Top Apprenticeship Programs in New Zealand (2025): Trades, Tech & More

Introduction: Why Apprenticeships Matter in 2025

In 2025, apprenticeships in New Zealand are a cornerstone of workforce development, driven by a shift toward skills-based hiring over traditional degrees. The job market increasingly values practical experience, and apprenticeships offer a unique "earn while you learn" model. Government initiatives, such as the Apprenticeship Boost scheme, provide financial support to employers, ensuring accessibility, as outlined by Careers.govt.nz. Employer support through partnerships with Industry Training Organizations (ITOs) like BCITO and MITO ensures structured training. This model is ideal for school leavers, career changers, and those seeking stable careers without student debt. Social media discussions on platforms like X highlight challenges like finding placements but praise government backing, with one user noting, "Apprenticeships here are well-protected compared to the USA."

This guide is tailored for New Zealand residents, with insights for international applicants. Need a CV to stand out? Try our free CV maker and explore our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 for expert tips. For more career insights, visit our career blog.

Top Trades Apprenticeships in New Zealand (2025)

New Zealand’s trade sector is booming, driven by infrastructure and housing projects. Below are the top trades apprenticeships, with details on demand, providers, duration, and pay:

• Construction & Carpentry: High demand due to housing shortages and infrastructure developments, as noted by BCITO. Offered through BCITO and Te Pūkenga, these take 3-4 years (Builders Academy). Pay starts at the training minimum wage of $18.80/hour, progressing to $28/hour for advanced apprentices (PayScale).
• Electrical & Plumbing: Long-term demand in residential and commercial sectors, managed by ETCO and MITO. Electrical apprenticeships take 3.5 years, plumbing 3-4 years (Skills.org.nz). Electrical pay starts at $18.52-$23.15/hour, reaching $25-$29/hour for later years (TCCO). Plumbing starts at training minimum wage, with qualified plumbers earning up to $39/hour (Careers.govt.nz).
• Automotive Technician: High demand for hands-on learners, offered via MITO. Takes 4 years (Ara). Pay starts at $23-$27/hour, progressing to $25-$35/hour (SEEK).
• Welding & Fabrication: Essential in manufacturing and infrastructure, managed by Competenz. Takes 4 years (Express Sheetmetals). Pay starts at training minimum wage, with qualified welders earning $60,000-$65,000/year (Careers.govt.nz).

X discussions note employer reluctance to hire apprentices due to costs, but demand remains strong. Tailor your CV for these roles and explore related opportunities in our Engineering Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide. Check our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 for expert tips.

Emerging Tech & Digital Apprenticeships

Tech apprenticeships in New Zealand are less formalized but rapidly expanding, often delivered through graduate programs or on-the-job training. The tech sector’s growth, driven by digital transformation, creates diverse opportunities for hands-on learners. Key areas include:

• IT Support & Cybersecurity: High demand in SMEs, government, and tech firms, with "Digital Boost" apprenticeships. A projected need for 5,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2024 offers entry salaries of $55,000-$70,000, focusing on network security and threat prevention (Nucamp).
• Web Development & Software Engineering: Tech companies like Xero and Google offer non-traditional apprenticeships, such as Google’s software developer program, emphasizing coding and project management (Build Your Future with Google).
• Cloud & Data Analytics: Aligned with AWS, Microsoft, and Google certifications, these programs focus on cloud infrastructure, data visualization, and AI, often via graduate or short-term training schemes.

X users note tech apprenticeships may require degrees, but entry-level roles are accessible with certifications. For tech careers, explore our IT Jobs in New Zealand 2025 and Software Engineer Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guides. Tailor your application with our free CV maker.

