Te Mahi a Rehe
Trades
Learn an in-demand trade and build a solid future on strong foundations.
Whether you’re a school leaver needing pre-trade training before starting an apprenticeship, or a seasoned tradesperson looking to upskill, or you’re seeking new skills and a fresh direction, we have full-time and part-time courses to suit.
Our trades programmes are delivered at our Trades campuses 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.
If you think you may require modifications in order to undertake the practical components of a particular course of study, we encourage you to discuss these with us so we can give them careful consideration.
As it may take time to consider and implement any modifications, please contact disability@ara.ac.nz as early as possible prior to the course starting. We’ll also need to check that there’s no risk of harm to you or anyone else before making a final decision.
Throughout this process we’ll communicate with you in a clear and timely manner.
Related programmes & courses
Electrical Theory Revision
To enable students to revise and practice Electrical Theory for the registration examination for Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
Introduction to Construction Trades One Day Level 2 (Dual Enrolment)
Sample a range of trades experiences with this hands-on introduction to the construction industry.
Introduction to Automotive and Engineering Trades Two Day (Dual Enrolment)
Explore automotive and engineering while gaining a foundation of knowledge for further study.
Introduction to Agriculture Engineering Level 2 (Dual Enrolment)
Learn the basics of maintaining and repairing farm machinery.
Introduction to Electrical Engineering Trades Level 2 (Dual Enrolment)
Take the first steps towards a career in the electrical industries.
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
Plumber for a Day
Get hands-on with tools, pipes and plumbing techniques
Sparky for a Day – Introduction to the Electrical Industry
Experience a day in the life of an electrician
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.