Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship

Get Qualified and Earn While You Learn!

Are you mechanically minded with a passion for keeping things running? Do you love hands-on work, tackling problems and finding solutions? If so, this could be the career opportunity you've been waiting for. 

New Zealand needs skilled engineers — and ATNZ is on the hunt for a motivated individual ready to launch a career in Maintenance Engineering. We're recruiting a Maintenance Engineering Apprentice for a fantastic host company, and we want to hear from you. 

If successful, you'll be employed by ATNZ and placed with our host company, where you'll earn a real wage from day one while gaining hands-on experience and working towards a nationally recognised qualification. 

What Does a Maintenance Engineering Apprentice Do? 

Maintenance engineers keep machinery running reliably on the production line. You'll develop a planned, systematic approach to maintenance — working with computerised maintenance systems and condition monitoring, and building a wide variety of engineering skills along the way. 

About the Host Company 

This is your chance to work within one of New Zealand's most iconic and long-established food manufacturing operations. Our host company produces some of the country's most recognisable and best-loved snack products, operating large-scale production lines that run with precision and consistency every single day. You'll be part of a large, experienced team in a busy, fast-paced manufacturing environment — the perfect place to develop real engineering skills that will serve you for life. 

Do You Fit the Profile? 

• Committed to 3–4 years of study while working full time 

• Interested in mechanical engineering and how things work 

• Hold a restricted or full driver's licence 

• Have completed a pre-trade course or have some experience in the trades or engineering industry 

Don't tick every box? Apply anyway — attitude and work ethic matter most to us. 

Why Choose ATNZ? 

• Start earning straight away — no waiting around 

• We cover your qualification costs entirely 

• Hands-on training and mentorship from qualified tradespeople 

• Safety gear provided 

• Tool allowance on top of your pay — and you keep it 

• Interest-free tool loans available 

• If your host company can't continue, we'll work to place you elsewhere 

Where Could This Take You? 

• Maintenance Engineer 

• Machine Building and Installation Engineer 

• Fluid Power Technician 

The trades offer a lifetime of opportunity — and it all starts here. 

Ready to Apply? 

Click  to get started. Pre-employment checks including criminal history, medical and drug testing will form part of the process. 

No experience? No problem. No upper age limit. Just bring the right attitude. 

For more information visit www.atnz.org.nz 

FAQs 

How long does an apprenticeship take? 

3–4 years, potentially shorter with a Level 3 pre-trade qualification. 

How much will I earn? 

Most apprentices earn between $41,000–$52,000 per year, depending on skill level and host company. 

Do I need qualifications to ? 

Though formal qualifications are valued, they are not  — we hire on attitude and work ethic. 

Do I need my own tools? 

Not necessarily, but ATNZ offers interest-free tool loans to help you build your kit. 

Are there any fees? 

None. Apprentices pay no fees. 

Is there an age limit? 

No. Anyone aged 16+ with the right to live and work permanently in New Zealand is welcome.