The 5 skilled trades in most demand in New Zealand

Automotive electricians work on vehicles to repair, test and install electrical wiring and systems. They’re in very high demand right now, and becoming fully qualified takes four years of learning on the job as an apprentice.

The Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) administers apprenticeships and training programmes, that include a mix of practical and e-learning. You’ll need to complete either or both of:

• New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4)

• Driver’s license for the vehicles you’re working on. 

Learn more about automotive electrician apprenticeships. 

Building and construction manager isn’t an entry level role but, if you’ve got experience on a construction site and you’re willing to learn, it could be a great career path. The pay is great, with many earning over $100,000, and only two to four years of training is generally required. 

It’s a good idea to speak to employers and ask what they require in their project managers, but here are a few qualifications to consider:

• Building Practitioner License (must have). 

• Level 5 Certificate in Trades Supervision.

• A tertiary qualification relevant to the trade in construction management or similar (available at most polytechnics and some universities). 

A diesel motor mechanic is a mechanic who works with vehicles and machinery that have diesel engines. It's their job to fine tune, fix and calibrate diesel engines, and they may work in a garage with other mechanics, or at a site where heavy machinery operates.

Becoming qualified takes three to four years, and requires the following:

• An apprenticeship with a training organization like MITO or an employer like Truck Stops.

• A National Certificate in Automotive Heavy Engineering (Level 4 or 5) or as part of your apprenticeship. 

• It’s also a good idea to have a driver’s license for whatever vehicles you’re working on.

Drainlayers and plumbers install and repair pipes, drains and other infrastructure that moves water or waste, while gasfitters install, remove, repair or maintain household gas lines, appliances and systems. 

These trades are often learned and practiced together, but this isn’t essential. To enter the industry you’ll need to: 

• Complete an apprenticeship with the Apprenticeship Training Trust (ATT). It takes five years and 10,000 hours on the job training to complete a plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship, or four years for just plumbing and drainlaying. 

• Your apprenticeship will include a New Zealand Certificate (Level 4) in Plumbing Gasfitting or Drainlaying.

• Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship you’ll need to register with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers board. 

Read more about becoming a plumber. 

Electricians install and repair wiring and electrical systems in houses and commercial buildings. To become an electrician takes around three years of training, including an apprenticeship:

• To get an apprenticeship, you can either apply directly to employers or secure one through a training organisation like the Electrician Training Company (ETCO).

• This will include a Level 4 trade qualification, coursework, and other assessments. 

Read more about becoming an electrician.