Trades Apprenticeships
Many trades programmes at Ara include an apprenticeship.
With an Ara apprenticeship tailored to your specific needs and situation, you can gain a formal qualification, while you work and earn. Our apprenticeship offerings cover a wide range of trades - scroll down to see what’s available.
How our apprenticeships work
To start your apprenticeship journey, you’ll need to be employed in a relevant trade and have the backing of your employer. Once your apprenticeship starts, you’ll participate in weekly evening classes and block courses at Ara.
You’ll spend most of your time at Ara practicing the skills we teach you in our industry-standard workshops. This hands-on approach ensures you’re capable and confident when working on real-world projects at work.
Our dedicated tutors will visit you at your workplace to offer support and assess your progress.
Upon completing all practical and theoretical components, you'll receive a New Zealand Certificate in your chosen trade from Ara, along with a certificate of hours completed from your employer.
Steps to get started
- Discuss with your employer: Start by talking to your employer about doing an apprenticeship.
- Contact Ara: View the programme pages below and use the ‘Enquire Now’ button to get in touch with us. We’ll arrange a meeting at your workplace with you, your employer and an Ara representative.
- Create an apprenticeship plan: Ara staff will work with you and your employer to create a tailored apprenticeship plan specifically for you.
Programmes
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Maintenance Engineering
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Toolmaking
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Carpentry
Grow your carpentry and organisational skills on the job.
Certificate in Joinery with strand in Cabinetry
Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.
Certificate in Joinery
Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.
Certificate in Joinery with strand in Timber Door and Window
Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.
Certificate in Joinery with strand in Stairs
Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.
Certificate in Engineering Fabrication - Heavy Fabrication
Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.
Certificate in Engineering Fabrication -Light Fabrication
Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.
Certificate in Engineering Fabrication - Steel Construction
Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.
Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering
Equip yourself with the in-depth skills needed to work as an auto technician.
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)
Get your career in automotive engineering off to the best start.
Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing
Equip yourself with skills for a career in the automotive collision repair and refinishing industry.