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Electrical

Electrical apprenticeships 

Looking for a career as an electrician or keen to take on an electrical apprentice?

EarnLearn provides quality training and pastoral care for learners on the journey to becoming an electrician in New Zealand.

If you want to become an apprentice, you’ll need to talk with an electrical company about taking you on as an apprentice. As an apprentice, you can earn while you learn with our electrical apprenticeship and get all the support you need to be successful in your learning.

If you’re an employer EarnLearn offers high quality apprentice training, and is set to support you and your trainee through an electrical apprenticeship.

New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4)
- General Electrical [4204]

Gain this qualification

The purpose of this qualification is to get learners ready for registration as an electrician in New Zealand. The programme will ensure that electricians have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and competently with electricity in New Zealand. It provides a common standard of competency for electricians and protects the public from the dangers of electrical work.

How the Training Works

There are two main components to your training as an apprentice:
1. On-job training - On-job assessments are completed in the workplace and signed off by a workplace verifier.
2. Off-job training - electrical theory is delivered by on-campus providers in various ways, either day or night classes for example.
During a normal working day an apprentice will learn the skills and knowledge only an electrician can teach. The two forms of learning are designed to be done side-by-side, so learners complete their apprenticeships in around three and a half years.

Supporting you for success

At enrolment, an EarnLearn Account Manager is allocated to each learner. They will support the learner throughout their training. Learners can select their preferred on-campus provider, where they will attend their off-job theory training.
Once enrolled, the learner receives a log-in to the online platform where they can access and start their on-job training. Learners will receive an information pack with everything they need to get started.

Interested in becoming an electrician?

To become an electrical apprentice, learners must be at least 16 years old and should have at least a restricted driver’s licence. Learners must also have achieved National Certificate NCEA level 2 Maths and English or have equivalent skills and knowledge.

Step 1 – Learners need to find an electrical employer who is willing to take them on and support them through the apprenticeship.

Step 2 – Contact EarnLearn to arrange enrolment. 

Step 3 – Start learning and continue to earn.

Apply now

For more information about the new programme or to enrol, fill in this contact form, or give us a call on 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT) or send us an email at support@earnlearn.ac.nz.

Want to know more?

Here’s a link to some frequently asked questions about our new programme.  

What funding is available?

Learners may be eligible for Fees Free. If you are a first-time learner, or your first tertiary education was covered by the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), you may be able to get your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training.  

For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the Fees Free website.

Boost for employers

Employers may be able to receive the Apprenticeship Boost, this is a payment made to employers to help them keep and take on apprentices.
Click here for more information.

What support is available for learners?

  • Your EarnLearn Account Manager is there to help you, so please get in touch if there’s anything you need support with. This handy map shows you who the EarnLearn Account Managers are in your region, and how to contact them if you need assistance. You can also call 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT). 
  • All trainees have access to our free learner support programme run by Vitae. Vitae is a free, confidential, 24/7 counselling service that is available to all EarnLearn learners. This type of pastoral support can be essential in helping learners stay on track for success. 
  • Part of EarnLearn’s job is to provide support to apprentices with learning differences. We also help employers support their employees who learn differently. Email us at literacy@earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz to find out how we can help.

How to get started

Find an employer

The first step of the process is to find an employer. If you’re already working in the electrical industry you can approach your employer. If you are looking to begin your electrical journey, you can contact prospective employers directly.

Image of person next to white board, how training works

Locations for on-campus learning

We have campuses all around New Zealand where you will take part in on campus learning. We have regional managers and account managers all around the regions to support you throughout your learning journey.

Sign up

Once you and your employer are ready to get started, get in touch with us. You can give us a call on 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT), you can email us at support@earnlearn.ac.nz.

Get started

Apply now to enrol for an apprenticeship! 

For more information about the programme or to enrol, fill in this contact form, give us a call on 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT) or send us an email at support@earnlearn.ac.nz

Get started

Additional Courses

Please note: Te Pūkenga makes every effort to ensure that the information provided on this website is accurate and up-to-date. However the information given, including fees information and the availability and structure of courses, are regularly reviewed and no warranty or representation is given about the ongoing accuracy of such information. All fees may change without notice. Te Pūkenga does not accept liability for any losses or damage that happen directly or indirectly from you relying on the information on this website.

