Employers
Supporting employers to build skilled, job-ready apprentices
Why EarnLearn

You keep the business moving. We keep training moving.

EarnLearn works alongside Electrical & Plumbing employers across New Zealand to grow capability on the job, with a clear structure that fits around real workloads. We have a field team of over 50 account managers who are 100% available to support you and your apprentice(s).

Stronger capability, less admin

You get a clear, structured training and assessment pathway that integrates seamlessly into day-to-day operations. EarnLearn manages the training framework, assessment tools, evidence requirements, moderation, and NZQA reporting behind the scenes.

This removes complexity and reduces administrative load, while ensuring training remains compliant, consistent, and outcome-focused. Your supervisors spend less time managing paperwork and more time supporting people on the job.

How it works →

Reliable talent pipeline

Develop capability from within your business by growing people who already understand your systems, customers, and workplace expectations. EarnLearn supports progression from entry-level apprentice through to qualified tradesperson, creating continuity and reducing reliance on external recruitment.

Learners gain confidence through real work, supported by structured milestones that help them build competence faster and more consistently.

Find an apprentice →

Skills aligned to industry and NZQA standards

All programmes are built around recognised New Zealand qualifications and industry standards. Assessment is consistent, moderated, and quality-assured, giving you confidence that skills are transferable, recognised, and future-proof.

This alignment reduces risk, supports licensing and regulatory requirements where applicable, and ensures your workforce is developing skills that meet both current and emerging industry expectations.

Explore our qualifications →
Talk to us →

Improved productivity and retention

Structured development pathways give employees clarity around expectations, progress, and next steps. When people can clearly see how their skills are developing and where their career is heading, engagement increases and turnover decreases.

Employers and supervisors can easily track progress through MyPortal, EarnLearn’s online platform. MyPortal provides a clear view of completed tasks, upcoming requirements, and overall progression, removing the need to chase updates or manage training manually. This visibility helps managers support development at the right time, without disrupting day-to-day operations.

EarnLearn programmes are designed to build capability while maintaining productivity. Training is embedded into real work, and progress tracking through MyPortal keeps everyone aligned, so development supports performance rather than pulling people away from it.

MyPortal →

Support with compliance

EarnLearn helps employers navigate training, assessment, and compliance requirements with confidence. Our assessors and quality assurance team ensure assessments meet regulatory and industry standards, and that evidence is collected and reported correctly.

We help your workplace verifiers get up to speed with online training modules, regular verifier training sessions, and ongoing support from your account manager. We also provide a detailed handbook which explains the verifier role.

Talk to us →
employer experience

Employer testimonials

Brian from ARC Automation and Security says “EarnLearn has been a trusted training partner for over three years, providing practical, flexible support that fits around real work demands and keeps apprentices progressing.

What stood out:

Proactive, reliable support that reduces employer admin

Flexible engagement that works around field schedules

Consistent progress and strong apprentice retention

Read employer story →
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6,000+ apprentices trained on the job Thousands of NZ employers partnered NZ-wide employer support & compliance 6,000+ apprentices trained on the job Thousands of NZ employers partnered NZ-wide employer support & compliance
HOW IT WORKS

How partnering with EarnLearn works

Apprenticeships work by combining everyday work with structured training and assessment. Skills are developed on the job, with progress tracked against clear requirements and milestones.

01

You hire or select the employee

You choose the right person through your normal recruitment process. This can be a new hire or someone already on your team.

02

We help you find the best training pathway

We help you identify the areas of training needed. 

03

Enrolment and learning plan

We manage enrolment and provide a learning plan that outlines what needs to be completed, and how it will be delivered (workplace, block course, or a mix).

04

On-job learning with ongoing support

Your employee completes real workplace tasks while EarnLearn provides guidance, progress check-ins, and support for your supervisor/verifier.

