Trainee FAQs
Answers to common questions about your training journey

Getting Started

Everything you need to know before you begin, from how to apply to what to expect in your first few weeks.

To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to:

  • Be living in New Zealand and have the legal right to work

  • Have, or be actively seeking, employment with an employer in your chosen trade

  • Enrol with EarnLearn so we can support your training and qualification

If you already have an employer, we’ll guide both you and your employer through the enrolment process. If you don’t yet have a job, EarnLearn TradeMatch can help connect you with employers who are looking for apprentices, and support you with next steps while you’re job hunting.

EarnLearn TradeMatch →
Sign Up Form →

No prior trade experience is required for most apprenticeships. Many apprentices start with no hands-on experience and learn on the job. What matters most is your attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn.

Some employers may prefer basic experience or pre-trade exposure, but this is not always essential.

You can complete pre-trade training which helps you get knowledge and practical skills and a taste of working in a particular industry. It shows employers you’re ready for an apprenticeship.

Pre-Trade Training →

You generally need to be at least 16 years old to start an apprenticeship. Some programmes or employers may have additional age requirements depending on the trade or work environment.

If you’re under 18, extra consent or safeguards may apply.

Apprenticeship Info →

Yes, in many cases you can. If you’re still at school, EarnLearn’s Gateway programme allows you to gain real-world workplace experience while completing your NCEA studies.

Gateway placements give students the opportunity to:

  • Experience a chosen trade in a real workplace

  • Build practical skills and confidence

  • Earn credits while still at school

  • Get a head start toward an apprenticeship after leaving school

Gateway is arranged through your school in partnership with EarnLearn and a host employer. Availability depends on your school, location, and the trade you’re interested in.

Gateway →

This depends on your trade and employer. Some employers provide tools, while others expect apprentices to gradually build their own tool kit over time. You won’t usually need everything on day one.

We recommend checking expectations with your employer early.

During Your Apprenticeship

Everything about day-to-day life as an apprentice: how training works, what support you’ll get, and how to stay on track.

Most apprenticeships take around 3 to 5 years to complete. The exact timeframe depends on:

  • Your trade

  • How consistently you complete your training and assessments

  • Your work hours and on-the-job experience

Some apprentices finish sooner if they progress quickly and submit evidence regularly, while others may take longer if training is part-time or interrupted.

Typical timeframe for Electrical

~ 4 years

Typical timeframe for Cranes

~ 48 weeks

Typical timeframe for Industrial Measurement & Control

~ 14 months

Typical timeframe for Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

~ 3 - 5 years

Yes. Apprentices are employees and earn a wage while training. You’re paid by your employer, not EarnLearn.

Your pay rate is set by your employment agreement and typically increases as you gain skills, experience, and responsibility over time.

EarnLearn manages your apprenticeship training and progress toward qualification, working closely with your employer and training provider.

You’ll be supported by a dedicated EarnLearn Training Advisor who:

  • Helps keep your training on track

  • Guides you through assessments

  • Acts as your main point of contact throughout your apprenticeship

You can search for your Account Manager on our Contact Us page

Search for your Account Manager →

You’ll record your work activities, learning, and assessment evidence through EarnLearn’s online system.

When you start, your Training Advisor will show you:

  • What evidence you need to submit

  • How often to log your progress

  • How to use the system confidently

Sign in to MyPortal →

Qualifications & Progress

How your training, assessments, and credits work. 

You’ll work toward a nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate relevant to your chosen trade. The exact qualification depends on your apprenticeship programme and industry pathway.

Your Training Advisor will confirm:

  • The qualification you’re enrolled in

  • What units or standards you need to complete

  • How your progress toward qualification is tracked

All qualifications are recognised across New Zealand.

NZQA →

Assessments are designed to fit around your job and are completed as part of your normal work.

They typically include:

  • On-the-job competency checks

  • Practical observations in the workplace

  • Theory tasks or questions linked to real work activities

Assessments are carried out by qualified assessors, and in some cases your EarnLearn Training Advisor, depending on the programme.

Assessment Process →

Possibly. If you’ve completed relevant study, training, or have prior industry experience, you may be eligible for cross-credit.

Your Training Advisor will:

  • Review your previous study or experience

  • Confirm whether it meets qualification requirements

  • Apply credits where appropriate

Each request is assessed individually.

Electrical Recognition New Zealand →

In most cases, your apprenticeship can continue if you change employers, as long as you remain working in the same trade.

