Engineering apprenticeships up for grabs

Thirty engineering apprenticeship vacancies need to be filled to meet immediate demand and there will be another 40 to be filled shortly.

“There is real demand for quality candidates for quality roles,” says ATNZ General Manager Toni Christie.

Jobs with a weekly pay packet and a training programme to gain an internationally recognised qualification are currently available in all areas of mechanical engineering: general engineering, machining, fitting, fabrication, maintenance engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning, mechanical building services, dairy systems, metal casting, toolmaking, and lock-smithing.

“For jobseekers looking for a career in the engineering sector, it’s an excellent way to gain experience and a qualification without accruing student debt,” Christie says.

Ideal candidates will be New Zealand citizens aged 17 or over, have a full or restricted driver’s licence, have attended secondary school for three or four years and gained NCEA Level 2 in maths and English.

Candidates can apply for specific vacancies listed on the ATNZ website, or fill out a general engineering apprenticeship application form.

Gary Crosbie of Mangawhai Engineering and Marine says he has put the word out at local secondary schools but has not attracted any takers to date.

“We are happy to discuss the prospect of an apprenticeship with anyone who may be interested in engineering as a career,” he said.

n For further information on engineering apprenticeships or to apply visit atnz.org.nz.

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SHORTAGE: Apprentices receive a weekly pay packet and a training programme to gain an internationally recognised qualification.