Apprenticeships
Your guide to apprenticeships in New Zealand
apprenticeships explained

A paid job with structured training

An apprenticeship combines paid employment with on-the-job learning, supported by online theory and campus based practical learning. Along the way you receive support and guidance from your EarnLearn account manager.  

What is an apprenticeship tile

You work with your employer and learning at the same time. Most of your learning happens on the job, with assessment and support helping you work towards a recognised qualification.

Recognised outcomes: Training aligns to NZQA standards.

Workplace learning: Skills are developed through real tasks, (on real sites) while you are at work

Paid employment: You earn while you build skills and experience.

What apprentices do day to day

Apprentices learn by doing. Tasks increase in complexity over time, with guidance from the workplace and a clear pathway for what skills need to be demonstrated next.

Complete normal work tasks under supervision, then with more independence as you progress

Collect evidence as part of the work you are already doing

Check in on progress so training stays on track alongside the workday

How it works →

How assessment works

Assessment is about showing you can do the work consistently to the required standard. Evidence is gathered in a practical way and recorded against the standards you are working toward.

Common evidence

  • Workplace documents and job records
  • Photos of completed work
  • Answers to questions and short discussions where needed

 

Verification

  • A supervisor or manager can confirm work has been completed to standard
  • This supports fair, consistent assessment across workplaces
  • It creates a clear trail of evidence for each result

Common evidence

  • Workplace documents and job records
  • Photos of completed work
  • Answers to questions and short discussions where needed

Verification

  • A supervisor or manager can confirm work has been completed to standard
  • This supports fair, consistent assessment across workplaces
  • It creates a clear trail of evidence for each result

Who is involved

Apprenticeships work best when everyone knows their role. The apprentice completes the work and gathers evidence, the workplace supports training on the job, and assessment confirms competence against the standards.

Apprentice

Builds skills on the job, keeps evidence up to date, and works through the training milestones.

Employer

Provides the opportunities to learn on the job while going about everyday work tasks. Monitors performance and provides feedback.

Workplace supervisor or assessor

Reviews evidence and verification, then confirms whether the standard has been met.

EarnLearn

Provides structure, resources, check ins, and support so progress is clear and consistent.

What you can expect from EarnLearn

EarnLearn helps keep workplace training organised and moving. You get a clear pathway, guidance on evidence, and support to reduce uncertainty for both apprentices and employers.

What you get

A structured training plan mapped to workplace tasks

Guidance on evidence and assessment requirements

Regular check ins and progress visibility

FAQs →
Talk to us →
HOW IT WORKS

How apprenticeships work

Apprenticeships work by combining everyday work with structured training and assessment. Skills are developed on the job, with progress tracked against clear requirements and milestones.

01

Work and earn

An apprenticeship is paid employment. Apprentices are part of the workplace from the start, earning a wage while gaining practical skills and experience through real work.

02

Learn through the job

Most learning happens in the workplace. Training is mapped to everyday tasks so skills are developed in real conditions, supported by off-job learning where required as part of the programme.

03

Prove competence

As work is completed, apprentices gather evidence that shows what they can do. Assessment confirms tasks can be performed consistently and to the required standard, with input from the workplace where appropriate.

04

Complete with a recognised outcome

Progress happens through clear milestones. When all requirements are met, apprentices complete their programme with a nationally recognised qualification and practical experience in their chosen field.

Training built around real work

TRADES WE OFFER

EarnLearn Trades

Find the support that fits you, whether you’re training on the tools or building a capable team.

Cranes

Safe, structured training for crane operators working in high-risk, high-responsibility environments.

Cranes

Electrical

Practical, on-the-job electrical training aligned to real work and NZQA standards.

Electrical
Industrial Measurement & Control
Electrical
Industrial Measurement & Control

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

Workplace-led training that builds capability across plumbing, gas, and drainage systems.

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

Gateway & other pathways

A supported pathway for students to gain real workplace experience while still at school.

Gateaway
Electrical RCC
Gateaway
Electrical RCC
Why EarnLearn

What working with EarnLearn is like

We work with the Electrical, Plumbing, Drainlaying or Gasfitting trades. When your employer is ready, we will enrol you in the apprenticeship and guide you through every step until you are fully qualified.

On-the-job learning

Training is mapped directly to real job tasks, not just theory. Apprentices build competence on real sites, using real tools, doing real work. That means learning sticks and progress feels relevant from the start.

What this looks like

  • Skills developed on live jobs, not in isolation
  • Evidence gathered naturally as work is completed
  • Learning aligned to how trades actually operate
Find the best trade for you →
Talk to us →
Find the best trade for you →
Talk to us →

Pastoral support

Apprenticeship training is not just about skills. It is also about staying motivated, supported, and confident while learning on the job. EarnLearn provides pastoral support from people who understand the trades. This support helps apprentices manage challenges early and stay engaged through to completion.