If you’re interested in joining the electrotechnology industry, doing a New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) is the first step in your journey. This qualification gives you the foundations of electrotechnology and depending on which strand you choose, on completion you’ll be able to either:

  • install and maintain networks and systems OR
  • service and repair a diverse range of end-user appliances and equipment

The New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) will take approximately 9 months to complete full time, or 12 – 18 months part time.

To enter this programme you will need to hold NCEA Level 1:

  • 10 credits in Mathematics; and
  • 10 credits in English; and
  • 14 credits in General Science or Physics
  • Or equivalent qualifications or experience.

The current price of this course is $3,600 (price includes GST) for NZ citizens and permanent residents.

Keen to get into the Electronic Security industry? Then the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4) is a must. With this qualification you’ll be able to design and install electronic security solutions for customers. The programme has two optional strands: Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed), and Electrical Installer.

To register your interest and to receive updates, email info@earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz

If you’re looking to get ahead in the electrical or electronic service industry this course will enable you to work independently as a technician undertaking complex work, as well as supervise electrical workers.

You will also be eligible to be registered and licensed as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) (EAS endorsed) or as an Electrical Service Technical (EST).

This programme is currently under development and will be available in the second half of 2019.

However, you can begin your journey today by enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) which forms the first part of the programme.

The duration of the course and pricing will be finalised at the launch of the programme.

To register your interest and to receive updates, email info@earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz

Looking to build a career in the electronic engineering industry? This course will give you the skills to become a specialised electronic technician. You’ll be able to apply skills and knowledge to complex analysis, configuration, and repair of systems and circuits to a component level within their specialist field.

You will be able to supervise electronic workers and will also be eligible to be registered and licensed as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) (EAS endorsed) or as an Electrical Service Technician (EST) (depending on options selected).

This programme is currently under development. However, you can begin your journey today by enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) which forms the first part of the programme.

The duration of the course and pricing will be finalised at the launch of the programme.

To register your interest and to receive updates, email info@earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz

Interested in the communication technology service industry? This qualification will give you the ability to install, maintain and repair cabling, equipment and devices for specialist distribution systems and services in residential or commercial; fixed, mobile or re-locatable end-user premises. You’ll be able to operate independently as a technician at an advanced level for installations across a broad range of situations. This qualification includes four strands that allows you to specialise further.

You’ll also be eligible to be registered and licensed as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) (EAS endorsed) or as an Electrical Service Technical (EST) and will be able to supervise electrical workers.

This programme is currently under development.

To get started today, you can enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) now, as this forms the first part of the programme.

The duration of the course and pricing will be finalised at the launch of the programme.

To register your interest and to receive updates, email info@earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz

Like the idea of working in the electrical industry and prefer to work in one location? Switchgear fitting could be for you.

Switchgear fitters design and build electrical equipment called switchboards, which are used in factories and plants around the country. These switchboards are used to take a big supply of electricity and split it up into smaller, more useable streams.

Some switchgear fitters choose to do the ‘installer strand’ when completing their qualification, which lets them install the switchboards on job sites. This means they could be traveling around New Zealand visiting manufacturing plants or other industrial buildings.

The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Switchgear Fitting) (Level 4) will take approximately three and a half years to complete.

To enter this programme we recommend you hold:

  • NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and Physics, OR
  • NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and General Science, OR
  • have equivalent qualifications or relevant experience
You will need to be employed by a switchboard builder that agrees to train you as an apprentice before you sign up.

The current price of this course is $42 (including GST) per week until you finish your qualification.

Expensive, complex equipment needs specialists to look after maintenance and repair, and that’s where motor rewinders come in. You’ll be trained to repair and maintain equipment used in a variety of places, like superyachts to hotels and other commercial buildings. If you choose to do the optional Electrical Service Technician strand you’ll be able to apply to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) for registration once you’ve finished, which gives you a wider career path.

The new Apprenticeship for Motor Rewinding, which leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electromechanical Maintenance and Repair) is now available.

There are two programme options available, which include both on-job and theory learning components. These are:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electromechanical Maintenance and Repair) (Level 4) – duration 19 months
  • New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electromechanical Maintenance and Repair) (Level 4), with optional strand in Electrical Service Technician (EST) – duration 23 months

To enter this apprenticeship we recommend you hold:

  • NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and Physics, OR
  • NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics, English, and General Science, OR
  • have equivalent qualifications or relevant experience

You will need to be employed by a motor rewinder (or other business that undertakes motor rewinding work) that agrees to train you as an apprentice before you sign up.

The current price of this course is $42 (including GST) per week until you finish your qualification.

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