Heavy Fabrication & General Engineering Apprenticeships (Rakaia)

About the role

ATNZ is recruiting three apprentices for Heavy Fabrication or General Engineering, based in Rakaia, Canterbury. Successful candidates are employed by ATNZ and placed with a host company that designs, manufactures and installs agricultural equipment for New Zealand farms. Apprentices work and study together, earning from day one while studying toward a fully qualified engineering qualification.

Key responsibilities

• Heavy Fabrication: work with thick steel (4mm+) to make large, heavy-duty components such as trailers, earthmoving machinery and manufacturing equipment, using heavier gauge plates, sections and pipes.
• General Engineering: work across machining, fabrication, repair, servicing and assembly in workshops, manufacturing, maintenance and service environments.
• Work on farm equipment such as grain handling and storage equipment, skip and self-dumping bins, water ballast rollers, effluent and water tanks, dairy sheds, wintering barns and feeding systems.

Required profile

• Commitment to 3-4 years of full-time study and work; the period may be shorter if a Level 3 pre-trade qualification has been completed.
• Interest in fabrication or mechanical engineering and enjoyment of working with metals and mechanical projects.
• Completed a Level 3 mechanical pre-trade, welding course or other relevant qualification.
• Restricted or full driver's licence.
• No qualifications required beyond the above; no fees for apprentices.

What we offer

• Hands-on training and support from qualified trades people and experienced mentors.
• Qualification costs covered by ATNZ.
• Safety gear provided.
• Tool allowance on top of pay, plus interest-free tool loans.
• Average annual salary of $41,000-$52,000, depending on host company and skill level.
• If the host company cannot continue employing you, ATNZ tries to place you with another host.