Ara Apprentice
Build your career while you earn
As an Ara managed apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn. You’ll gain real‑world experience on the job, build practical skills and confidence, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Check out our managed apprenticeship study options in:
Benefits of an Ara managed apprenticeship
- Earn while you learn, getting paid as you gain real‑world experience
- Learn flexibly through on‑the‑job training and block courses on campus or online
- Work towards a nationally recognised qualification valued by employers and industry
- Train using modern resources and purpose‑built campus facilities
- Learn from industry‑experienced tutors and mentors who support you throughout your apprenticeship
- Follow a structured training plan with support to keep you progressing
- Build clear career pathways into advanced roles or running your own business
How managed apprenticeships work
A managed apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training. You work for an employer while learning the skills needed to become a qualified tradesperson. Most apprenticeships take three to four years to complete, depending on the programme, the trade, and your progress.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll:
- Work full time and gain practical experience
- Learn trade skills from experienced professionals
- Complete training and assessments as you progress
- Graduate with a nationally recognised qualification
Starting an apprenticeship
Starting an apprenticeship is straightforward.
- Identify the trade that suits your interests and career goals
- Consider doing a pre‑trade programme to build foundation skills and improve your chances of employment
- Find an employer. Apprenticeships are paid, on‑the‑job roles, so you need an employer who can support your apprenticeship.
- Enrol at Ara with your employer and set up a training plan for your apprenticeship.
- Gain hands‑on experience, complete assessments and work towards becoming a qualified tradesperson.
Frequently asked questions
Whether you’re already working in the trade or just starting out, we can help you enrol in a managed apprenticeship, set up a training plan, and support you as you gain hands-on experience. You need to choose a trade, secure a full-time job (30+ hours) with an employer willing to train you, and then you can start working towards your nationally recognised qualification.
Yes. Apprenticeships are paid jobs, so you earn while you train. Your employer pays you while you gain hands-on experience and complete the learning required for your trade qualification.
Most trade apprenticeships take between three and four years to complete. The exact timeframe depends on the programme and how quickly you complete the required training and assessments.
A pre-trade course isn't always required, but it can give you valuable practical skills and industry knowledge that make it easier to find an apprenticeship. Many employers prefer you to have completed a pre-trade programme because it shows you already understand basic tools, safety and trade practices.
When you finish your apprenticeship, you’ll gain a nationally recognised New Zealand trade qualification. This confirms that you’re a fully qualified tradesperson in your field of study and may lead to an industry license.
During your apprenticeship you’ll receive support from Ara’s tutors, workplace supervisors and training advisors. They’ll help guide your learning, track your progress and make sure you’re developing the skills required to complete your qualification.
Yes. We can help support this transition and ensure your apprenticeship continues without disrupting your progress.
No. Most of your learning (about 80%) is done at your workplace, while you earn. The other 20% is at Ara in the form of block courses, evening classes and online modules.
We have a trades taster short course and range of Level 2 and Level 3 pre-trades courses available to help you choose which trade is right for you.