Foundations for the future: How do Pre-trades programmes or apprenticeships train you for the trades?

Pre-trade programme 

A pre-trade course is a short-term programme, often between 17 weeks and a year, that gives you the basic understanding of a trade. They’re designed to teach you the essentials of the trade in preparation for an on-site role. Some of the key benefits are:

• Try before you commit: You’ll be introduced to the trade and get an idea of what work will be like. If you're not sure exactly what trade career is right for you, doing a pre-trade first could give you the insight to lead you to the more rewarding career.
• Build confidence: In a pre-trade, you’ll thoroughly cover the basics. Skills like how to use tools, on-site health and safety, and insight from experienced tutors prepare you to hit the ground running.  
• May improve hireability: Any extra experience or education related to the job you’re applying for can give you a leg up. Having a pre-trade programme under your belt could be beneficial because your future boss knows you've got the basic skills to get the job done!
• Chip time off your apprenticeship: A pre-trade programme may provide up to one year credit towards a level 4 apprenticeship programme with us, helping you become fully qualified quicker. Talk to our enrolments team to discuss your options.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is usually completed over 2-4 years, incorporating full-time work with part-time study. The study will typically involve evening classes to cover theory work, block courses to cover practical training, and assessment of on-site work. At the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll be a fully qualified professional. Some of the key benefits are:

• Earn while you learn: As an apprentice, you’ll start getting paid straight away. Often, your employer will pay you a training wage – as of October 2024 the standard training wage is $18.52/hour. Find out more about the training wage →
• Learn while doing: As you learn on the job, you’ll see the practical applications of the programme immediately, and often in a variety of settings. This can help cement the learnings straight away.
• Cement your learning with additional classes: Over the course of your apprenticeship, you’ll complete workshops, online assessments and theory classes to support your learning. These make sure you’re covering all the necessary skills to be a professional tradesperson.
• Make great mates - Construction sites are collaborative environments, with lots of different people and trades needed to get the job done. Start building your networks early – not only will you be able to lean on your mates to increase your understanding of different skills and keep you motivated but you’ll grow your job opportunities too!

Foundation programmes

If you’re wanting to try your hand at a range of trades, you could start with one of our Level 2 Foundation Skills Certificates: Construction and Infrastructure or Manufacturing and Technology. Both are 17 weeks long and introduce students to a broad range of trades and develop core employment competencies.

If you’re still at school and wanting to get a head start on your future in the trades, there are several pathways you can explore. Gateway programmes, taster days, and Wellington Trades Academy can be arranged through your school’s careers advisor. If you’re a parent, you can also speak to your child's school career advisor.

Explore your study options with Whitireia and WelTec

We offer Level 2 Foundation Skills programmes, pre-trade Level 3 programmes, and Level 4 apprenticeship programmes that allow you to l earn through practical tutorials, evening classes, workshops and online assessments, while getting regular on-site visits by our highly experienced tutors. Explore your options in:

• Carpentry →
• Electrical →
• Mechanical Engineering Trades →
• Automotive →
• Plumbing →
• Hairdressing →
• Plastering →
• Tiling →
• Painting →

Still unsure what path is right for you? Talk to one of our team.

If you’re interested in learning more about our programmes, complete our Chat to Kaimahi form and you’ll be put in touch with a member of our team. Whether you’re interested in plumbing, carpentry, automotive, hairdressing, or another programme outside of the trades, we can help you decide what path is right for you.

Chat to Kaimahi