e ngineering
a brighter future
e ngineering
a brighter future
NEWS
26 September 2024
A fitting and machining apprenticeship could be the right start for your thriving career as a New Zealand engineer. These apprenticeships provide aspiring engineers with a balance of practical training and theoretical education, and you don’t need to have heaps of prior experience to apply – as long as you have a passion for engineering, a willingness to learn, a positive attitude and meet a few additional requirements, you’re welcome.
Starting on the path to a new engineering career can be a challenge, so we at ATNZ are here to help every step of the way. We support learners of all races, genders and backgrounds and give particular support to Maori, Pasifika and women learners. No matter who you are, we encourage you to take that next step to build your skills and future.
The course we offer at ATNZ lasts around 48 months and leads to an advanced level 5 New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. Apprentices can develop the technical and practical skills necessary for the trade through on-the-job learning and structured coursework.
Fitter machinists have good job prospects in New Zealand, so an apprenticeship is a fantastic stepping stone towards a promising and rewarding career.
Have you decided that an engineering apprenticeship may be right for you? Here’s how you can get started:
Explore Your Opportunities. You should examine the opportunities we have at ATNZ. If you’re unsure whether fitting and machining is the right choice for you, then you can look at our other courses. Explore our website to view programmes for mechanical engineering, engineering fabrication, mechanical build services and more.
Meet The Requirements. Be sure you meet our requirements for our fitting and machining programme:
It’s also recommended that people applying for this apprenticeship hold the National Certificate in Education Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 or equivalent, but this is not a set requirement.
Contact Us At ATNZ. If you’ve identified the programme that works for you, you can book a chat with our ATNZ team. If everything is right, we will officially begin the process of starting your apprenticeship and finding a suitable host company for you.
Prepare yourself before your first day at your new host company:
Review Basic Skills. Consider reviewing and researching basic engineering skills before you start working so that you can hit the ground running.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills. Engineering is a field that requires sharp problem-solving skills. You can hone your skills by practising logical thinking and working through practical problems.
As with all items on this list, remember that these are skills you will develop throughout your time as an engineer. So, don’t be discouraged if you’re not perfect right away.
Get Physically Ready. Engineering requires plenty of manual skill, precision and stamina. If you haven’t already, consider starting a regular exercise routine to meet your new work’s physical demands.
Understand Your Apprentice-Mentor Relationship. A wonderful perk of signing up for a fitting and machining apprenticeship is that you’ll work with a mentor. When you sign up for your apprenticeship through ATNZ, you’ll have an Account Manager who will act as your mentor. They’ll visit you once a month and will also be available on the phone if you need them. Consider keeping a list of questions or thoughts for your mentor and add to it as you work. Then, when you meet up with them, you can have a productive discussion.
Seek Out Social Opportunities. There are study groups in many NZ areas, so you could potentially connect with other engineers and apprentices. There are also online study groups available most weeks. Making friends and discussing your unique apprenticeship experience with like-minded individuals can enrich your experience.
Always Strive To Keep Learning. Of course, the start of an apprenticeship begins a long road of learning, growing and advancing in your career. However, know that the end of your apprenticeship won’t be the end of your learning journey – you should always seek opportunities to better yourself, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
Engineering is a very important industry in the modern world. As an NZ engineer, you can contribute to society – and we at ATNZ are here to help you get your start.
If you’re ready to speak with us, you can book a chat at .
ATNZ: Build your confidence, skills and career with a suitable fitting and machining apprenticeship.