The Mechanics of Mastery: Exploring Fitting and Machining Apprenticeship Programmes

A fitting and machining apprenticeship can start you on the path to becoming an accomplished, successful mechanical engineer. These programmes can offer you so many benefits, including hands-on experience and support from friendly and skilled experts. 

Enrolling in an apprenticeship programme can change your life for the better, so it’s wise to properly prepare and educate yourself before applying for anything. Continue reading this article to learn a bit more about engineering apprenticeships in New Zealand, how you can benefit from these programmes and what you should do before you enrol.

What Are Fitting And Machining Apprenticeship Programmes?

These programmes are structured training courses designed to equip hopeful individuals with the expertise to build, install, repair and maintain machinery and mechanical components. They’re available to nearly anyone who’s willing to learn, with no upper age limit or qualifications required. Regardless of whether you have prior experience or if you’re still getting used to the basics, if you’re eager to learn and ready to put in the time and effort, an apprenticeship programme could be your perfect stepping stone towards a rewarding engineering career. 

These programmes come with both on-the-job training and technical instruction, allowing hardworking apprentices to learn from seasoned professionals while gaining practical experience. 

A few key components of fitting and machining apprenticeships are:

• Hands-On Training. Hands-on experience is very important for practical jobs like engineering. These programmes allow apprentices to work directly with tools, machinery and components that professional engineers work with on a daily basis, letting them get used to them while working on their skills. As an apprentice, you’ll learn to assemble parts, install components, repair machinery and more.
• Technical Instruction. You and your instructor will also cover essential topics like computer-aided design, or CAD, blueprint reading and other important topics that all engineers should know.
• Helpful Mentoring. Although learning new skills and working with unfamiliar tools may be daunting at first, you can have peace of mind knowing that you won’t be alone – talented and experienced individuals will be there to oversee your course and offer you insight, advice and support. 

Naturally, these fitting and machining programmes offer plenty of benefits for those who make the most of their experiences and successfully complete their courses:

• Practical Experience. Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of training for knowledge and practical skills. As an apprentice, you’ll spend quite a lot of time working on real projects, just like fully-qualified engineers. This will give you confidence and experience so you can tackle complex mechanical projects with a positive mindset.
• Earning While Learning. Unlike traditional educational courses, apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage for the work you complete. This financial support makes it easier for apprentices to focus on growing as engineers rather than worrying and stressing about making ends meet with an additional job.
• Career Advancement. There is a growing demand for qualified mechanical engineers in New Zealand. Completing an apprenticeship can help you find a great job in the future to advance your career and support yourself and your loved ones. Engineering machinists have great job prospects in Aotearoa; experienced, qualified engineers typically earn more, with the average pay for ATNZ apprentices being around $24.50 an hour.

A Few Tips For Choosing The Fitting And Machining Apprenticeship That Works For Your

If you don’t already know what you want, doing your research before you apply for a programme is essential.  For one, it’s very important that you work with experienced, qualified people who know what they’re doing – such as our friendly team at ATNZ. We welcome apprentices of all skill levels as long as you meet our minimal course requirements. 

The first step in this process is to chat with our experienced ATNZ team to discuss your situation. We can talk about what you hope to gain from your apprenticeship, what kind of experiences you have with engineering and any other important factors.

After the initial consultation, you can chat with one of our engineering team members to further delve into your potential courses here with us at ATNZ. We’ll work hard to determine the right pathway for you, so we encourage you to communicate clearly and honestly as we explore your options. 

If we identify any potential good matches for you, then we’ll take you to meet with one of our host companies to see if you’re a good candidate for a fitting and machining apprenticeship at their workplace. 

Finally, if everything works out, there’s only one step left – officially become an engineering apprentice! Before you know it, you’ll be learning on the job and experiencing what it’s like being an engineer.

Advancing Your Career And Honing Your Engineering Skills In Aotearoa

If you’re ready to learn, we’re ready to help you. You can easily book a chat with us through our website to get started. Or, you can contact us at .

Pave the road to your successful future with ATNZ.