If this happens, contact your Training Advisor as soon as possible. EarnLearn will:

  • Help transfer your apprenticeship to your new employer

  • Update your training agreement and records

  • Support you through the transition so your training stays on track

Contact Us →

Support & Wellbeing

How we help & support you throughout your apprenticeship 

Yes. EarnLearn offers a range of learning support to help you succeed throughout your apprenticeship.

This may include:

  • Literacy and numeracy support

  • Study guidance and assessment help

  • Access to learning resources tailored to your trade

If you have specific learning needs or are finding parts of your training challenging, let your Training Advisor know so support can be put in place early.

Learning Support →

We understand that life doesn’t stop while you’re training. If personal, health, financial, or wellbeing issues are affecting your ability to focus or keep up, talk to your EarnLearn Training Advisor as early as possible.

EarnLearn can help by:

  • Talking through next steps and practical options

  • Connecting you with confidential wellbeing, financial, legal, or mental health support

  • Adjusting training expectations where appropriate

All conversations are handled respectfully and confidentially.

If you need additional support, you can also access EarnLearn’s Wellbeing Support services, which offer physical, mental, financial, and legal support to apprentices and employers across New Zealand.

Wellbeing Support →

In some situations, it may be possible to pause your apprenticeship for a period due to personal, medical, or family reasons.

This needs to be discussed with both your employer and EarnLearn so we can:

  • Confirm eligibility to pause training

  • Put the right arrangements in place

  • Support you to return to training when you’re ready

Your Account Manager will guide you through the process.

Contact Us →

Pay & Employment

How pay works, what benefits you’re entitled to, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right at work.

You’re employed by your workplace, so your employer pays your wages. EarnLearn supports and oversees your training and assessments but does not employ you directly.

Your pay rate and conditions are set out in your employment agreement with your employer.

Yes. As an employee, you’re entitled to all standard employment rights under New Zealand law, including:

  • Paid annual leave

  • Sick leave

  • Public holidays

Your employer is responsible for ensuring these entitlements are provided correctly.

Employment New Zealand →

If you have concerns about your pay, work conditions, or anything affecting your training, contact your EarnLearn Training Advisor as soon as possible.

EarnLearn can:

  • Help you understand your rights and options

  • Support discussions or mediation where appropriate

  • Work with you and your employer to help keep your apprenticeship on track

If you need additional guidance, you can also access EarnLearn’s Wellbeing Support services, which include confidential legal and employment-related support.

Wellbeing Support →

Health & Safety

Your responsibilities, required safety training, and what to do if an accident happens on site.

Yes. Health and safety training is essential and is usually completed early in your apprenticeship.

This may include:

  • Core health and safety training modules

  • Trade-specific safety requirements

  • Site-specific inductions provided by your employer

Your employer is responsible for ensuring you’re inducted safely on site, and EarnLearn supports you to complete any required training as part of your programme.

Health and Safety courses →

If you’re injured at work, report it immediately to your employer and your EarnLearn Training Advisor.

You’ll need to:

  • Follow your workplace’s injury reporting process

  • Complete an incident or accident form

  • Seek medical attention if required

EarnLearn will help ensure the correct follow-up is in place, including ACC support where applicable, and that your training remains supported during your recovery.

ACC →

Completion & Next Steps

What happens when you finish your apprenticeship and how to keep building your career in the trades.

Once you’ve completed all required practical work, assessments, and theory, your EarnLearn Training Advisor will review your progress and confirm that all requirements have been met.

They’ll then:

  • Confirm your official completion

  • Organise the issuing of your qualification certificate

  • Talk you through what happens next

After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll be a qualified tradesperson with a nationally recognised qualification.

From there, you may choose to:

  • Continue working in your trade as a qualified professional

  • Progress into advanced or specialist qualifications

  • Work toward becoming a licensed supervisor or assessor

  • Start or grow your own business

Your next step depends on your goals, and EarnLearn can help you explore options.

Digital Tools & Support

Here’s how to log in, access support, and make the most of the EarnLearn digital tools during your apprenticeship.

You’ll receive a welcome email when you enrol, which includes a link to the EarnLearn learner portal. This portal is where you’ll access training information, submit evidence, and keep track of your progress.

If you’ve forgotten your password, use the password reset link on the login page. If you’re still having trouble, our support team can help.

Sign in to MyPortal →
Contact Us →

If you experience technical issues with the learner portal or digital tools, contact the EarnLearn support team:

They can help with login issues, access problems, or general technical questions.

Contact Us →

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Get in touch

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm: 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)

support@earnlearn.ac.nz

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