The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) and the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP) are national qualifications that have been developed with industry to meet industry needs. They respond to industry's call for technician level qualifications that recognise practical skills by combining quality academic study to national standards with a rigorous and structured assessment of practical skills. The two qualifications provide a structured pathway to a rewarding career as an engineering technician in the manufacturing or infrastructure sector.