03

Assessment, reporting, completion

EarnLearn manages assessment and moderation, then reports credits to NZQA. When complete, your employee achieves a recognised New Zealand qualification.

training delivery

How training is delivered

Most EarnLearn programmes blend:

Workplace modules

Workplace modules (practical evidence from real jobs, supported by online learning where relevant)

Block course or workplace options

Block course or workplace options for certain modules, depending on what your business can cover

Health and safety requirements

Health and safety requirements, typically completed early in the programme where applicable

External exams

External exams in some trades, with EarnLearn covering the first attempt in relevant programmes (where stated)

Training built around real work

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your questions

Electrical & Plumbing qualifications to suit your needs, our qualifications are shaped by industry feedback. This ensures your apprentices learn the relevant skills needed to add value to your business.

As an employer, your primary role is to provide a safe workplace, meaningful tasks, and appropriate supervision so the learner can develop real, job-ready skills. You continue to manage employment, pay, and day-to-day work, while EarnLearn manages the training framework, assessment requirements, moderation, and NZQA reporting.

We support your supervisors and verifiers with clear guidance, tools, and expectations so training fits naturally into your existing workflows, without adding unnecessary complexity.

Training is designed to align with normal work activities, not sit on top of them. Most learning and assessment evidence comes from real jobs your employee is already completing. EarnLearn provides structured plans and timelines so supervisors know what to look for and when.

A short, regular check-in (often 15–30 minutes per week or fortnight) is usually enough to keep progress on track. Where block courses or off-job training are required, EarnLearn will clearly outline time commitments in advance.

EarnLearn provides hands-on support for supervisors, including clear assessment guidance, verification tools, and access to our Account Management team. We help supervisors understand what evidence is required, how to confirm competence, and how to support learners without needing to be training experts.

If questions arise, EarnLearn steps in to provide clarification, adjust plans, or support progress, ensuring supervisors are not left to manage training alone.

EarnLearn acts as a training partner for employers, reducing the administrative and compliance burden that often comes with apprenticeships and workplace training. We help set up training pathways, manage learner progress, coordinate assessments, and provide reporting and guidance throughout the programme.

Employers receive visibility over progress, clear communication, and support navigating training requirements. Our approach is designed to fit around business operations, ensuring training supports productivity rather than disrupting it. We also provide guidance when learners need additional support or when workplace circumstances change.

Learning Support →
Wellbeing Support →
Employers FAQs →

All EarnLearn programmes are aligned with recognised New Zealand qualifications and NZQA requirements. Assessment is completed or overseen by registered assessors, supported by moderation and quality assurance processes to ensure consistency and compliance.

We manage all NZQA reporting and documentation, reducing compliance risk for employers. Where licensing or industry-specific requirements apply, EarnLearn guides both employers and learners through the correct process.

If progress slows or challenges arise, EarnLearn works proactively with the employer and learner to identify solutions. This may include adjusting the training plan, providing additional learning support, or increasing check-ins to rebuild momentum.

Learners also have access to confidential wellbeing support services, and employers are kept informed where appropriate. Our goal is to support completion while maintaining workplace performance and wellbeing.

Learning Support →
Find an Account Manager →

Getting started is simple. Once you have hired a new employee or identified an existing team member to develop, EarnLearn will review the role, confirm the best training pathway, and manage enrolment and setup.

From there, we create a training plan tailored to your business and support you throughout the programme, from onboarding through to qualification completion.

Hire an apprentice →
TRADES WE OFFER

EarnLearn Trades

Find the support that fits you, whether you’re training on the tools or building a capable team.

Cranes

Safe, structured training for crane operators working in high-risk, high-responsibility environments.

Cranes

Electrical

Practical, on-the-job electrical training aligned to real work and NZQA standards.

Electrical
Industrial Measurement & Control
Electrical
Industrial Measurement & Control

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

Workplace-led training that builds capability across plumbing, gas, and drainage systems.

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

Gateway & other pathways

A supported pathway for students to gain real workplace experience while still at school.

Gateaway
Electrical RCC
Gateaway
Electrical RCC

Helping
trainees succeed

GET In touch

Do you have any questions about employing an apprentice?

Whether you are taking on your first apprentice or already supporting one, we help make the process clear, compliant, and easy to manage by confirming the right training pathway, explaining what is required at each stage, and supporting progress from onboarding through to completion without adding unnecessary admin to your workload.

Confirm the right apprenticeship pathway and realistic timeframes

Understand training, assessment, and employer responsibilities

Put a clear plan in place so progress stays on track

Send an enquiry

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