Apprenticeships NZ | How apprenticeships work

What is an apprenticeship?

A Competenz apprenticeship is a structured training programme that combines theoretical and on-the-job training which results in a Level 4 trade qualification. Competenz provides apprentices with additional mentoring and support throughout their training. An apprenticeship takes 3-4 years to complete, arming the learner with the skills that are needed by industry.

Apprenticeships are formal arrangements between an employer, learner, and Competenz. This three-party arrangement ensures that learners are supported in achieving their learning goals.

Elev8 training model

Our Elev8 training model ensures that your apprentice receives the correct training, wrap-around support and mentoring they need to succeed, whether you are upskilling existing staff or hiring new staff into an apprenticeship role. Competenz is responsible for facilitating the training and support for learners (and their employers) throughout their apprenticeship, including regular site visits, organising attendance at block courses, study groups and night school classes, if appropriate.

The Canterbury engineering business with trained staff who never want to leave

An unwavering commitment to upskilling its people has helped keep tool maker Sutton Tools (NZ) out in front despite a string of setbacks

Meet the next generation: CoSell's deep investment in apprentices

The future of the RAC industry is in good hands with independently-owned refrigeration business CoSell.

Pact Packaging NZ leads the way in workplace learning and development

Pioneering manufacturing business Pact Packaging NZ has been named 2025 Plastics Training Company of the Year.

Plastics industry rising stars honoured at Plastics NZ Awards

Competenz Plastics Apprentice of the Year Rajeneel Kumar and Trainee of the Year Faleono (Junior) Esekia are making their mark on the industry.

Train with Confidence – It’s BAU with Competenz

At Competenz, we’re here to keep you moving forward.

HVAC and RAC apprentices embrace a trade fit for the future

Economech Maintenance Ltd goes above and beyond to support its apprentices, and apprentices Sioeli Puleiku and Nick Kelly are testament to that.

Why mechanical engineering matters

In a world built on innovation, problem-solving, and precision, mechanical engineering is the quiet force behind the scenes.

On the job: Training Advisor Todd Billing

Training Advisor Todd Billing's passion for people fuels his work supporting apprentices and employers across the central lower North Island.

Workforce Development: The secret weapon to staying ahead in tough economies

For Convex, investing in training during uncertain times isn’t just a strategy—it’s a long term strategy that continues to deliver results.

Pact and Competenz partnership bridging skills gap

A new pilot training programme developed by Pact Packaging NZ and Competenz is introducing an innovative approach for work-based training.

Bright future ahead for female engineering apprentice

When Paris McCann first stepped through the doors of Buckley Systems Ltd, she never dreamed she would become an apprentice

Competenz Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) Announcement

We are excited to announce the Competenz Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) has now been finalised, with all members confirmed.

Engineering trades - the 'visible invisible' career pathways

Often dubbed our “most visible, invisible industry," engineering trades offer diverse career opportunities, but are often overlooked.

Embracing Industry 4.0

The world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Industry 4.0—the fourth industrial revolution—is reshaping industries.

Forging ahead in the fabrication sector

Celebrating double apprenticeship success at JP Engineering Services

Four reasons to upskill in 2025

As we head into 2025, businesses are facing a tough landscape

From sign language to signmaking

Meet the Cantabrian breaking down barriers, one sign at a time.

On The Job: Training Advisor John Terry

Times were tough back then, and John learnt quickly not to waste opportunities in life.

Mangere East mechanical apprentice claims double victory at prestigious NZPI awards night

Mechanical apprentice Mike Vitale takes out not just one, but two top accolades at New Zealand Steel’s annual New Zealand and Pacific Islands awards.

Two-time Apprentice turns Competenz Forestry Account Manager

At 17, Nick Moore left school for his first job at a local bakery.

Taranaki engineering apprentice says his farm fix-it skills helped him trump in Lyon

Jack Butler excels at prestigious global trade skills competition.

New Zealand Fire Learner of the Year: Johnson Control's Double Act

Toni Couchman and Daniel Hayes’ careers are on fire!

Waikato apprentice takes out Stuart Tolhurst Cup

Zander Pringle earns the prestigious Stuart Tolhurst Memorial Award for 2024.

