Electrical
Thinking of becoming an electrician?
Awesome! We’ve got the info you need right here.
Trying to find your fit?
It can be a hard decision to make. Check out our video where real apprentices talk about their experiences and see how the team at French Electrical have got it made.
Find out more about Rody, our electrical ambassador, and his journey to getting qualified.
About
Electricians love working with their hands, solving problems, and pulling things apart. If this sounds like a great way to spend your working day, you could have a bright future as an electrician.
Find out more about what electricians do, and where your career can take you.
Apprenticeship
All electricians start at the beginning – with an apprenticeship. During your apprenticeship you’ll learn the skills you need to become a fully qualified electrician.
Find out more about how your apprenticeship is structured, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.
How to get started
Find an employer
The first step is to find an electrician who will take you on as an apprentice, be your employer, and offer you a job. You’ll need to find an employer before you start your apprenticeship – there are some tips for you earlier in this guide.
Choose a training provider
In the meantime, have a look around for a training provider that suits you. This is where you’ll do your off-job learning. You’ll need to let your Skills Account Manager know which provider you want to go with when you sign up.
Sign up
Once you and your employer are ready to get started, you should give us a call on 0508 SKILLS (754 557). There’s a couple of forms you’ll need to fill out together, so we’ll send these to you. Once we’ve received and processed your documents, a Skills Account Manager will get in touch with you or your employer. They’ll run through an induction so you can kick off your training on the right foot.
Additional Courses
There are some other great qualifications in electrical that are available. Click on the titles below to read more about these qualifications.
New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3)
If you’re interested in joining the electrotechnology industry, doing a New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) is the first step in your journey. This qualification gives you the foundations of electrotechnology and depending on which strand you choose, on completion you’ll be able to either:
- install and maintain networks and systems OR
- service and repair a diverse range of end-user appliances and equipment
The New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) will take approximately 9 months to complete full time, or 12 – 18 months part time.
To enter this programme you will need to hold NCEA Level 1:
- 10 credits in Mathematics; and
- 10 credits in English; and
- 14 credits in General Science or Physics
Or equivalent qualifications or experience.
This course is delivered through E-tec in partnership with Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). The current price of this course is $3600 (price includes GST) for NZ citizens and permanent residents.
To find out more, or to enrol in this course, please visit E-tec at www.etec.ac.nz
New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4)
sKeen to get into the Electronic Security industry? Then the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4) is a must. With this qualification you’ll be able to design and install electronic security solutions for customers. The programme has two optional strands: Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed), and Electrical Installer.
This course is delivered through E-tec in partnership with Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). The duration of the course and pricing can be found on the E-tec website.
To register your interest and to receive updates, email carinev@etec.ac.nz
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Installation and Service) (Level 4) (includes Appliance Servicing)
If you’re looking to get ahead in the electrical or electronic service industry this course will enable you to work independently as a technician undertaking complex work, as well as supervise electrical workers. You will also be eligible to be registered and licensed as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) (EAS endorsed) or as an Electrical Service Technical (EST).
This programme is currently under development and will be available in the second half of 2019.
However, you can begin your journey today by enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) which forms the first part of the programme.
This course will be delivered through E-tec in partnership with Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). The duration of the course and pricing will be finalised at the launch of the programme.
To register your interest and to receive updates, email admin@etec.ac.nz
New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Level 4)
Looking to build a career in the electronic engineering industry? This course will give you the skills to become a specialised electronic technician. You’ll be able to apply skills and knowledge to complex analysis, configuration, and repair of systems and circuits to a component level within their specialist field.
You will be able to supervise electronic workers and will also be eligible to be registered and licensed as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) (EAS endorsed) or as an Electrical Service Technician (EST) (depending on options selected).
This programme is currently under development. However, you can begin your journey today by enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) which forms the first part of the programme.
This course will be delivered through E-tec in partnership with Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). The duration of the course and pricing will be finalised at the launch of the programme.
To register your interest and to receive updates, email admin@etec.ac.nz
New Zealand Certificate in Customer Premises Systems (Level 4)
Interested in the communication technology service industry? This qualification will give you the ability to install, maintain and repair cabling, equipment and devices for specialist distribution systems and services in residential or commercial; fixed, mobile or re-locatable end-user premises. You’ll be able to operate independently as a technician at an advanced level for installations across a broad range of situations. This qualification includes four strands that allows you to specialise further.
You’ll also be eligible to be registered and licensed as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) (EAS endorsed) or as an Electrical Service Technical (EST) and will be able to supervise electrical workers.
This programme is currently under development.
To get started today, you can enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) now, as this forms the first part of the programme.
This course will be delivered through E-tec in partnership with Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). The duration of the course and pricing will be finalised at the launch of the programme.
To register your interest and to receive updates, email admin@shift.org.nz
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Switchgear Fitting) (Level 4)
Like the idea of working in the electrical industry and prefer to work in one location? Switchgear fitting could be for you.
Switchgear fitters design and build electrical equipment called switchboards, which are used in factories and plants around the country. These switchboards are used to take a big supply of electricity and split it up into smaller, more useable streams.
Some switchgear fitters choose to do the ‘installer strand’ when completing their qualification, which lets them install the switchboards on job sites. This means they could be traveling around New Zealand visiting manufacturing plants or other industrial buildings.
The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Switchgear Fitting) (Level 4) will take approximately three and a half years to complete.
To enter this programme we recommend you hold:
- NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and Physics, OR
- NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and General Science, OR
- have equivalent qualifications or relevant experience
You will need to be employed by a switchboard builder that agrees to train you as an apprentice before you sign up.
The current price of this course is $42 (including GST) per week until you finish your qualification.
For more information or to enrol, please call us on 0508 SKILLS (754 557) or email on support@skills.org.nz.
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electromechanical Maintenance and Repair) (Level 4)
Love rolling up your sleeves and tinkering with equipment? You could have a bright career in motor rewinding.
Expensive, complex equipment needs specialists to look after maintenance and repair, and that’s where motor rewinders come in. You’ll be trained to repair and maintain equipment used in a variety of places, like superyachts to hotels and other commercial buildings. If you choose to do the optional Electrical Service Technician strand you’ll be able to apply to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) for registration once you’ve finished, which gives you a wider career path.
The new Apprenticeship for Motor Rewinding, which leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electromechanical Maintenance and Repair) is now available.
There are two programme options available, which include both on-job and theory learning components. These are:
- New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electromechanical Maintenance and Repair) (Level 4) – duration 19 months
- New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electromechanical Maintenance and Repair) (Level 4), with optional strand in Electrical Service Technician (EST) – duration 23 months
To enter this apprenticeship we recommend you hold:
- NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and Physics, OR
- NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and General Science, OR
- have equivalent qualifications or relevant experience
You will need to be employed by a motor rewinder (or other business that undertakes motor rewinding work) that agrees to train you as an apprentice before you sign up.
The current price of this course is $42 (including GST) per week until you finish your qualification.
For more information or to enrol, please call us on 0508 SKILLS (754 557) or email on support@skills.org.nz.
Please note: Skills makes every effort to ensure that the information provided on this website is accurate and up-to-date. However the information given, including fees information and the availability and structure of courses, are regularly reviewed and no warranty or representation is given about the ongoing accuracy of such information. All fees may change without notice. Skills does not accept liability for any losses or damage that happen directly or indirectly from you relying on the information on this website.