Diploma of Engineering (Civil)

Jamie Kitzen works part time with Fulton Hogan while he finishes his civil engineering studies.

The course

There is a worldwide shortage of civil engineering technicians with many kiwis plying their trade in Britain, Australia and Asia.

The Diploma in Engineering (Civil) was developed by a consortium of nine polytechnics and institutes of technology in 2000 to replace the New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Civil).

The diploma provides grounding in civil engineering issues such as water engineering, structural engineering, road design and infrastructure.

The two year diploma has full time and part time options. Full timers study 24 hours a week on campus; part timers study up to eight hours a week. Employers of part timers usually give their civil engineering technicians time off to attend lectures. The diploma is 60 per cent theoretical with three or four field trips a year.

There are 18 compulsory papers plus electives. Subjects studied include materials, structural mechanics, civil engineering construction and administration, environmental science, land surveying, road and traffic engineering, soils and water and engineering geology.

Problem solving is a fundamental part of the course.

Many civil engineering technicians are employed on subdivision development, preliminary design of simple structures and structural components, testing material on sites or in labs.

Others are employed as contract administrators or site supervisors for projects such as road and bridge construction.

A number of students do their first year full time, then find a job and continue on a part time basis.

School leavers need 48 NCEA credits at level two or higher over four subjects. Year 12 maths is preferred. Other subjects include graphics, IT and physics. Life and work experience is also considered with adult applicants.

The diploma starts in February and applications should be in by mid January.

The diploma is portable so if a student starts in Auckland, then has to move, they can continue studying without losing credits. On completing the diploma, students can apply to Auckland or Canterbury University's civil engineering degree programmes.

Once students have successfully completed the diploma they have met the requirements for associate membership of the Institute of Professional Engineers of NZ.

What graduates think

* Jamie Kitzen, 19, junior engineer at Fulton Hogan. Graduates next year.

I've been at Fulton Hogan, the roading and infrustructure company, for about six months now and am involved in all sorts of engineering work for the chip seal and asphalt departments. Right now I'm setting up a programme for the chipseal department, helping work out the amount of chip and bitumen that will go into pavements in an area. I enjoy my job. It is rewarding and every day there is something different to do.

I decided to do the civil engineering diploma because it involved a lot of practical study. I did my first year of study at Manukau Institute of Technology, then moved to Unitec because MIT don't do the second year. I went part time this year and find the combination of work and study really good.

I am sure I wouldn't have got this job if I hadn't been doing the course. It gives a really good overview of civil engineering. A paper that I wasn't initially too keen about was communication for engineers. But it was really helpful because I learned how to write reports and communicate more clearly. We use a lot of maths but it is always applied to real things and different everyday situations and I enjoy that.

Other papers like management, construction practice and materials have prepared me well for the work I do at Fulton Hogan.

What employers think

* Fulton Hogan, surfacing business senior manager Damon Norden

It is extremely difficult to get staff which is why we're happy to take on someone like Jamie who can't work full time yet. Jamie came to us after viewing our career website saying he was after work that tied in with his study.

Jamie was enthusiastic and was studying a course that suited our industry. I was keen, for I believe studying and working part time puts learning in context and makes it more relevant.

Jamie is covering a number of fields in his study which makes it easy to find work for him. Our company can offer a lot of opportunity because we have 10 to 12 different fields within the company so there is plenty of room for learning.

We have six to eight part timers in Auckland studying and working.

The Qualification

Diploma of Engineering (Civil)
Unitec (Mt Albert Campus)
Ph 815 4321, ext 8434
or 0800 10 95 10
Starting salary: $35,000 to $37,000