The aviation engineering field in New Zealand is currently experiencing a strong demand for skilled professionals, with a notable shortage of both licensed aircraft maintenance engineers (LAMEs) and aeronautical engineers. This shortage is expected to worsen due to factors such as industry growth, an aging workforce, and workers seeking opportunities overseas.
JNPAT’s recent move to Classic Flyers and their aviation engineering facility has seen the delivery of JNPAT’s Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering (micro-credential) level 3. Further support from Services IQ and the Aviation Engineering Association NZ(AEANZ), has encouraged JNPAT to offer the New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering – Pre-employment (Level 3) - seen by industry as a vital stepping-stone into the aviation engineering workplace, as an apprentice.
JNPAT's Kaupapa is to provide support and opportunities for Pasifika and Māori in New Zealand by creating pathways into the aviation industry, and as such, JNPAT will provide the support and education focus to assist Pasifika and Māori learners into the aviation engineering industry (pending NZQA approval, for July 2026 delivery).
Please email us on info@jnpat.ac.nz with any questions you may have.
The purpose of this programme is to provide the aeronautical engineering industry with graduates equipped with a comprehensive base of core aeronautical engineering skills and knowledge. This qualification is intended for learners who are planning to embark on a career in the aviation industry as an aeronautical engineer. Graduates of this programme will be able to work safely in an aeronautical engineering context, to carry out engineering tasks under direct supervision.
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
o Select and use appropriate aircraft maintenance documentation to complete maintenance tasks.
o Select and use aeronautical engineering tools and equipment inline with current aeronautical engineering practices.
o Apply safe work practices in an aeronautical engineering environment.
o Apply knowledge of human behaviour and performance to ensure effective engineering and team dynamics.
o Maintain, repair and overhaul aircraft by integrating the fundamental principles of aircraft construction and maintenance, including the application of aeronautical publications and aircraft maintenance documentation.
o Apply the fundamental knowledge and principles of aircraft construction and maintenance, and aircraft systems and system maintenance to carry out aircraft and system maintenance.
The Level 3 pre-employment Certificate is viewed by industry as being essential for preparing new apprentices for the workplace. The overall programme outcome is to provide the aviation engineering industry with graduates who are ‘employment – ready’ and capable to begin their workplace apprenticeship (New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Applied Skills) (level 4).
"There are currently 3,000 working in New Zealand, which is 300 to 500 short to meet demand. Looking forward to 2034, it’s estimated we’re going to need 4,500 and unless a number of things happen, we’re going to continue to have a shortage"
https://www.engineeringnz.org/news-insights/elevating-avation-engineering/
New Zealand Citizen or Resident: 17+ years
JNPAT will provide a placement interview and short test. The testing may include assessments on Literacy & Numeracy, Maths & Physics (NCEA L2-based), English Comprehension (depending on prior marks and achievements)
Successful applicants will be offered a place on completion of placement interview.
A school leaver that has completed JNPATs Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering (micro-credential) level 3 will gain entry, however they will be required to take part in Course One to revise Health and Safety in the Workshop. They will be given an alternative project to work on during this Course. (See Credit recognition and transfer policies in Student Hub on this website) In addition, these students will still complete an Interview and placement test to ensure they are ready for the Courses 2-4within the programme.
July 2026 First Intake
New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Applied Skills) level 4
July 2026 (exact date tbd, pending nzqa approval)
40 weeks (4 weeks study break)
Tauranga, Classic Flyers Aviation Workshop Hangar 3.
4d/week
3
Face to face Workshop practical Online learning Integration of Practical and Work-based components
Online theory and practical assessments
t.b.d (pending NZQA approval)
t.b.d (pending NZQA approval)
130
n/a
New Zealand Certificate
If you're interested in taking part in this course we'd love to hear from you.
For more detailed information about the course download our PDF.
