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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

  1. Discuss with your employer: Start by talking to your employer about doing an apprenticeship.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

PART-TIME - 4 Years
Trades

Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Toolmaking

Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.

PART-TIME - 4 Years
Trades

Certificate in Carpentry

Grow your carpentry and organisational skills on the job.

PART-TIME - 4 Years
Trades

Certificate in Joinery with strand in Cabinetry

Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.

PART-TIME - 3 Years
Trades

Certificate in Joinery

Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.

PART-TIME - 4 Years
Trades

Certificate in Joinery with strand in Timber Door and Window

Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.

PART-TIME - 3 Years
Trades

Certificate in Joinery with strand in Stairs

Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.

PART-TIME - 3 Years
Trades

Certificate in Engineering Fabrication - Heavy Fabrication

Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.

PART-TIME - 4 Years
Trades

Certificate in Engineering Fabrication -Light Fabrication

Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.

PART-TIME - 4 Years
Trades

Certificate in Engineering Fabrication - Steel Construction

Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.

PART-TIME - 4 Years
Trades

Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering

Equip yourself with the in-depth skills needed to work as an auto technician.

PART-TIME - 3 Years
Trades

New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

Get your career in automotive engineering off to the best start.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Starts: August
Sullivan Ave
Trades

Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing

Equip yourself with skills for a career in the automotive collision repair and refinishing industry.

FULL-TIME - 49 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: July
Sullivan Ave
Trades