industry, it’s up to you which path you decide to follow, from hands-on operations to management and even further study. The programme is also relevant for people already working in the construction, forestry or mining industries who want to up-skill and push their career to the next level.

You’ll work on earthmoving machinery and other machinery and plant to learn the basics of operating safely. Our skilled and diverse tutors are dedicated to delivering expert training in Infrastructure Works to student in a safe simulated work environment along with industry based work experience and the opportunity to transition to on the job work-based learning.

Core Learning Outcomes

  • Apply Health and Safety procedures, works habits and practices on a infrastructure works site and use risk management practices to maintain own safety.
  • Prepare large plant i.e. Hydraulic Excavator, Wheel Loader and Self Propelled Roller for onsite infrastructure works operations.
  • Operate large plant to complete infrastructure earth works to job specifications and complete post-operational procedures.
  • Develop knowledge, skill and attributes in order to understand and comply with infrastructure work sites quality and environmental requirements including:
    • the application of techniques for compaction, erosion, sedimentation and dust for bulk earthworks,
    • the application of quality assurance practices,
    • the completion of daily records,
    • the application of Mana Whenua environmental values.

Further Study Pathways

  • New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Civil) with strands in Earthworks, Road Construction, and Road Maintenance
  • New Zealand Certificate in Civil Infrastructure Bituminous Product Manufacturing (Level 4)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure (Forestry Earthworks) (Level 4)

Career Opportunities

New Zealand’s civil infrastructure industry is booming and there are plenty of job options for people with the right training and skills. Once you have completed the Certificate in Infrastructure Works, career opportunities exist across a huge range of sectors, including: infrastructure works companies, drain installation, water reticulation, machine operator, construction foreman, traffic management, truck driving, sealing crews, bridge building, maintenance crews, trenchless technology operator, road building, sub-division development, health and safety, and training.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be at least 17 years of age.
  • Hold a Class 1 restricted driver licence or better.
  • Be able to demonstrate sufficient capability in English and maths to have a high likelihood of success in the programme. (Preferably have NCEA Level 1 L&N).
  • Be physically fit and healthy.
  • Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0.

Special Notes:

  • Application outside the above requirements may be considered by the department Manager of Teaching and Learning.
  • Minimum of restricted Class 1 (car) licence for applicants wanting to be assessed for W, T or R endorsement (wheels, trucks and rollers).

2024 enrolments

When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2024, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start from 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Programme Questionnaire

This programmes requires a questionnaire to be submitted with your enrolment. Please view the questionnaire here. Complete the questions and return it with your enrolment form and any other supporting documents that are required.

You will be offered a place subject to meeting the entry and selection requirements and the availability of places on the programme. The Polytechnic reserves the right to not accept late applications, i.e., after the programme has started. The Polytechnic reserves the right to cancel, prior to commencement, any programme which does not attract a minimum number of students. The fees shown are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change. For further information visit here.

Get in touch

0800 800 411
International +64 3 769 9400
Email: info@tpp.ac.nz