Electrical
Training the next generation of electricians
NZ Certificate • Level 4

The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) – General Electrical [4204] is a nationally recognised qualification that supports the growth of New Zealand’s electrical workforce. It equips apprentices with the skills and knowledge to become registered electricians, while giving employers confidence that staff are trained to industry standards.

Covering installation, maintenance, safety, and compliance, this programme is the recognised pathway for both individuals seeking a secure trade career and businesses wanting to develop capable, qualified teams.

Core Skills

Apply electrical knowledge to work with systems, equipment, machines, and protection devices.

Work safely by identifying hazards, managing risks, and following safety procedures.

Follow legal requirements, including electrical and related non-electrical regulations.

Perform practical tasks such as installing, maintaining, testing, and fault-finding electrical systems, while communicating effectively.

Apprenticeship Model

Work full-time in the trade while completing structured learning.

Earn while you learn with support from qualified assessors.

Blend on-job experience with off-job training for balance.

Typical completion time is around four years.

Industry Value

This qualification is highly regarded by employers, assuring consistent national standards, up-to-date technical capability, and safe work practices, strengthening workforce capability and productivity across the sector.

Career Outcomes

Eligibility to apply for registration with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

Work as a qualified electrician across residential, commercial, or industrial environments.

Pathways into specialisation, supervision, or self-employment.

NEXT STEPS

How can EarnLearn help you?

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

Train your Electrical team with less admin.

EarnLearn supports electrical employers with workplace-led apprenticeship training, clear electrical milestones, and reliable progress reporting so you can stay focused on site while training stays compliant, structured, and on track.

What you get

  • Clear visibility of electrical apprentice progress across on-job and off-job training
  • Structured milestones aligned to electrical registration and licensing requirements
  • Reduced admin and fewer delays with clear expectations and evidence guidance
  • Consistent support that improves retention and completion rates
For employers →
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Stay on track from day one.

Get structured electrical apprenticeship support, clear evidence requirements, and regular check-ins so you always know what to work on next and how to progress toward registration.

What you get 

  • Clear electrical milestones so you know what comes next
  • Support with evidence, assessments, and off-job requirements
  • Regular check-ins to keep your apprenticeship moving and avoid delays
For trainees →
Talk to us →
electrical trainees

A clear pathway into
your trade

Earn while you learn with structured training, real-world experience, and ongoing support. We help apprentices understand what’s required at each stage and stay focused on progressing toward qualification.

Electrical apprentices →
Two apprentices in hi-vis vests discussing notes inside a workshop.
electrical employers

Built for employers who
want certainty

Hiring an apprentice is a commercial decision. We work alongside employers to manage training requirements, compliance, and progress so your trainee adds value to the business while staying on track.

electrical employers →
apprentice journey

What the electrical apprenticeship journey looks like

Electrical apprenticeships are structured by qualification level and work pathway. Your training progresses as you build skills on the job, while your pathway reflects the type of electrical work you are gaining experience in. You can gain experience across more than one pathway over time, depending on your employer’s work and your on job exposure.

Year 1 focus
Get legal to work, get set up, start building evidence

Licence
TLC in place

Safety
First Aid booked

Training
Off job started

Evidence
Verifier engaged

Register with EWRB and apply for your Trainee Limited Certificate
Required to carry out prescribed electrical work

Meet your EarnLearn Account Manager and get set up
Training plan, expectations, and what to do next

Book and complete First Aid
A core requirement early in training

Start on job assessments and get verifier sign off
Build evidence as you work, not at the end

Start off job training with your local provider
Theory that supports what you are doing on site

3 month checkpoint

By the end of month 3

  • First Aid booked or completed
  • TLC application underway or approved
  • Tradestart and first evidence started

You are set up to work legally, with training underway and your first on job evidence captured.

Need help with any of this? Get in touch

Year 2 focus
Build consistency, complete core off job training, keep evidence moving

Licence
TLC current

Training
Year 1 off job complete

Evidence
Booklets in progress

Support
Regular check-ins

Continue off job training with your local provider
Build the theory that supports your on site work. Keep block dates organised and attendance strong.

Complete a minimum number of on job booklets
Keep evidence moving throughout the year. Small, regular progress beats leaving it all to the end.

