NEW COURSES IN ENGINEERING

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27874, 24 January 1956, Page 5

NEW COURSES IN ENGINEERING

SEMI PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES

Two courses for “middle group” engineers—men whose .theoretical knowledge and specialised experience of engineering exceed that of an advanced tradesman, but whose mathematical and scientific background is not as great as that of a professional engineer—are being offered in Christchurch and a few other centres this year for the first time. Five years’ part-time study, of six hours a week, will lead to a New Zealand certificate in engineering, and four years’ part-time study to a New Zealand technical certificate (engineering). The courses are supervised by the newly-appointed Controlling Authority for the New Zealand Certificates in Engineering, set up by the Minister of Education (Mr R. M. Algie). The new qualifications have the backing of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers, the Engineers’ and Assistants’ Association and the department, all of which are represented on the authority. Men whose occupations fall within the “middle group” are draughtsmen in various fields, sales engineers, electrical inspectors and overseers, engineers’ assistants, engineering surveyors and field assistants, inspectors of works, mechanical inspectors, overseers and superintendents, plant engineers and technical assistants in certain State departments. The Commissioner of Works has announced that the certificates in engineering will be the basis on which recommendations for promotion will, be made within the Ministry of Works’ wherever they apply.