What this looks like

  • Regular check-ins focused on wellbeing and progress
  • Early support if issues arise on site or in training
  • Clear communication between apprentice, employer, and EarnLearn
Wellbeing Support →
Learning Support →
Wellbeing Support →
Learning Support →

Clear standards

Clear expectations are essential for successful workplace training. Everyone needs to know what is required and when. EarnLearn sets clear standards from the start so apprentices and employers understand what good performance looks like and how progress is measured.

What this looks like

  • Defined milestones throughout the training programme
  • Clear assessment requirements with no surprises
  • Consistent expectations across different workplaces
Assessment process →
Talk to us →
Assessment process →
Talk to us →

Industry-led delivery

Workplace training works best when it reflects how the industry actually operates.

EarnLearn programmes are shaped by employers and industry experts to ensure skills match real workplace needs and remain relevant as the industry changes.

What this looks like

  • Training designed with input from industry
  • Skills aligned to current tools, systems, and practices
  • Programmes that reflect real job requirements
See our programmes →
Talk to us →
See our programmes →
Talk to us →

Why EarnLearn?

EarnLearn provides a structured and supported approach to workplace training that works for both apprentices and employers. Training is built around real work, with clear expectations, consistent processes, and practical support at each stage.

We focus on making training easy to understand and manageable alongside day-to-day work. Progress is tracked against clear standards, support is available when it is needed, and everyone involved knows what is required and what comes next. This helps apprentices build skills with confidence and allows employers to support training without unnecessary complexity.

The result is training that fits naturally into the workday and leads to meaningful, recognised outcomes.

Find the best trade for you →
Sign Up with EarnLearn →
Find the best trade for you →
Sign Up with EarnLearn →
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about apprenticeships

Quick answers about apprenticeships with EarnLearn

Most apprenticeships take between three and five years to complete. The exact length depends on several factors, including the qualification you’re working towards, your prior experience, and how steadily you progress through the required training and assessments. Some apprentices may finish sooner if they already have relevant skills or experience.

Typical timeframe for Electrical

~ 4 years

Typical timeframe for Industrial Measurement & Control

~ 14 months

Typical timeframe for Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

~ 3 - 5 years

No prior experience is required to start an apprenticeship; however you need to be employed in the specific trade you want to do your apprenticeship in. Many apprentices begin with little or no background in the trade. What matters most is your willingness to learn, turn up consistently, and develop skills over time. Employers provide on-the-job learning, and training is designed to build competence step by step.

Some employers may prefer applicants with basic experience or pre-trade training, but this is not always required.

Find an employer →
Sign up for an apprenticeship →
Find an employer →
Sign up for an apprenticeship →

You’ll receive structured support throughout your apprenticeship. EarnLearn provides guidance to help you understand training requirements, track progress, and stay on course. Support includes regular check-ins, help with evidence and assessment requirements, and coordination between you, your employer, and assessors if needed.

If challenges come up, support is available to help resolve issues early and keep training moving.

Learning Support →
Wellbeing Support →
Get in touch →
Learning Support →
Wellbeing Support →
Get in touch →

The cost of an apprenticeship can vary depending on the programme, qualification, and funding eligibility. In many cases, government funding is available to help reduce the cost of training, either partially or in full.

Apprentices are paid by their employer, and training costs are usually shared between the employer, the apprentice, and available funding support. EarnLearn helps guide apprentices and employers through what costs apply and what funding options may be available, so there are no surprises.

Costs may include training and assessment fees, and in some cases course materials or off-job learning components. Any fees and funding arrangements are explained upfront before training begins.

Fees & Funding →
Apprenticeship Boost →
Have any questions? →
Fees & Funding →
Apprenticeship Boost →
Have any questions? →
Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support
Trade quiz

Which trade is right for you?

Answer 7 quick questions to get a personalised result based on your work style, preferences, and what trade life is really like.

  • Get clarity on which pathway suits you and what the commitment looks like
  • Understand what training looks like day to day (evidence, assessments, support)
  • See your result instantly and take the next step if you’re ready
Do you enjoy practical, hands-on tasks?
Are early starts and being on your feet OK for you?
Do you learn best by doing and working with a mentor?
Are you happy to follow safety rules and wear PPE?
Do you like variety, different sites, indoors and outdoors?
Does “earn while you learn” and a stable career appeal to you?
Are you ready to commit to 2–4 years and show up consistently?
Your result

Result

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    Do you have any questions about apprenticeships?

    We are here to make the next step clear and straightforward. From choosing the right apprenticeship pathway to understanding how training and assessment works, we will guide you through what to expect and help you get underway with confidence.

    Confirm the right apprenticeship pathway and expected timeframe

    Understand how training, evidence and assessment works

    Get a clear plan so progress stays on track

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