HVSC training programme
Introduction
Whether you’re new to the heavy vehicle certification industry, an existing HVSC looking to upskill, or an engineer wanting to refresh or broaden your skillset, the NZTA Heavy Vehicle Specialist Certification (HVSC) training programme may be your starting point. You can check the Vocational Pathway to see what your HVSC journey may look like.
You can also watch the video below to learn more. The training programme was created to provide engineers with the right skills to enter the HVSC industry where there is a shortage of certifiers. HVSCs help to keep New Zealand’s freight moving across the country – from the groceries you buy, to retail, to construction materials.
The training programme covers a range of skills and consists of a mix of online modules (that you can access at any time), and in-person/virtual workshops that you book for. Each workshop is run by an experienced member of the industry, so you’ll benefit from their expertise, as well as the in-depth module content.
Before you head to the training portal to register, the information below explains the three key skill areas currently available.
Fundamental skillsets
This is a set of eight modules offering foundational engineering skills that are applicable across a broad spectrum of engineering practices.
They are recommended training for HVSC – Engineer/Manufacturer trainees, or for HVSC SRT certifiers who want to add more appointments and must be completed before moving to the HVEA or HVET training programmes. Module F1 must be completed first, then the remaining seven modules can be done in any order.
Others interested in the training can undertake the Fundamental Skillsets modules in any order.
The Fundamental Skillset modules are:
F1 Regulation, documentation and quality systems
F2 Inspection
F3 Welding engineering for heavy vehicle certifiers
F4 Mechanical fasteners
F5 Fatigue
F6 Materials
F7 Introduction to design
F8 General mechanical analysis
Learning method chart – online, in-person/virtual
HVEA Load Anchorages
This programme includes four modules for anyone working towards their HVEA appointment or for existing HVEA certifiers to upskill or refresh their knowledge. You have real-life scenarios to solve and the information in the modules has been collected from experienced engineers across the HVSC industry.
You can complete HVEA1 online at any time, but trainee HVSCs and HVSCs with only SRT appointment must complete the Fundamental Skillset before attending the remaining HVEA modules.
The HVEA modules are:
HVEA1 Introduction to load restraints and anchorages
HVEA2 Standard designs
HVEA3 Specialist designs
HVEA4 Repairs and modifications
Learning method chart – online, in-person/virtual
HVET Towing Connections
This programme includes six modules for anyone working towards their HVET appointment or for existing HVET certifiers to upskill or refresh their knowledge. It provides in-depth training on the key towing connections used across the New Zealand heavy vehicle fleet. You’ll work on real-life scenario exercises based on HVSC certifier experiences.
You can complete HVET1 online at any time, but trainee HVSCs and HVSCs with only SRT appointment must complete the Fundamental Skillset before attending the remaining HVET modules.
The HVET modules are:
HVET1 Introduction to towing connections
HVET2 Towbars
HVET3 Drawbars
HVET4 Drawbeams
HVET5 Fifth wheel structures
HVET6 Kingpin structures
Learning method chart – online, in-person/virtual
How to register
Visit the HVSC training portal and create your free account.
The HVSC training portal is hosted by our training delivery partner, Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau.
A calendar is available on the homepage of the training portal so you can see when modules are being offered. Some modules run back-to-back for those who prefer the convenience of more learning with less travel – note that you need to book each module individually.
At times, there may be special offers for some modules. Any discount or offer (such as receive a discount of 10% when you purchase three modules or more at the same time) will be applied at checkout – note that you still need to book each module up front.
You’re advised to use a laptop to access the training portal. If working off a mobile device, it’s recommended you download the ‘Totara’ app and enter the training portal URL: hvsctraining.engineeringnz.org
Vocational pathway
Use the Vocational Pathway to map out your career as an HVSC certifier.
Learning method chart
|
Module name |
Online at own pace |
Webinar |
Workshop (in-person or virtual) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Regulations, documentation and systems |
✔ |
||
|
Inspection |
✔ |
||
|
Welding |
✔ |
✔ |
|
|
Mechanical fasteners |
✔ |
||
|
Fatigue |
✔ |
||
|
Materials |
✔ |
||
|
Introduction to design |
✔ |
||
|
General mechanical analysis |
✔ |
||
|
HVEA1 Introduction to load restraints and analysis |
✔ |
||
|
HVEA2 Standard designs |
✔ |
||
|
HVEA3 Specialist designs |
✔ |
||
|
HVEA4 Repairs and modifications |
✔ |
||
|
HVET1 Introduction to towing connections |
✔ |
||
|
HVET2 Towbars |
✔ |
||
|
HVET3 Drawbars |
✔ |
||
|
HVET4 Drawbeams |
✔ |
||
|
HVET5 Fifth wheel structures |
✔ |
||
|
HVET6 Kingpin structures |
✔ |