Other Sectors Offering Strong Apprenticeships

Beyond trades and tech, New Zealand offers robust apprenticeships in diverse, high-demand sectors, supporting career stability and community impact:

• Hospitality & Culinary Arts: Managed by ServiceIQ, these Level 3 and 4 programs train in food and beverage service, ideal for roles in hotels and restaurants.
• Healthcare Support: Careerforce provides programs in aged care, disability, and mental health support, leading to Level 4 qualifications. Explore related roles in our Nursing Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.
• Agriculture & Horticulture: Primary ITO offers dairy farming, livestock, and horticulture programs, with 50% fee reductions in 2025. See related opportunities in our Farm Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.

For more on hospitality careers, explore our Hospitality Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide to find top roles and application tips.

Where to Find Apprenticeship Opportunities

Key resources include:

• National Providers: Careers.govt.nz, BCITO, MITO, and Primary ITO.
• Job Boards: Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and Student Job Search. For part-time options, see our Student Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.
• Government Support: Work & Income NZ and Te Pūkenga.

Track applications with a spreadsheet and tailor your CV using our free CV builder. For more career resources, visit our homepage to explore opportunities across New Zealand.

Pay, Duration & Qualifications

Apprenticeships in New Zealand provide clear financial rewards and nationally recognized qualifications, ensuring long-term career stability:

• Pay: Starts at $18.80/hour (training minimum wage), with carpentry apprentices reaching $28/hour by year three, reflecting skill growth (PayScale).
• Duration: Typically 3-4 years, e.g., electrical at 3.5 years, with some agriculture programs as short as 2 years (Skills.org.nz).
• Qualifications: Most lead to Level 4 NZQA qualifications, like the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering, opening doors to advanced roles (EarnLearn).

Highlight your potential with our free CV maker. For insights into high-earning careers after apprenticeships, explore our High-Paying Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.

Entry Requirements & How to Apply

Entry requires:

• Requirements: NCEA Level 1 or 2, with passion and practical skills prioritized. Some trades need a driver’s license (Careers.govt.nz).
• Application: Prepare a strong CV, practice interviews, and find a sponsor/employer. X users suggest in-person resume drops and work experience offers.

Use our free CV builder and Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025. Prepare for interviews with our Job Interview Preparation Guide for New Zealand 2025.

Can Immigrants or International Students Apply?

International applicants with work visas or permanent residency can apply. Transitioning to residency is possible via the Skilled Migrant Category (Immigration New Zealand). X users note challenges with unrecognized foreign qualifications but highlight student visas as a pathway.

State visa eligibility in your CV using our free CV builder and Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025. For visa-friendly career options, explore our Government Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.

Tips for Success During an Apprenticeship

Thrive in your apprenticeship by adopting strategies that build skills and connections:

• Building Soft Skills: Prioritize clear communication and reliability to excel in team settings (Careerforce).
• Networking: Connect with supervisors and peers to unlock mentorship and job opportunities.
• Documenting Learning: Log skills and projects to strengthen future job applications (Careers.govt.nz).
• Seeking Feedback: Regularly ask trainers for input to improve performance and confidence.

Boost your career with our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide. For roles emphasizing communication, see our Customer Service Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.

Career Path After Apprenticeship

Completing an apprenticeship opens diverse, rewarding career paths in New Zealand:

• Full-Time Skilled Work: Electricians earn up to $38/hour, with steady demand in construction and infrastructure (TCCO).
• Start a Business: Common in trades like carpentry, where X users highlight thriving small shops.
• Upskill: Further NZQA qualifications, such as Level 5 diplomas, unlock management or supervisory roles (Primary ITO).

Explore career paths and long-term growth with our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide. For advanced roles like management, see our Consulting Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.

Conclusion

Apprenticeships in New Zealand for 2025 offer practical experience, income, and growth across trades, tech, and other sectors. Whether you’re a local or international applicant, these programs provide rewarding careers with government and industry support. Act quickly, tailor your applications, and leverage networking to secure your spot.

For broader career strategies, explore our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide. Build a winning CV with our free CV maker and prepare for success with our Job Interview Preparation Guide for New Zealand 2025. Discover more career tips on our career blog.