Electrical Apprenticeships
Want to know more about how apprenticeships work?
On this page we’ll be looking at how you’ll split your time between learning on the job and at a training provider, what the different types of learning are like, where you can study, and how much it will cost you.
It’s quicker than you think to become fully qualified
An apprenticeship to become an electrician normally takes around 3 1/2 years. Regularly working through your study and attending the off-job training will help you finish on time (or even earlier!).
The way your apprenticeship is structured means there’s both on-job and off-job learning. If you have previously completed a pre-trade course, you don’t have to go through off-job level 3 training. While the pre-trade course reduces your off-job training time, you will still need the rest of the time to learn all the on-job skills.
When you successfully complete all the requirements of your apprenticeship, you’ll be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4). You keep this qualification for life and it’s your ticket to becoming a registered and licensed electrician.
On-job and off-job learning
There are two main components to your training as an apprentice:
On-job learning
This is the practical learning side of your apprenticeship where you get assessed on the tasks you do at work. A supervisor will teach you how to do things and make sure you learn how to do them correctly. You submit assessment sheets and evidence (e.g. photos and drawing plans) that prove you can do these tasks and this will give you credits towards your qualification.
Off-job learning
This is the classroom learning side of your apprenticeship where you’ll learn all the important theory that goes behind the work you do. You’ll do your off job learning with a training provider. The training can be done a range of ways, such as night classes, distance learning, or block courses, depending on the provider you’re with.
Training Providers
When you sign up, you’ll need to choose a training provider.
Below is a list of the training providers you can choose from.
Group Employment and Training Schemes
A great way to get employed is by contacting Group Employment and Training Schemes. These are organisations who will take you on and arrange for you to work with different companies so you can gain practical experience. Two great businesses to work with are etco and ATT.
What does it cost?
One of the best things about being an apprentice is that you’re earning while you’re learning. That means you don’t need to fork out for large student loans or work multiple jobs.
Even more good news: Since the New Zealand government is right behind getting people into trades, they help subsidise your training.
This apprenticeship doesn’t have a fixed cost because it’s based around competency. This means you finish when you can prove to your assessor that you can do the job. Because of this the cost is worked out “per week” and covers all your training. Here’s how it breaks down:
After the government subsidy, it will cost you $42 per week. This fee will now be covered by the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) and will be paid by TEC until 31 December 2022. For more information on TTAF, click here.
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.