Light Fabrication Apprenticeship (Tauranga)

Kickstart Your Career with ATNZ – Get Qualified for FREE While Earning! 

Are you passionate about light fabrication and eager to start a fulfilling career? We’re looking for motivated individuals to join our host company based in Tauranga. 

What Does a Light Fabrication Apprentice do? 

Light fabrication engineers work with lightweight metals such as stainless steel and aluminum. Light fabricators typically make things such as handrails, balustrades and bench tops and play a key role in manufacturing boats and many ancillary components used within the marine industry. 

Why Choose ATNZ? 

• Free Qualifications: Earn your engineering qualification without any cost. 

• Paid Apprenticeships: We pay you while you train. 

• New Zealand’s Largest Engineering Apprentice Employer: Join a reputable leader in the industry. 

• Personal Mentorship: Benefit from dedicated mentors to support your learning journey. 

• Higher Success Rates: Our apprentices achieve higher success rates compared to others. 

• No Hidden Costs: Enjoy no training fees, a tool allowance, and free personal protection equipment. 

About this Host Company: 

Our host company is a Bay of Plenty-based metal manufacturer with roots going back to 2004. What started as a specialist stainless steel fabrication business has grown steadily over the years into a multi-division manufacturing operation with 35 staff across four distinct business arms. Their work spans a wide range of industries; food and beverage, building and construction, utilities, honey processing, and street furniture and infrastructure. Some of their well-known clients include major names in the dairy, honey, and mussel processing sectors, as well as a number of commercial building and hospitality projects across New Zealand.

Their capabilities cover metal cutting, forming, machining, production and fabrication, and they also design and manufacture their own product lines including weatherproof electrical enclosures and street furniture. Most recently, they expanded their operation even further, branching into short-rise lifts and elevators and tractor and forklift attachments.

This is a team that backs themselves, takes pride in their work, and genuinely enjoys a good challenge. They've built strong, long-standing relationships with their clients and that says a lot about who they are. For an apprentice, it's a brilliant place to get stuck in. You'll get real-world experience across a diverse range of projects and industries, with plenty of variety to keep things interesting, all right in the heart of the Bay of Plenty.

Do you fit the profile?     

• Are you committed to 3-4 years of study whilst working full time?  

• Are you interested in fabrication or working with metals?  

• Do you have a restricted or full drivers licence?  


• Have you completed a pre trade course or worked with metals?   

Awesome Career Opportunities:  

Once qualified, you can explore various exciting career paths like becoming a Sheet Metal Worker or Process Plant Fabricator. This apprenticeship can also see you working in the following sectors: 

• Building and Construction 

• Automotive Engineering 

• Marine Construction 

• Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing 

• Specialized Craft and Equipment Making and Repair 

Take the First Step Towards Your Dream! 

If you’re a hands-on learner with a keen interest in starting an entry-level career in fabrication engineering, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Don’t wait – submit your application today and begin your journey with ATNZ! 

Visit www.atnz.org.nz or click the application button to apply now! 

FAQ’s for Apprenticeships: 
 

How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?  
3 – 4 years. This may be shorter if you have completed a level 3 pre-trade qualification. 
 

How much do apprenticeships pay? 
It varies between host companies. But the average annual salary for most of our apprentices is $41’000-$52’000. You may receive a higher or lower amount than this bracket depending on your skill level and the financial ability of the host company. 
 

How do I do an engineering Apprenticeship with ATNZ? 
You can either start an apprenticeship through your current employer, or you can be employed directly by ATNZ and we will place you with a host company where you will work for the duration of your apprenticeship. 
 

You will work with this company for the duration of your apprenticeship learning on the job. You will do about three hours of online learning a week and a 2-week block course once a year. 

Whether you are employed by ATNZ, or your current employer, we will provide you with a dedicated Account Manager who will mentor you throughout your apprenticeship 
 

Will a pre-trade course help me get an engineering apprenticeship? 
While not a requirement for entry, a pre trade can be a great step for people that are not quite sure whether engineering is for them. It is also a great way to gain work experience and introduce you to companies who may offer you the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship with them, whether it be by employing you or hosting you as an ATNZ apprentice. 
 

Is there an upper age limit for apprenticeships? 
None. Anyone aged 16 or over with the right to permanently live and work in New Zealand is allowed to undertake an apprenticeship. 
 

Do I need my own tools? 
Some companies provide tools, while others require you to have your own. It is always good to build a supply of your own for the future. One of the benefits of being employed directly by ATNZ is we offer our apprentices interest-free loans for tools. 
 

What qualifications do I need to get an ATNZ apprenticeship? 
No qualifications are necessary. We are looking for people with a great attitude and a good work ethic who want to be hands-on and earn something they are passionate about. 
 

Are there any fees for being an ATNZ apprentice? 
Whether you are employed by ATNZ or do your apprenticeship through your current employer, apprentices pay no fees. 

What happens if my host company does not have enough work for me? 
Another advantage of being employed directly by ATNZ is that if your host company can't continue employing you for whatever reason, we will do our best to place you with another host company.