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 based in Linton, Palmerston North. The ideal candidate will hold an interest in the pharmaceutical industry, a level 3 pre trade qualification in Mechanical engineering and/or are part-way through an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering already. However, if you have a great work attitude and interest in the sector we'd still like 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.

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 

Our host company is a well-established Palmerston North-based manufacturer with over 50 years of history, proudly ranked among New Zealand's top 500 companies. They specialise in the manufacture of pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates, supplying leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across the globe, with more than 99% of their products exported internationally.

Based on the outskirts of Palmerston North, their modern facility sits within a thriving scientific hub close to one of New Zealand's leading agri-science universities. Their work draws on New Zealand's internationally recognised clean, green, and disease-free reputation to produce high-quality, naturally derived products.

As part of a global pharmaceutical group with an international R&D presence, they offer a dynamic and technically rich environment spanning production, engineering, quality assurance, quality control, research and development, logistics, supply chain, and business support. They are genuinely committed to developing their people and actively foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

This is an exciting opportunity to complete your engineering apprenticeship within a globally connected, highly regulated, and innovative manufacturing environment right here in the Manawatū.

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 mechanical engineering pre-trade course or have some experience in the trades, a mechanical apprenticeship or the mechanical 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. 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.