New Zealand is experiencing a shortage of skilled staff in the engineering and welding workforce. To ensure this shortage is catered to Aoraki Polytechnic has developed a pre-trade qualification that gives you in-depth experience working in the engineering trades and introduces you to the technical skills required to seek an apprenticeship, employment or further study. Aoraki Polytechnic prepares competent and experienced technicians and trades people by ensuring you gain core engineering skills and have hands-on experience with modern equipment in a real workshop environment. Our facilities include three skill specific workshops fitted withmodern equipment, allowing you to experience working on lathes, gas wielding, plasma cutting and much more. Aoraki Polytechnic tutors will support and guide you right through your apprenticeship and provide ongoing learning through night classes and block courses as well as providing general career direction information. Study includes twice-weekly work experience and using the skills you have learnt to make your own tools such as hammers, vices and hack saws. These tools will be the foundation of the equipment you will require in the trade.

Engineering apprenticeship in an area of specialisation: * General or maintenance engineering. * Light or heavy fabrication. * Machining. * Fitting and machining. * Tool making. * Refrigeration, heating ventilation and air conditioning. * Steel construction.