A career in mechanical engineering
In this highly skilled trade, you’ll join, install and repair metal parts and products including vents, handrails and aircraft or boat parts. You’ll learn the best techniques for working with different materials as well as how to meet industry standards. This career could see you making metal products, repairing equipment or working on construction projects.
“I enjoy being challenged all the time. When I go to work, there’s always something different to do each day. My job is to help maintain the machinery at Pacific Steel, like fixing breakdowns to get the production line going again. We do quite a bit of welding and fixing broken equipment.”
Toni Rhind
How do I train?
Trades training is flexible. You can:
- Do a pre-trades programme, then get a job and apprenticeship
- Get an apprenticeship straight away and study while you work
Many people start with a pre-trades programme at a training institution. This will give you the hands-on experience and theory you need to prepare you for work. If you qualify for one of our scholarships, you can study for free – and we’ll help you find work when you finish.
If you already have experience in the trades or are ready for working life and happy to study while you work, you might look at going straight into an apprenticeship. We can help you make that decision, and we might even know someone who needs an apprentice like you.
How do I fund my training?
There are a few ways to get your fees paid – but they’re not all the same.
Only available to Māori and Pasifika learners, the MPTT scholarship doesn’t just cover your course fees, it gives you the most well-rounded support to get a job in the trades.
Find out how the MPTT scholarship compares to other funding options.
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Find a course
You can apply for the MPTT scholarship programme now, but make sure you enrol in your chosen course as well. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check out the courses for mechanical engineering below, and follow the links to find out more. Once you’ve chosen your course, you’ll need to apply for it through the course provider (e.g. MIT or Unitec).
- Apply for your MPTT scholarship and, if you qualify, we’ll let your chosen course provider know you’ve been awarded an MPTT scholarship to get financial help and other support.
Find out which mechanical engineering course is right for you using the links below.
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Unitec -
Find an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are managed by Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), who make sure you get the training you need to earn your qualification. The ITO for mechanical engineering is Competenz. Competenz can support you to get the training you need to earn your qualification. To find out more about getting an apprenticeship, you can contact Reg Currin at r.currin@competenz.org.nz or recruitmentsolutions@
competenz.org.nz Find out about a Competenz apprenticeship in mechanical engineering.