If you’re not already employed in an electrical business, you’ll need to find a company willing to take you on as an apprentice. Want to give yourself an edge when applying? Our electrical pre-trade course builds foundational skills that help you stand out from other applicants and show employers you’re serious about the trade.
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Build your electrical career
Want to get into electrical work? An electrical apprenticeship teaches you far more than just house wiring. You'll learn everything from basic installations to complex electrical systems that power homes, businesses, and industry.
Learn the job while doing the job with Skills Trades Training. Our New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Trade (Level 4) gets you qualified as a registered electrician with the skills that employers actually want.
How Skills Trades Training supports your apprenticeship
If you’re already working as an apprentice at an electrical company, Skills Trades Training can handle all your formal training and block courses while you gain experience on the job.
Getting started without a job
Training requirements and support
All electrical apprentices need formal training to become registered electricians and get EWRB registration. We cover electrical regulations, electrical safety certificate requirements, and the hands-on skills you need to work safely on any electrical job. We've been training electricians for 30+ years - we know what we're doing and employers trust us.
Your apprenticeship training journey
Your apprenticeship combines hands-on work experience with formal training at Skills Trades Training. You'll attend night classes and block courses at our training centres while gaining real experience on job sites. Our tutors are industry experts who visit you at work to provide on-job support and connect your training with what you're doing every day.
The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Trade (Level 4) takes around four years to complete, covering everything from electrical theory and safety regulations to practical installation and testing skills. We handle all the training agreement paperwork and work with you and your employer to schedule your learning around real work commitments. Our apprentices get the support they need to succeed, which is why employers trust us to deliver qualified electricians who are ready to work.
Where your career can go
Once you're qualified, there's plenty of directions to go. Become an electrical inspector checking other sparkies' work, or move into project management running electrical jobs on big construction sites. Some electricians specialise in commercial work, others focus on industrial maintenance. You could work on renewable energy projects or smart building installations.
Many electricians start their own businesses or become estimators, working out electrical costs for new builds. Some get into teaching, training new apprentices. If you're into tech, automation work with smart building systems is growing fast. The electrical game needs people who get both old-school wiring and new technology.
Wherever you end up in the electrical trade, solid training is what sets you apart - and that's what Skills Trades Training delivers.
Engineering: Electricians have a head start in the field of engineering, where they design and implement the electrical wiring of projects.
Solar and Wind Energy Specialists: Alternative energy is in higher demand both commercially and domestically.
Inspectors: Simply put, inspectors check the work done by electricians. People often choose to train in inspection when considering foreman and management roles.
PLC / HMI: Electricians with a knack for development often choose further training in PLC Programming and HMI integration. This technology automates a huge variety of operations in all sectors.
Automated tracking systems / IoT: Part of the magic of automation is the work of the electrician.
EVs: Electric vehicles are here to stay! Specialising in EV technology now involves installing charging stations to keep up with demand, and more fascinating innovation is in development.
Project Management: Like to take control of the big picture? You could be supplying energy to housing estates, businesses and urban infrastructure, or working on renewable energy projects such as solar, wind or wave farms, or gas plants.
Marine Electricians: A marine electrician installs and takes care of electrical equipment and systems on board ships, boats and maybe the odd super yacht. They often handle emergency repairs on ships in port, in dry dock, and out at sea – a nice option if you like the outdoors!
Line Mechanic: There are several essential line mechanic roles needed in the industry. Work involves installing and maintaining low or high voltage power lines, joining cables, repairing distribution networks and more.
Estimator: Electricians (not just engineers) make great electrical estimators because they can analyse blueprints to determine the electrical needs of a project and provide solutions for keeping the project on time and on budget.
Business Ownership: Joining an established electrical business can pay dividends down the line. If you can prove you’re a valuable worker, you may end up as a shareholder. Other sparkies set up their own business too, taking on courses and classes to upskill.
Teaching and Tutoring: Educating the next generation of electricians is crucial to keeping the industry humming. Teaching can be very flexible and is especially rewarding for those that love to share knowledge and success.
Electrical Suppliers: With the knowledge and hands-on expertise, apprentice graduates make excellent employees for electrical suppliers. Roles may include Technical Sales Representatives, Purchasing Officers and Branch Managers.
How much does it cost?
New Zealand Apprenticeship in Electrical Trade (General Electrical Strand) Level 4
From 2025, the Fees Free scheme changes to cover only the final two years of an apprenticeship.
Fees Free Changes
From 6 October 2025, all final-year Fees Free information and support has moved to Inland Revenue. If you’re looking for information about Fees Free eligibility, applications, or have questions about this government funding, please visit ird.govt.nz/fees-free where you’ll find the most current details and support.
Applications for final-year Fees Free will open through myIR from 15 January 2026.
For more information go to our Fees Free Policy information page.
Fees Information
- If you are not eligible for Fees Free, you are required to pay $62.00 per week, which is by direct debit.
Please note: Skills Trades Training strives to ensure that the information provided on this website is up-to-date and accurate. Please note the information provided, including information on fees and courses, is regularly reviewed, and no warranty or representation is given about the ongoing accuracy of such information. All fees may change without notice. Skills Trades Training does not accept liability for any damage or losses that occur directly or indirectly from you relying on the information on this website.
We’re New Zealand's leading trades training provider for electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing. Our industry experts prepare the next generation of tradies with skills that work where it matters – on the job site.
We keep the world running
From power grids to water mains, our graduates maintain the essential infrastructure that keeps New Zealand running every day.