Six new unit standards in mechanical engineering have been launched by industry training organisation, Competenz.
For the first time, students will be offered school-based Level 3 mechanical engineering unit standards, creating a solid pathway into mechanical engineering apprenticeships and other training programmes.
Competenz CEO Fiona Kingsford says the new unit standards have been specifically designed for school students and school environments, and their introduction will go some way to encouraging young people to explore training opportunities in the industry; an industry that is experiencing record levels of skills shortages. It is estimated there will be more than 7,500 job openings across New Zealand in the mechanical engineering sector in the next five years.
“The Level 3 unit standards have been developed in consultation with technology teachers and industry to ensure they are relevant and what industry needs now and in the future. Previously, students had an ‘engineering taster’ at Level 2. With the new Level 3, they can now deepen their knowledge and passion for engineering at Year 13 NCEA.”
“The new standards also will give students a better understanding of the trade and the industry, and hopefully result in an uptake of apprenticeship opportunities when they leave school,” says Kingsford.
The new unit standards are supported with a suite of resources for high school technology teachers. Competenz has also launched three new Level 2 standards. The three unit standards at each level together equal 18 credits. The new unit standards at both Level 2 and Level 3 comprise theory-based drawing, a machining component and a fabrication component.
