Te Mahi a Rehe
Trades
We prepare and up-skill our students for careers in a variety of trades. Whether you are a school leaver needing to enter pre-trade training prior to an apprenticeship, or a seasoned tradesperson looking to up-skill, we have full-time and part-time courses to suit your needs.
Our trades programmes are located on Ensors Road in Christchurch and Timaru.
NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with trade skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.
We offer a broad range of trade training in the areas of agribusiness, construction, electrical, motor industry and engineering trades. Our training programmes are designed with flexible timeframes for completing your qualifications and most are offered as both full and part time options. Usually you will start out with a pre trade programme to get the core skills and knowledge ideal for starting work as a trainee or apprentice. You can then complete further training with us as well as in your workplace.
You can become work ready for a trade in under four months.
Our programmes also offer the opportunity for you to continue study at higher levels, or move into other related areas of study.
You can also study our trades short courses which include Welding, Heat Pump/ Split Systems, Electrical Service Technician, Electrical Service Technician A and Solar Hot Water Installations.
Perhaps the best trades training facility in the country, we have real-world learning environments including:
- Training building barns
- State-of-the-art equipment and machinery
- Custom built workshops and machine rooms
- Purpose-built Engineering Technology Centre
- South Island Plastics and Polymer Centre of Excellence
We also hosts TradeFIT, a simulated subdivision where trades students are trained in key infrastructure trades in a real world environment, alongside other trades trainees and experienced tutors. TradeFIT includes: residential and commercial building construction; civil works; electrical distribution; telecommunications installation; plumbing and gasfitting; brick and block laying; drainage and water reticulation, and steel structures.
Our trades programmes are at the forefront of training with qualifications that are nationally recognised and endorsed by more than 160 industry partners. Together we ensure you have access to the latest techniques, equipment and technologies. Our strong industry ties guarantee that our qualifications and work experience are relevant to current workforce needs and equip you to be work fit when you complete your programme.
Related programmes & courses
Electrical Theory Revision
In this course you will learn to revise and practise Electrical Theory for the registration examination for Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
Carpentry Essentials
Get a feel for a career in carpentry with hands-on activities.
Introduction to Welding
Engage in a range of hands-on activities in a welding workshop and get introduced to and explore aspects of this trade to help you decide on possible career and study options.
Ace of Trades Careers Evening
Learn about all the trades options available at Ara
Basic MIG Welding
Get a taste for a career with real spark!
Painting & Decorating for a Day
Discover tips and techniques for a colourful career
EWRB Electrician Practical Assessment Stage 1, 2 and 3
This course is for candidates who require evidence of capability at Stages 1, 2 and 3, and who have been directed by EWRB for assessment of practical capability at all 3 Stages prior to seeking New Zealand EWRB registration as an Electrician.
EWRB Electrical Appliance Serviceperson
This short course will ensure you have the knowledge and practical skills required of an electrical appliance serviceperson.
EWRB Electrical Service Technician
Provided for Electrical Service Technician registration, this course includes theory, regulations and standards plus practical skill assessments.
EWRB Electrical Safety for Practicing
In this course you will learn about electrical safety.