15 types of apprenticeships in NZ

Generally to start an apprenticeship you’ll need to do two things:

• Find the relevant training organisation and apply for an apprenticeship online or get in touch with them directly. 

• Find an employer who’s willing to provide on the job training and help you complete your apprenticeship in partnership with the training organisation. 

Your training organisation may be able to match you with an employer who is looking for an apprentice but in some cases you’ll need to find someone suitable yourself. For that reason it’s important to show potential employers you’re keen to work and to provide a great CV. 

Read more about crafting a great CV with no experience.

Arboricultural is the practice of managing, felling, planting and protecting trees. If you want to develop a career in the industry it’s a great idea to complete a 27 month arboriculture apprenticeship with PrimaryITO NZ. You’ll need to be employed in the industry to complete this level three and four NCEA qualification, which will involve both practical and theory work. The cost for the course is $2,875.00 total as of 2024. 

The automotive industry has a huge range of opportunities, from collision repair, to automotive mechanics, to electrical engineering, agricultural equipment, machining, coach building and vehicle inspection. The Motor Industry Training Organisation provides courses on all professions in the industry and may be able to help place you with an employer. 

There are no official requirements to become one, although experience is always useful and there’s training available. 

If you’re coming out of school, the Marine & Specialised Technology Academy’s School to Work programme is a good place to start. It is offered in years 12 and 13 and combines practical work experience with NCEA theory. 

Most brick and block laying employers prefer to hire workers with experience, so it’s a good idea to get a qualification and apprenticeship for this trade. You can apply for one through the Building & Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) who provide level four NCEA certificates and on the job training.

Builders are in hot demand throughout New Zealand. BCITO can help you find employment and lay out a training agreement with your employer, then guide you through the process of becoming qualified. 

Drainlaying, plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeships are often completed together, but can be standalone. 

Masterlink and ATT are the country’s leading providers of apprenticeships in this field. Completing all three will take five years, plumbing and drainlaying is four years whereas drainlaying alone is two years. 

To become an electrician you’ll need to to complete an apprenticeship and gain an NCEA level four qualification. This will include passing coursework, written examinations, completing a competence programme and an apprenticeship. 

To get an apprenticeship, start by finding an employer, or by working with an organisation like ETCO to match with one and complete your qualification. 

To become a welder, rigger or fitter you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship with Apprentice Training NZ, the leading provider of engineering apprenticeships in the country. They also offer apprenticeships in mechanical engineering, engineering fabrication, refrigeration and air condition and mechanical building services. 

To become a furniture or cabinet maker you’ll need to complete an NCEA level four certificate in furniture, specialising in your chosen field. Then you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship overseen by Competenz, who may be able to help place you with an employer.

Glaziers process and install glass for a number of industries. The apprenticeship typically takes two years, costs $1,637 (2024) and can be completed via BCITO. You’ll have to choose which type of glazing you’d like to do and complete the relevant qualification, whether that’s automotive glazing, glass processing or glazing for construction. 

Horticultural apprenticeships are usually created for people already working in the industry, so you’ll need to get a job first. Then you’ll need to decide what area to specialise in. For example, the NZ Diploma in horticultural production is a great qualification if you want to be an orchard leading hand, manager or foreman, whereas amenity horticulture is suited to those who want to grow and maintain gardens. 

Joiners work with timber to craft windows, kitchens, doors and cabinetry. To become one you’ll need to find an employer and complete an apprenticeship with BCITO, as well as the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery, Level 4. The course takes two to four years to complete and costs $1,802 for the first year and $875 for each subsequent year.

Landscape construction is about more than just planting, it also involves planning and construction of garden features, use of concrete, installation of irrigation systems and much more. You can get started with no experience, but it’s a great idea to complete a 32 month landscape construction apprenticeship with the Primary Industry Training Organisation. 

Locksmiths obviously work with locks, but increasingly they’re dealing with other elements of home security like alarms and CCTV systems. Most employers prefer to hire someone who wants to get qualified (or is qualified) so it’s a good idea to complete the NZ certificate for locksmithing with Competenz while in a job.