WHY DO THIS COURSE?

Our Electrical Pre-Trade virtual night classes fit your schedule, not the other way around.

Study on your terms

Study on your terms

Working full-time, living outside the main centres, or juggling commitments? Study evenings with three classes a week, without choosing between life and learning.

Access beyond the main centres

Access beyond the main centres

Wherever you live in New Zealand, our virtual hubs bring the classroom to you, so you don't need to relocate or commute to a campus every day to get qualified.

Real world learning

Real world learning

Practical days on campus get you using real tools and solving real problems early on, not just reading about them.

HOW WILL IT BE DELIVERED?

HOW WILL IT BE DELIVERED?

The course is delivered live online along with time on campus. 

  • A 12-month course, made up of 44 weeks of scheduled learning, giving you breathing room around block courses, practical days and life outside class

  • 3 virtual night classes a week, held from 5pm–9pm. Join a live online class from wherever you are, with a tutor teaching in real time. You'll need a laptop and a reliable internet connection

  • 2 x 5-day block courses, delivered in person. Held at our Auckland or Christchurch campus, these bring you face-to-face with your tutor and classmates, so you'll need to be able to attend in person

  • 3 x 2-day practical campus workshops, spread throughout the year. Regular hands-on practice with your tutor, in person at our Auckland or Christchurch campus. Requires attendance on campus for each practical workshop

If you are keen to study on campus during the day, click here

About these Electrical Pre-Trade virtual night classes

This NZQA-approved Level 3 certificate is your pathway into electrical work, delivered over 44 weeks.
 
You will attend three virtual night classes a week (5pm - 9pm), plus two five-day block courses and three two-day practical sessions on campus throughout the year, with self-directed learning through the Learning Management System filling in the rest.

You will graduate with a nationally recognised qualification that employers trust, giving you a head start when applying for an electrical apprenticeship where you'll work towards Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registration and becoming a licensed electrician.

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
Fee: $6,490 incl GST 
 
Assessment: Practical workbooks signed off by tutor, plus capstone exam (US32619)

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 course 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 recognised New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) English Language test in the past two years. NZQA recognised English Proficiency Tests  

Key Information

3 nights a week over 44 weeks, plus on campus days.

Duration: 44 weeks

Cost: $6,490 incl GST

Credits: 121

Intake dates: 6 October 2026 for all campuses

Campuses running this course:

Enquire about this course

What you will learn

  • Apply electrical theory and principles to basic electrical tasks and real-world situations
  • Install cables and electrical equipment safely under supervision in training workshops
  • Use testing techniques to check electrical safety and identify common electrical faults
  • Apply safe working procedures including first aid and CPR for electrical work environments
  • Select and use electrical tools and equipment suitable for industry work
  • Work within legal limitations of the Electricity Act and electrical legislation

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

We Keep the World Running Processed by Imagy

From power grids to water mains, our graduates maintain the essential infrastructure that keeps New Zealand running every day.