Apprenticeships

Optimise your workforce and future-proof your business with
a Competenz apprenticeship.

What is an apprenticeship?

A Competenz apprenticeship is a structured training programme that combines theoretical and on-the-job training which results in a Level 4 trade qualification. Competenz provides apprentices with additional mentoring and support throughout their training. An apprenticeship takes 3-4 years to complete, arming the learner with the skills that are needed by industry.

Apprenticeships are formal arrangements between an employer, learner, and Competenz. This three-party arrangement ensures that learners are supported in achieving their learning goals.

Why should I consider an apprenticeship?

Attraction and retention of staff who have the skills that are needed today and in the future is an ongoing challenge for many industries. Demonstrating a commitment to training your people to achieve industry-approved qualifications has numerous benefits for your people and your business.

Is my employee eligible?

Your employee needs to be 16 years of age or older and a New Zealand Citizen or Resident with the right to work in New Zealand. Employees already working in your business without formal qualifications can have their skills formally recognised.

How we work with you

A Competenz account manager or training advisor will analyse your current and future business needs and develop training plans that address any gaps.

Tailored programmes for your industry

Designed in consultation with industry experts, our programmes meet the unique needs of your sector. Explore the possibilities on Our Industries page and find the right fit for you.

Keeping the costs manageable

There are a few funding options available to help with the costs of taking on an apprentice. Check out our funding page for more details. We are now also offering the option of quarterly payments of annual fees for Elev8 and Canvas.

Contact us

Interested in exploring apprenticeship options for your team? Contact us now.

Elev8 training model

Our Elev8 training model ensures that your apprentice receives the correct training, wrap-around support and mentoring they need to succeed, whether you are upskilling existing staff or hiring new staff into an apprenticeship role. Competenz is responsible for facilitating the training and support for learners (and their employers) throughout their apprenticeship, including regular site visits, organising attendance at block courses, study groups and night school classes, if appropriate.

Contact us about ELEV8 today
Upskilling can be affordable

Take advantage of funding options available to employers to help train your teams.
Explore funding
Want to learn more about industry skills and development?

Curious about apprenticeships? Start here.

An apprenticeship is an investment of time, money and effort into your business. That means it is worth doing right. Here are some frequently asked questions we get about how apprenticeships work:

What is an apprenticeship?
A Competenz apprenticeship is a structured training programme that combines theoretical and on-the-job training which results in a Level 4 trade qualification. Competenz provides apprentices with additional mentoring and support throughout their training.

An apprenticeship takes 3-4 years to complete, arming the learner with the skills that are needed by industry. Apprenticeships are formal arrangements between an employer, learner, and Competenz. This three-party arrangement ensures that learners are supported in achieving their learning goals.
Attraction and retention of staff who have the skills that are needed today and in the future is an ongoing challenge for many industries. Demonstrating a commitment to training your people to achieve industry-approved qualifications has numerous benefits for your people and your business.
Why should I consider an apprenticeship?
Attraction and retention of staff who have the skills that are needed today and in the future is an ongoing challenge for many industries. Demonstrating a commitment to training your people to achieve industry-approved qualifications has numerous benefits for your people and your business.
Is my employee eligible?
Your employee needs to be 16 years of age or older and a New Zealand Citizen or Resident with the right to work in New Zealand. Employees already working in your business without formal qualifications can have their skills formally recognised.
Where can I find an apprentice?
If you don't have a candidate already, you can connect directly with talent ready to drive your business forward - check out our Job Board. You can also make it easy for the right candidates to find you by listing your job with us. Our job-matching service is completely free.
Hire talentList a job

Why choose Competenz?

Your workforce is full of talent in areas that matter. We can help you recognise that talent and upskill for success.

Upskilling can be affordable
Take advantage of funding options available to employers to help train your teams.
Explore funding
Industry skills and development handbook
Download now
Training an apprentice
Tailored programmes for your industry
Industries we work withSkills assessment
Keeping costs manageable
Learn more
Elev8 training model
Learn more about Elev8

Need some inspiration?

We've worked with many different businesses to help them embed and prioritise skills development. Read on to hear from some of them on how training has helped future-proof their business.

Fonterra
A partnership with Fonterra Brands New Zealand (FBNZ) saw a pilot group of 28 production team members awarded a Competenz manufacturing qualification, in recognition of their internal Autonomous Maintenance (AM) training, during 2019.
Buckley Systems
Increasing global demand for its products has resulted in Buckley Systems developing its own talent pool, with engineering apprenticeships vital to the company being able to staff its CNC machining and fabrication operations - one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sistema
While more than 30 Competenz apprentices have trained with the company across its two sites in Penrose and Auckland Airport, there are currently 11 apprentices studying toward a range of qualifications including Toolmaking, General Engineering, Fitting and Machining, and Injection Moulding.
Factura
While more than 30 Competenz apprentices have trained with the company across its two sites in Penrose and Auckland Airport, there are currently 11 apprentices studying toward a range of qualifications including Toolmaking, General Engineering, Fitting and Machining, and Injection Moulding.

Contact us

Interested in exploring apprenticeship options for your team? Contact us now.