An electrical pre-trade with industry connection
Etco electrical pre-trade – your first step towards a successful future in the electrical industry
Your launchpad for a successful electrical career
Ready to stand out from the crowd? Our electrical pre-trade programme gives you the skills for both an apprenticeship and a diverse range of electrical careers.
After just one year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an Etco apprenticeship or dive into exciting careers in fields such as home automation, electrical servicing, data communication, and refrigeration.
You’ll have access to the best industry connections throughout your study. Our expert mentors and tutors have close ties to top companies in the electrical field, so you’ll be on the fast track to success.
Get ahead of the competition and secure your future in the electrical industry with the NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3).
120 Credits
NZ Certificate in Electrical
Engineering Theory (L3)
Units-based course
Intakes
February and July
Duration
One year
Three days a week
Delivery
On site at one of our training centres
FEES
Programme Cost $6,114.08
(Feb 2025 intake)
Inclusive of our Student Services Levy
Fees Free eligible
Studylink available
Overview
The Etco pre-trade programme, offers aspiring apprentices a solid electrical foundation. Face-to-face learning is held Etco training centres by tutors who oversee the success of students.
The purpose of this qualification is to equip people with underpinning electrical knowledge and basic practical skills to enter an electrical apprenticeship, further training or employment within the electrical industry.
Graduates will be able to apply these skills under supervision by a licenced electrical worker, in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992 and any subsequent amendments.
Career pathways
Graduates will be able to enter an electrical apprenticeship as a first-year apprentice, click here to find out more.
Graduates who don’t wish to enter an electrical apprenticeship may be employed in other areas in the electrical trade, such as switchgear fitting, electricity supply industry, manufacturing, electrical wholesaling or retailing. EASQ and EST theory is also embedded in the programme which opens pathways in electrical servicing. They would need to meet EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board) requirements.
- Apply knowledge and principles of electrical theory and practice to basic electrical tasks.
- Apply safe working procedures and practices to electrical tasks, including first aid and CPR as needed.
- Operate within legal limitations of electrical and relevant non-electrical legislation.
- Select and use products, tools, and equipment suitable for use in the electrical industry.
- Install cables and electrical equipment.
- Use testing techniques to test for electrical safety, and to identify and diagnose electrical faults.
- Demonstrate behaviour suitable for the workplace, follow instructions, and complete basic workplace documentation.
Admission
NCEA Achievement (Level 1) or equivalent.
Applicants are required to be interviewed to ensure students have selected the appropriate programme of study.
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English.
Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or have a resident visa.
Programme details
The Etco pre-trade programme, offers aspiring apprentices a solid electrical foundation. Face-to-face learning is held at Etco training centres 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: 120
Programme Length: 3 days a week for 1 year. Mon-Wed or Wed-Fri.
Fee: Change amount to $6,114.08 (Feb 2025 intake).
Location: Etco Training Centres nationwide.
Delivery method: As the courses are held in Etco training centres, 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.
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
Fees
Fees Free Changes
In 2025, there will be fees-free policy changes, and here is an outline of what this means for our apprentices and trainees, or anyone thinking about signing up.
- Signed on before 31st January 2024: You will have your fees covered for 24 months unless your eligibility finishes prior to that as a result of you using up your full entitlement as per the original fees free policy.
- Signed on in 2024 from 1st February 2024 onwards: You come under the “first year free” scheme and will have your fees covered upfront by the government until the end of 2025 unless your eligibility finishes prior to that as a result of you consuming the full funding as per the original fees free policy.
- Signing on in 2025: You come under ‘final year fees free’ if you are eligible to receive it.
For more information go to our Fees Free Policy information page or visit the official Tertiary Education Commission website.
Studylink
Student loans are available for domestic full-time students through Studylink.
Fee Protection
Fee protect ensures that any payment made to Etco by you is securely held in trust and released to Etco, this is managed in compliance with NZQA’s Student Fee Protection Rules and the Education and Training Act.