Training the icing on the cake for Rangiora baker

She’s been baking for decades, but completing her apprenticeship is the icing on the cake for Rangiora Bakery’s Sue Brocherie.

From tools to mentorship

At just 15 years old, Richard (Richie) Werahiko started his part-time job at Patchell Industries in Rotorua.

Driving innovation and growth through apprenticeship training

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentice Cody Smith loves nothing more than fixing stuff.

Breaking barriers - women redefining signmaking

One day she’s welding aluminium light boxes in the workshop, and the next, she’s in the city applying giant window decals.

From the concrete jungle to forest trails

When Jess Winikerei moved to Sydney in her teenage years, her path seemed destined for the urban hustle.

How a trades career can open doors to the world

For David McIntyre, an apprenticeship was not just a stepping stone to a stable career—it was a gateway to a world of opportunities.

A different kind of classroom: How education fuels forestry's future

After many years in the teaching field, Patrick (Paddy) Aislabie’s career branched out in an unexpected direction.

From apprentice to advisor

Luke Van den Bos has a remarkable track record, having completed two apprenticeships

The new age of signmaking

At the heart of modern signmaking company Big Ideas, stands Director Ross Hall, an industry veteran

Hot off the printing press

Levi Lindsey wins Print Industry Apprentice of the Year

Marley NZ: Fostering the next generations of leading lights

An unwavering commitment to upskilling its people has earned pioneering plastics manufacturer Marley NZ the 2023 Plastics Training Company

Ten questions with Training Advisor Courtney Clapham

Palmerston North Training Advisor Courtney Clapham knows what it takes to be a successful mechanical engineering apprentice.

Industry collaboration: the key to forestry success

The old saying ‘it takes a village’ is a fitting catchphrase for forestry harvesting apprentice Alazae Hayes.

East Coast women step up to prioritse forestry safety

Forestry health and safety can be a scary thing if you don’t do it right.

Packit's Wesley Lewis named Plastics Apprentice of the Year

A New Zealand Apprenticeship in Plastics Engineering has opened the door to a wealth of unexpected opportunity for Dunedin’s Wesley Lewis.

From fact to fiction

From fictional muse to real-world apprentice – Patsy Gadsby is making her mark, inspired by an animated character in a fantasy television series.

Navigating career growth in the forestry industry

As the forestry industry continues to evolve, individuals like John Ellery showcase how embracing change can lead to fulfilling career growth.

Apprentices prove to be Black Steel Mobile’s secret weapon

Attracting and retaining talent is an industry-wide challenge.

Burning bright: Cantabrian woman named Fire Learner of the Year

Fire Learner of the Year 2022 Jodie Spence-Ord is paving the way for more women to join the Fire Protection industry.

Almost unbelievable phone call announces award win

Amie Irwin has won the NZ Bakels Apprentice Pie Maker competition with a slow-cooked lamb shoulder pie, now on the menu at The Clareville Bakery.

Young apprentice grows new forestry skills

Forestry apprentice Neihana Brewer is an example of a future forester passionate about the industry.

From learner to teacher – passing the baton at Soar Print

Former Print Apprentice of the Year award winner Travis Jordan is now sharing his expertise, supervising and training apprentices in digital printing.

Catriona Mellows bestowed New Zealand Print Apprentice of the Year

Display Associates head graphic designer Catriona Mellows was named BJ Ball Papers Print Apprentice of the Year 2022 at the Pride In Print Awards.

Extension of Apprenticeship Boost scheme

Competenz Te Pūkenga (Te Pūkenga) welcomes the Government's 2023 budget announcement and the extension of the successful Apprenticeship Boost scheme.

Learner support a lifeline for mature apprentice

Tokelauan Peni Panapa credits a Competenz Te Pūkenga Pasifika online study group with giving him the support to succeed in his apprenticeship.

Canterbury woman firing up in new trades career

On the eve of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Christchurch mother Loren Evans is calling for more women to consider learning a trade.

Griffin’s successful recipe for producing great people

While they are proud to produce a continuous and innovative range of biscuits and crackers, Griffin's also invests heavily in upskilling their staff.

A career in label printing sticks to apprentice

Levi Lindsey was motivated to find a promising career. Nothing offered the right challenge until he started work at Adhesif Labels Limited.

The answer to NZ's labour shortages?

