What does a pre-employment course actually mean?

November 2009

Every year pre-employment courses are held at polytechnics around New Zealand for individuals who are keen to pursue an electrotechnology career and want to get some of the theory down before beginning an apprenticeship. But what exactly are these courses and what skills can trainees expect to gain?

The content of pre-employment courses varies depending on which polytechnic is offering the training.  Typically a pre-employment course covers the first year of off-job training in an apprenticeship at Level 2.  This covers workplace safety unit standards, along with electromagnetism theory, mathematics, and knowledge of e.m.f production.  Many polytechnics now include basic employment skills and, to build on the practical component of their courses, an increasing number of polytechnics are including workshop skills too.  By the time you've finished a pre-employment course, you should have an understanding of workplace safety, possess basic tools skills and be able to identify TPS.

A pre-employment course also identifies your ability to cope with the kind of study that's required for an electrotechology apprenticeship.

It's important to keep in mind that a pre-employment course covers only the first year of the apprenticeship [which is solely off-job based].  So while coming from a pre-employment course means you'll have one less year of theory to complete, you still require the same amount of workplace assessment as if you'd come straight from school.

If you do commit to doing a pre-employment course you may like to look for a placement with an employer while you study. Not only will this provide you with industry insight, it will help you get a foot in the door - and enable employers to conduct a ‘working interview'.

If you'd like to know more about pre-employment courses, contact an ETITO training manager.