Electrical Apprentice

Become a full qualified electrician in 3-4 years. 

Looking for a career as an electrician?

Extra Support

EarnLearn provides quality training and pastoral care for learners on the journey to becoming an electrician in New Zealand.

No Student Loan

The average student loan in New Zealand is over $40,000. Start your career with no student debt holding you back.

Earn More

The average electrician salary in New Zealand is ~$20,000 higher than the NZ average salary.

Extra Support

EarnLearn provides quality training and pastoral care for learners on the journey to becoming an electrician in New Zealand.

No Student Loan

The average student loan in New Zealand is over $40,000. Start your career with no student debt holding you back.

Earn More

The average electrician salary in New Zealand is ~$20,000 higher than the NZ average salary.

Extra Support

EarnLearn provides quality training and pastoral care for learners on the journey to becoming an electrician in New Zealand.

No Student Loan

The average student loan in New Zealand is over $40,000. Start your career with no student debt holding you back.

Earn More

The average electrician salary in New Zealand is ~$20,000 higher than the NZ average salary.

Life as an Apprentice

Picture this: a real paycheck, qualified mentors, and skills you can take anywhere. Here’s what day-to-day looks like when you start your electrical apprenticeship.

From day one, you’re earning while you train. Join a real crew, work on real jobs, and build your skills on the tools. As your experience grows, so does your pay — no student loan required.

You’ll learn directly from qualified tradespeople and industry experts. Every day on the job builds your knowledge, confidence, and capability — practical skills you can use anywhere in New Zealand or overseas.

Electrical work is always in demand. With a nationally recognised qualification, you’ll have job security, great earning potential, and a career that can take you as far as you want to go — from apprentice to business owner.

Life as an Apprentice

Picture this: a real paycheck, qualified mentors, and skills you can take anywhere. Here’s what day-to-day looks like when you start your electrical apprenticeship.

From day one of employment, you’re earning while you train. You’ll join a real crew, work on real jobs, and usually your pay from your employer steps up as your skills do.

Forget endless lectures—this is practical learning with a paycheck and a clear path to qualifications.

You’ll learn directly from qualified tradespeople and industry experts. Every day on the job builds your knowledge, confidence, and capability — practical skills you can use anywhere in New Zealand or overseas.

Electrical work is always in demand. With a nationally recognised qualification, you’ll have job security, great earning potential, and a career that can take you as far as you want to go — from apprentice to business owner.

Interested in becoming an electrical apprentice?

We want all our learners to have the skills and confidence to make the most of their training. If you need support with your learning, please get in touch!

How to become an Electrical Apprentice

1

Check you’re suited

Enjoy practical work, problem-solving, and teamwork. A good attitude, maths basics, and safety awareness give you a strong start.

2

Prepare your CV

Show your interest in electrical work, highlight school subjects, pre-trade courses, or hands-on experience that proves you’re motivated.

3

Get hired

Apply for jobs with licensed electrical businesses. Some apprentices start as labourers or do pre-trade study first to gain experience.

4

Register with EWRB

Apply for jobs with licensed electrical businesses. Some apprentices start as labourers or do pre-trade study first to gain experience.

5

Register with EWRB

You, your employer, and EarnLearn agree on your apprenticeship plan, setting out on-the-job learning and off-job training requirements.

1

Check you’re suited

Enjoy practical work, problem-solving, and teamwork. A good attitude, maths basics, and safety awareness give you a strong start.

2

Prepare your CV

Show your interest in electrical work, highlight school subjects, pre-trade courses, or hands-on experience that proves you’re motivated.

3

Get hired

Apply for jobs with licensed electrical businesses. Some apprentices start as labourers or do pre-trade study first to gain experience.

4

Register with EWRB

Apply for jobs with licensed electrical businesses. Some apprentices start as labourers or do pre-trade study first to gain experience.

5

Register with EWRB

You, your employer, and EarnLearn agree on your apprenticeship plan, setting out on-the-job learning and off-job training requirements.

1

Check you’re suited

Enjoy practical work, problem-solving, and teamwork. A good attitude, maths basics, and safety awareness give you a strong start.

2

Prepare your CV

Show your interest in electrical work, highlight school subjects, pre-trade courses, or hands-on experience that proves you’re motivated.

3

Get hired

Apply for jobs with licensed electrical businesses. Some apprentices start as labourers or do pre-trade study first to gain experience.

