Course details

Summary

If you're looking for an exciting career in the busy civil and infrastructure sector, Tai Poutini Polytechnic's Certificate in Civil Plant Operation will put you on the right path. Perfect for school-leavers or people with no prior experience in the industry, TPP Digger Schools set you up with all the practical experience, 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 industry who want to up-skill and push their career to the next level.

Employers across the country are lining up to take on TPP Digger School graduates – so whether you’re just starting out or want a career change, TPP offers plenty of options for your future.

More than just driving trucks and diggers, TPP Digger Schools set you up with all the practical experience, 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.

Special Conditions Apply

We have a limited number of places for students who already hold a qualification at Level 2 or higher.

Core Elements

At Level 2:

Understand the civil infrastructure industry in New Zealand.

At Level 3:

Communicate appropriately with the public, colleagues, and site supervisors, including following and giving instructions.
Work effectively and safely, across a range of roles and on a range of infrastructure works sites including those under Temporary Traffic Management.
Carry out basic infrastructure works activities including safely and effectively using a range hand tools and small infrastructure works plant and equipment.
Understand and operate within quality and environmental requirements, quality assure their own work area and keep appropriate records for infrastructure works sites.
Describe the materials used and requirements for infrastructure work, as well as carry out excavation and compaction in this area.
Operate and maintain at least two types of large plant on infrastructure works sites.
Operate and maintain at least one type of specialist large plant (e.g. hydraulic excavator) on infrastructure works sites.
Legally operate at least one type of specialist plant on the road (hold the relevant licence endorsement).

At Level 3 OR Level 4

Use specialist large plant to carry out specialist operations.

Programme Structure and Workload

Three 12-week semesters. The first 24 weeks are tutor phase, with the last semester involving work-based training.

Further Study Paths

Further Study Paths:

New Zealand Certificate in Civil Infrastructure Trades (Civil Works) with strands in Earthworks, Road Construction, Concrete Works (Non-structural), and Road Maintenance Level 4
New Zealand Certificate in Pipe Installations with strands in Trenched and Trenchless (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Bituminous Surfacing Construction with strands in Bituminous Mixes, Chipseal and Slurry (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Utilities Maintenance with strands in Water, and Wastewater and Stormwater (Level 4)

Entry criteria

Entry Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age.
Be able to demonstrate sufficient capability in English and math’s to have a high likelihood of success in the programme. (Prefer NCEA L1 L&N)
Hold a Class 1 restricted driver licence or better.
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

International learners must:

Be at least 18 years of age.