Information for secondary students and school leavers
Modern Apprenticeship
5 steps to becoming a Modern Apprentice
- Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at people between 16 and 21 years old, and they allow you to gain qualifications while you learn on the job.
- It can take between two and four years to complete a Modern Apprenticeship.
- You can be a Modern Apprentice in graphic communication, boat building, forestry and many more areas.
Who is a Modern Apprenticeship for?
To become a Modern Apprentice you need to:
- be between 16 and 21 years old when you start the apprenticeship
- meet the entry requirements of the industry you are interested in (a Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator can help you with this)
- be ready to start working towards a national certificate at Levels 3 and 4.
What are the benefits of a Modern Apprenticeship?
As a Modern Apprentice you:
- earn money as you learn
- gain professional and practical skills
- gain one or more national certificates, depending on the programme and industry you are in
- are supported by a Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator, who guides you through the apprenticeship.
Adam Gaskin was taken on as carpentry apprentice in 2004, and also enrolled in a National Certificate in Carpentry.
“I had two main overseers who helped me during my apprenticeship. The company I work for is not only involved in residential building but commercial as well, so I’ve picked up a variety of skills.”
Adam Gaskin, Carpenter
Read more about Adam's experiences as a carpentry apprentice
What is expected of you?
As a Modern Apprentice you will have to:
- attend all courses that are part of the apprenticeship – these may be block courses, evening courses or day release classes, and are offered by a polytech or other education provider
- complete off-the-job assessments, which are part of the polytech or private training establishment courses
- complete on-the-job assessments, such as showing you can lay carpet, to gain your Level 3 or 4 national certificate
- ask your Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator, employer or industry training organisation for help if you need it – remember that they want you to succeed and it is their job to help you
- have the right attitude towards learning the theory and practice of your chosen profession.
Gardening apprentice Jasmine Zimmerman enjoyed working with plants, but initially found it hard to meet the written requirements of her apprenticeship.
“You’re not automatically entitled to a job. That was what pushed me, knowing that I’d need to get a job. I pretty much had to do three years' work in two years."
“You’re not automatically entitled to a job. That was what pushed me, knowing that I’d need to get a job. I pretty much had to do three years' work in two years."
Jasmine Zimmerman, Gardener
What do you earn?
As an industry trainee or an apprentice your wages may be low at the start. However, you will be able to negotiate a higher salary over time.
Department of Labour website – information about minimum wage and training wage
What does a Modern Apprenticeship cost?
Your costs will be minimal. Course fees are kept down because Modern Apprenticeships are subsidised. However, you may have to pay for course-related costs for NZQA registration, training materials and the support from the ITO.
Modern Apprenticeship fees vary and the best way to find out about your fees is to talk to your employer, Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator or ITO.
Money matters – what costs do you have to think about?
What qualification will you get?
The qualification you get at the end of the apprenticeship depends on your chosen industry. It will usually be a national certificate at Levels 3 and 4, such as a National Certificate in Seafood (Level 3 or 4) or a National Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 4).