Before she left school, Sulia Pepa decided she didn't want an office job. Now in an apprenticeship with City Care, Pepa loves the challenge.

Rangatahi growing in forestry with iwi trust training

A training initiative implemented by a central North Island iwi trust is taking rangatahi (youth) to new heights, three years since its launch.

Aotearoa reaches Apprenticeship Boost milestone

Aotearoa has reached a significant milestone, with 50,000 trade apprentices having passed through the Apprenticeship Boost programme since 2020.

Furniture manufacturer flourishes with a strong apprentice workforce

When challenged with finding more skilled tradespeople, Ferndale Furniture took on a team of apprentices who are continuing to deliver results.

Learning on the job beats university study for this engineer

Karthikeya Jithendra Babu had his future mapped out: studying mechanical engineering at university. A Gateway programme in high school changed that.

Changing trades

Competenz ambassador Ollie Lovell is a Fire Detection and Alarms apprentice with NPE-Tech, having switched from a pre-trade electrician course.

First woman to complete new version of mechanical engineering apprenticeship

Melinda van den Dolder is the first woman to complete the new version of the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4).

High achiever recognised at the Pride in Print Awards

Kosema Fuiono was announced as the BJ Ball Papers 2022 Apprentice of the Year at the Pride in Print Awards.

Setting the pace for women in engineering

Jadzia Pyne is halfway through her Fitting and Machining Engineering apprenticeship at the University of Auckland’s Technical Services Workshop.

Demographics deliver a ‘perfect storm’

To address our skills shortage NZ’s employers must broaden thinking about who is targeted for vocational education and training and how we train them.

From hammers to heating: changing trades

Sulia Pepa discovered her love for carpentry during woodwork classes, and it’s a trade she continued to study before discovering a new passion – HVAC.

A baking career sure to rise

Sue Brocherie may have decided to advance her baking later in life, but age is no barrier when you are as passionate about a craft as she is.

Join us at SpeedMeet 2022

Are you looking for new talent but short on time? Join us for a SpeedMeet event! This is a great chance for employers and secondary students to meet.

AXIAM Metals trio say it’s never too late to get qualified

These three AXIAM Metals apprentices are all passionate about machinery and creating products, and are driven to keep learning, no matter their age.

Back on his feet and focussed on the future

Pio Feite has overcome physical and personal challenges, but now looks forward to each day as an apprentice at Ali Arc Industries.

Petone printer wins student of the year award

Matthew (Matt) Stockford from Gravure Packaging in Wellington has been named the 2022 Print Diploma Student of the Year.

Cross-disciplined project focuses on learner support

A new joint project set up by Te Pūkenga is tasked with ensuring that ākonga/learners are at the centre of the system.

International Women’s Day shines light on gender imbalance

On International Women’s Day Competenz is calling for more women to enter the trades and redress the gender imbalance and pay inequity.

Opal is finding investing in apprentices is good for business

Opal is a manufacturer of corrugated fibre packaging for a wide range of customers in the food, wine, industrial and beverage industries. Bruce Coombe is Opal’s Technical Supervisor and has been with the company for the past 32 years, and a workplace apprentices assessor for Competenz for 20 years.

Keeping it in the family

Competenz Training Advisor Allen Bryce has spent the last 20 years helping students through their engineering qualifications; and he’s now training the son of one of his original learners in an apprenticeship.

Competenz congratulates former CEO for being made Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Former Competenz Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Blakey has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM) for his services to education.

'We need evolution not revolution': Competenz reacts to proposed workplace training reforms

Competenz, one of the country’s largest industry training organisations (ITOs), says the announcement by Education Minister Chris Hipkins proposing reforms to the sector could undermine critical workplace and apprenticeship training – training that is vital in addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages.

Training system reform - information for Competenz apprentices and trainees

You may have seen the news this week that the government has proposed major changes to New Zealand’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, which will impact all polytechnics and industry training organisations (ITOs) like Competenz

A butchery apprentice in his prime

Tristan Fraser has proved it's never too late to start a successful career. As a keen fisherman and hunter with eight years' experience managing a hunting retail store, the move into the retail meat sector has been a natural one. Tristan is in his 30s and three years into his butchery apprenticeship with Countdown and Competenz.