Information for secondary students and school leavers
Cadetships
Cadetships are another type of workplace learning. They are rare, but provide a great opportunity to gain skills while earning money. You may get into long-term employment through a cadet scheme.
On this page
Who can do a cadetship?
Cadetships are generally offered by different organisations and government departments.
A cadetship may be an option if you:
- want to earn as you learn
- want to explore an industry that you are interested in
- are prepared to make a fixed-term commitment while being trained.
What are the benefits of a cadetship?
Benefits of a cadetship include:
- gaining valuable work experience
- showing a potential employer what you are capable of
- opening up a career in an industry that you want to work in.
"As well as being more hands-on being a cadet is a great way of finding out what area of engineering you are most interested in."
Simon McCrone, Civil Engineering Technician
How can you become a cadet?
Cadetships are generally advertised in newspapers, on websites of education providers or by government departments. For example, Work and Income and Ministry of Youth Development offer cadet schemes internally or finance businesses to encourage them to offer cadetships.
If you are interested in being a cadet it might be worth asking potential employers, education providers, or family and friends if they know where you could join a cadet programme. Also search on the Internet for “cadetships”, “cadet programmes” or “cadet schemes”.
Ministry of Youth development website - contact MYD for help with cadetships in your local area
Work and Income website - contact your local Work and Income office about cadetships in your area
What is expected of you?
Cadetships vary significantly but generally you will be employed for a fixed-term period while you are trained off the job as well.
During your cadetship your employer will watch you closely to see if you are suitable for long-term work. Try your best to impress them by:
- coming to work on time
- asking lots of questions
- not talking to or texting your friends while you are at work
- completing all necessary study requirements.
What does a cadetship cost?
Cadetship costs differ. Ask your employer these questions:
- How much will the cadetship cost you in total for course fees, training material or other fees?
- Who will guide and support you during your cadetship?
- Will you be employed once your cadetship is finished?
What qualification will you get?
Some cadetships offer you the possibility to gain qualifications as part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Check with the provider of the cadetship what qualification you can get.
Examples of cadetship schemes