Keep verifier sign-offs up to date
Regular sign-offs confirm competence and keep your progress on track.

Complete your first year of off job training
A key milestone that keeps your training timeline clear and predictable.

Plan your next year with EarnLearn
Review progress with your Account Manager and confirm priorities for Year 3.

By the end of year 2

By the end of Year 2, you should have:

  • A current Trainee Limited Certificate

  • Year 1 off job training completed

  • On job evidence and verifier sign-offs progressing steadily

You are progressing steadily, with core off job training completed and on job evidence building.

Need help with any of this? Get in touch

Year 3 focus
Build depth, complete remaining training, prepare for final assessment and registration

Licence
TLC current

Training
Off job ongoing

Evidence
Majority of booklets completed

Assessment
Preparation underway

Continue off job training with your local provider
Build advanced theory to support higher-level electrical work. Maintain strong attendance to avoid delays.

Complete First Aid and Safety refresher (if required)
First Aid must be kept current. Refreshers are required every two years.

Complete remaining on job booklets
Finish all required and specialty booklets. Evidence should clearly show competence across a range of electrical work.

Prepare for EWRB theory and regulations exams
Begin structured exam preparation early. Focus on electrical theory, regulations, and safe practice.

Complete and submit final assessments
Work with your Account Manager and verifier to ensure all evidence is complete, signed off, and ready for final assessment.

End of Year 3 checkpoint

By the end of Year 3, you should have:

  • All off job training completed

  • All on job and specialty booklets signed off

  • EWRB theory and regulations exams completed or booked

  • Final assessments submitted

You are now positioned to complete your qualification and apply to the EWRB for registration and a practising licence.

Need help with any of this? Get in touch

HOW IT WORKS

A clear, supported electrical apprenticeship pathway

EarnLearn works alongside electrical apprentices and employers to deliver practical, workplace-led training that supports electrical registration and licensing without unnecessary complexity.

01

Get set up

We work with you and your employer to confirm the right electrical apprenticeship pathway, registration expectations, and training plan from day one so everyone is clear on what is required and what comes next.

02

Learn on the job

Electrical training is mapped directly to real electrical tasks such as installation, maintenance, fault-finding, and testing so skills are built on site, in real conditions, with structured off-job learning where required.

03

Check in and track progress

Regular check-ins, clear milestones, and assessment support help apprentices progress through electrical competencies while giving employers visibility over training progress, performance, and compliance.

04

Stay supported

Pastoral care and wellbeing support help electrical apprentices stay motivated and on track, while employers receive clear guidance, issue-resolution support, and a consistent point of contact throughout the training journey.

05

Finish strong

We support apprentices through to completion, ensuring electrical skills are assessed, recognised, and aligned with registration and licensing requirements, setting apprentices up for the next stage of their electrical career.

Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support
Frequently Asked Questions

Electrical FAQs

Quick answers for learners and employers about the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) – General Electrical [4204].

Most learners complete 4204 in around four years. Timeframes depend on prior experience, workplace opportunities, and progress through assessments.

The qualification is the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) General Electrical [4204].


This qualification is required to progress toward electrical registration and licensing in New Zealand.

New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) →

EarnLearn provides structured training support including progress tracking, assessment guidance, regular check-ins, and pastoral care. Employers receive visibility over apprentice progress, compliance support, and a clear point of contact throughout the apprenticeship.

EarnLearn TradeMatch →
Wellbeing Support →
Learning Support →

To enrol, apprentices must be employed in an electrical role with a suitable employer and be able to complete on-job training requirements. Additional entry requirements may apply depending on the training provider and programme structure. You can see NZQA or get in touch with our team for more information. 

Contact Us →

Guidance with onboarding, training plans, assessments, and funding advice plus ongoing pastoral support.

Employer Information →
GET In touch

Talk to us about Electrical apprenticeships

Whether you are an apprentice starting out or an employer building electrical capability, we will help you confirm the right electrical apprenticeship pathway and get training underway.

Confirm the right electrical apprenticeship pathway and expected timeframe

Understand evidence, assessments and requirements

Get a clear plan so progress stays on track

Send an enquiry

Share a few details and we will point you to the right next step.

Tip: If you are an employer, include how many apprentices you want to train.

electrical apprenticeship Get in touch

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