Earn While You Learn NZ Trades: Start with an ATNZ Apprenticeship

Choosing a trade career in New Zealand means you don’t have to choose between working and studying – you can earn while you learn. Many of the best trades offer apprenticeships where you get paid from day one while training on the job and working toward a qualification. This pathway is fantastic for hands-on learners. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top trades in NZ that let you earn-as-you-learn, explain how the apprenticeship system works, highlight the benefits of this approach, and outline how you can get started through ATNZ.

Popular Trades for Earning While Learning

New Zealand has a wide range of trades that follow the “earn while you learn” apprenticeship model. Essentially, any career that involves an apprenticeship will allow you to work and train at the same time. Some of the most popular trades where you can earn-as-you-learn include:

Mechanical Engineering: 

In the engineering realm, mechanical engineering technicians, such as fitters and machinists, often train via apprenticeships. You could be fabricating metal parts, maintaining machinery, or machining components, depending on the specialisation. If you like working with tools and machines, this trade offers lots of variety and a chance to work in industries from manufacturing to power generation. ATNZ offers apprenticeships in Mechanical Engineering a field with a shortage of qualified tradespeople, so future job prospects are excellent.

Engineering Fabrication:

Engineering fabrication is a hands-on trade focused on producing structural steelwork, components, and engineered products used across construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Fabrication apprentices develop practical skills in cutting, shaping, assembling, and finishing metal, working on real projects such as handrails, beams, frames, and machinery components. Engineering fabrication skills are in strong demand across New Zealand, offering solid long-term employment opportunities. ATNZ delivers engineering fabrication apprenticeships, supporting learners to work toward nationally recognised engineering qualifications through structured, on-job training.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC&R): 

HVAC&R technicians (who install and service heating and refrigeration systems) also train through apprenticeships. This trade often flies under the radar, but it’s incredibly important and in fact, there’s a real shortage of qualified workers in this area in NZ, so much that the government has been trying to attract people from overseas. As an HVAC&R apprentice you earn a wage while learning to set up and repair refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, leading to a Level 4 certificate in this field.

Each trade has its own skills and work environment, but all apprenticeships share the core benefit of combining paid work with training. The best trade for you will depend on your interests, whether you enjoy building things, working with technology, fixing machines, or creating with metal. What’s common is that all these trades offer structured pathways to become fully qualified. Next, let’s look at how the apprenticeship system actually works in New Zealand.

How “Earn While You Learn” Apprenticeships Work

Unlike classroom-based training, an apprenticeship is very much hands-on: you spend most of your time on the job, learning by doing real tasks under the supervision of experienced tradespeople. In combination with this, you will complete self-paced online learning modules and attend occasional training block courses to provide the rounded training you need to achieve your trade credential. This way, you build real competence on the job while also meeting the academic requirements for your trade credential.

A typical apprenticeship in NZ lasts 4 years, during which time you progress from basic tasks to more complex responsibilities as your skills increase. For example, a first-year apprentice might begin with simple support tasks, but by the final year, they may perform the full scope of the trade work independently, with a final sign-off from a supervisor. 

Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining practical skills through paid, on-job training. As skills and experience develop over time, responsibilities and capability increase alongside progression through the programme. This allows learners to focus on building real trade skills in the workplace without balancing separate full-time study.

ATNZ provides a structured training plan, arranges your block courses or night classes, and gives you access to mentors and additional learning resources. In short, you earn, you learn, and you’re backed by people who want you to finish strong.

How to Get Started with an Apprenticeship through ATNZ

Ready to dive into a trade and start earning as an apprentice? Here’s a simple two-step guide on how to begin your journey, especially if you plan to go through an apprenticeship programme with ATNZ:

1. Explore Your Trade Options – First, think about which trade excites you the most. Do you picture yourself on a construction site, in a workshop crafting metal, troubleshooting machinery, or installing high-tech systems? Research the trades that interest you. You can read up on roles like mechanical engineering, fabrication, welding, HVAC, etc., on our “Train with Us”pages or talk to people in those industries. Identifying your desired trade will help focus your efforts. 
2. Check the Entry Requirements – Each apprenticeship has some basic entry criteria. Generally, you need to be at least 16 years old and have NZ citizenship or residency. People on working visas can’t do an apprenticeship. Certain trades might ask for NCEA Level 1 or 2 in Maths/English or a relevant pre-trade course, but prior experience is often not required as long as you have a great attitude and willingness to learn. 

The next step is to get your foot in the door and you’re on your way. With ATNZ, you have a couple of options:

1. You can apply directly through ATNZ – You can fill out an application or expression of interest on the ATNZ website’s Become an Apprentice page. This lets ATNZ know you’re keen, and they can consider you for any upcoming apprentice roles in your chosen trade.
2. You can browse current vacancies: ATNZ often lists specific apprenticeship job openings across New Zealand. Check the current vacancies for listings like “Apprentice Engineer – Auckland” or “Welding Apprentice – Christchurch”. If you see a match, apply to that role directly. If not, don’t worry, you can still apply generally, as new positions come up frequently.