4

Register with EWRB

Apply for jobs with licensed electrical businesses. Some apprentices start as labourers or do pre-trade study first to gain experience.

5

Register with EWRB

You, your employer, and EarnLearn agree on your apprenticeship plan, setting out on-the-job learning and off-job training requirements.

"Making money while you learn is a big win-win. We are developing all these skills and getting knowledge while getting paid to do it."

What training looks like

1

On-the-job learning

Work alongside licensed electricians, picking up practical skills while you complete On-Job assessments.

2

Off-job courses

Attend your preferred providers classes and achieve your Off-Job assessments to cover the theory that supports your practical work.

3

Regular check-ins

EarnLearn Account Managers check in with you and your employer, offering support and making sure your training stays on track.

4

Capstone & registration

Once you’ve completed all relevant Off-Job assessments, you’ll sit a Capstone assessment in Year 1 and Year 2. In year 3, you’ll study and sit the Theory and Regulations examination.

5

Qualification and registration

After you have achieved all Off and On-Jobs unit standards including the capstone assessments and examinations, you will gain your qualification. Once qualified, you can apply for registration as an Electrician with the EWRB.

1

On-the-job learning

Work alongside licensed electricians, picking up practical skills while you complete On-Job assessments.

2

Off-job courses

Attend your preferred providers classes and achieve your Off-Job assessments to cover the theory that supports your practical work.

3

Regular check-ins

EarnLearn Account Managers check in with you and your employer, offering support and making sure your training stays on track.

4

Capstone & registration

Once you’ve completed all relevant Off-Job assessments, you’ll sit a Capstone assessment in Year 1 and Year 2. In year 3, you’ll study and sit the Theory and Regulations examination.

5

Qualification and registration

After you have achieved all Off and On-Jobs unit standards including the capstone assessments and examinations, you will gain your qualification. Once qualified, you can apply for registration as an Electrician with the EWRB.

1

On-the-job learning

Work alongside licensed electricians, picking up practical skills while you complete On-Job assessments.

2

Off-job courses

Attend your preferred providers classes and achieve your Off-Job assessments to cover the theory that supports your practical work.

3

Regular check-ins

EarnLearn Account Managers check in with you and your employer, offering support and making sure your training stays on track.

4

Capstone & registration

Once you’ve completed all relevant Off-Job assessments, you’ll sit a Capstone assessment in Year 1 and Year 2. In year 3, you’ll study and sit the Theory and Regulations examination.

5

Qualification and registration

After you have achieved all Off and On-Jobs unit standards including the capstone assessments and examinations, you will gain your qualification. Once qualified, you can apply for registration as an Electrician with the EWRB.

Apprentice FAQs

Thinking about an electrical apprenticeship—or already started? Here are the answers to the questions apprentices ask most.

You’ll need a job with an electrical business. Once hired, you must apply for a Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC) with the EWRB. After you have applied for your TLC, you, your employer, and EarnLearn sign a training agreement to enrol you into the programme.

Pre-trade can be helpful but isn’t required. Many apprentices start with entry-level site work to gain experience, then sign on once employed.

Most apprentices complete in around 3–4 years. Your timeline depends on workplace experience, completed assessments, and progress.

You’ll learn on the job with qualified electricians, complete theory through your preferred provider, and complete assessments throughout your programme.

Yes, apprentices are employees. Pay rates usually increase as you progress and demonstrate competency, although this is at your employer’s discretion. Your employer sets wages for your role.

You’ll have an Account Manager for regular check-ins and guidance if you fall behind or need extra support.

Yes. Off-job training covers theory you must complete to qualify.

Ask for help early—talk to your supervisor and Account Manager. We can create a catch-up plan, provide resources, and adjust your training pace.

Apply for the correct Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC) with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) to work under supervision.
Apply for a Limited Certificate: Limited Certificate | Electrical Workers Registration Board

After you have achieved all unit standards including the capstone assessments and examinations, you will gain your qualification. Once qualified, you can apply for registration as an Electrician with the EWRB.

We support you throughout your apprenticeship

EarnLearn provides free, specialised learning & wellbeing support services to all apprentices and employers during their apprenticeship. 

Our team is nationwide

Our nationwide team of dedicated EarnLearn Account Managers (AM) are your ‘go-to’ for all things related to your or your apprentice’s training. They help coordinate off-job and on-job learning, and can provide support from enrolment through to completion.

We check in on our apprentices every 8 weeks throughout their training to ensure they are supported in all ways. 

If you have any questions, give them a call.