KEY POINTS:
TRAINING PLACE
Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering Technology (highways) level 7
Where: Institute of Highway Technology (NZIHT) in association with Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT).
Contacts: Tel: 06 759 7065, Email: degree@nziht.co.nz, Web: www.nziht.co.nz
Entry Requirements: School leavers, minimum of 64 NCEA level 2 credits over four subjects, including 15 credits in maths and English. NZCE (civil) or DipEng (civil) with average 60 per cent pass, including specific papers or the diploma in highway engineering. International student language requirements: IELTS 6.0 nothing under 5.5 academic, or equivalent.
Course fees: $600 per paper, plus GST.
International students: $2100 per paper.
Average Salary: New graduates: $40,000 to $50,000. With experience: $70,000 to $100,000.
The Bachelor of engineering technology (highways) is designed to produce technologists with advanced technical knowledge in highway engineering and applied management.
It has been set up so practising highway engineers with technician qualifications, including NZCE (Civil) and the DipEng (Civil), can further their knowledge while continuing to work full-time.
The study is offered through block courses located in Hamilton and assignments by correspondence with ongoing tutor contact by email and phone.
Those with NZCE (civil) and DipEng (civil) qualifications - or equivalent - cross-credit directly into the third year of the degree.
Each 15-credit module consists of two one-week block courses plus assignments. This means students usually take about 24 to 30 months to cover the equivalent of one-year full time (120 credits) although diploma in highway engineering graduates may need to do less. The NZIHT also offers the diploma in engineering (civil) in the block course format.
Pavement engineering, transportation engineering, project management and traffic engineering are compulsory papers.
Students then choose electives in geometric design, drainage design and engineering economics.
Learning includes analysis and evaluation of technical and economic options, development of professional verbal and written communication skills and undertaking of support activities including management and liaison.
The degree meets the academic requirements of the Institute of Professional Engineers for registration as a technologist (TIPENZ).
THE GRADUATE
Fred Shilton (33)
Opus International Consultants, Whakatane.
Design team leader
Finished November 2006
One of Opus Consultancy's main functions is road asset management. I work on roading projects, bridge replacements, landfill projects and so on.
My role involves a lot of design work; designing curves, making sure roads are safe and easy to ride on and providing safety and improvements.
We also look after maintenance work on culverts and shoulders. About 70 per cent of my job involves working on designs at a computer but I also go out on site and I enjoy that flexibility.
I was attracted to this work because I enjoy been able to see what I've done. It is very satisfying to drive down a road you've worked on.
I was keen to gain a degree specialising in roading so I grabbed the opportunity when the degree was offered.
I had my NZCE and diploma (in highway engineering) so I needed to do one more year.
However I did it over two years because work was busy and we also had two little ones at home. Even so, it is designed so you can continue working while you study which is a huge advantage.
Each course had a two-week block course in Hamilton, plus assignments by distance education and an exam.
They said we should spend 40 to 50 hours on each course. Assignments were varied and often field based.
I really liked being able to apply my new knowledge instantly at work and use work examples. Opus paid all training and course costs. They really promote further study which is great.
THE EMPLOYER
Mark Townsend
Business group manager
Opus International Consultancy
We like the practical orientation and the specialisation offered in this degree. Fred has filled a need - we had a dire shortage of designers. We are really pleased he has finished and can take this on.
We are short of senior people and it helps to have a few letters behind your name.
Our policy is to develop our people. The number of people in our job market is not high so we're trying to encourage all employees to undertake training, particularly in highway maintenance and construction.
The shortage situation is global - Australia alone is three or four times worse off than us.
That's why we also take on cadets and pay them to work for us while they train. It takes longer as a cadet but it means no student loan.
This way the national certificate takes four years. Gaining a degree takes another two, which can be done on campus at Auckland or Christchurch or in block courses like Fred.
It is important to have a range of choice.
