FAQ
Questions new apprentices ask
How do I start a trade apprenticeship in NZ?
Two routes. (1) Land a job with an employer who signs you up through an ITO like BCITO (building, plumbing), Connexis (infrastructure, energy), Competenz (manufacturing, engineering) or MITO (automotive). (2) Start a pre-apprenticeship course at a polytech, then apply to employers. The first route pays sooner.
How much do first-year apprentices earn in NZ in 2026?
Most first-year apprentices sit at $22–$25/hr. The starting-out minimum wage is $19.16/hr, but most trades pay above that. Pay rises each year of the apprenticeship, and year 4 apprentices are typically close to a qualified rate.
What trades are in shortest supply in NZ?
Electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers, diesel mechanics and heavy machinery operators are all on the Green List or the construction skill-shortage list. These trades are the easiest to get an apprenticeship in right now.
What should be on an apprentice CV with no experience?
One page. Lead with drivers licence, Site Safe (if you have it), any physical or after-school work. List school subjects relevant to trade (maths, tech, physics). Then volunteer or community work. Add a one-line personal statement: honest, reliable, keen to learn. Two referees — a teacher and a part-time boss work fine.
Do I need NCEA or school qualifications to start an apprenticeship?
Most employers prefer NCEA Level 2, especially in maths and English. Some trades (electrical, plumbing) require it. If you don’t have it, many polytechs offer a Level 2 pre-trade programme that ITO employers recognise.