Apprenticeships in Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, Ngā piatanga mō te Mahi paipa wai, taputapu kapuni me te keri manga

Choose school subjects

For some training and apprenticeships you need specific NCEA subjects.

Vocational Pathways can help you choose subjects that lead to a particular industry.

Choosing NCEA subjects

Develop work skills

Talk with your school career adviser about Gateway, trades academies and other options for developing work skills.

Combine school with work or training

Training or study 

Getting a Level 1–3 entry certificate can increase your chances of finding work or training opportunities.

Upskilling after you leave school

Get work experience

Work experience is a good way of getting into an industry. It can lead to training and job opportunities.

How to get work experience

You usually need a job in your chosen industry before you can start your training or apprenticeship. You’ll earn while you learn.

Check job seeker websites for training opportunities or talk with employers.

Some training providers can help you find an employer or workplace.

How to look for a job

Ask your employer to support your training

You’ll be learning on the job, so your employer needs to support your training or apprenticeship.

How to talk to employers

Training providers manage industry training. You do courses and assessments with them throughout your training or apprenticeship.
Who can you study or train with?

Check entry requirements

This training may have entry requirements like a driver licence. Check with your training provider.

Sign the agreement and get started

You need to sign an agreement between you, your employer and training provider to start your training or apprenticeship.

The provider will develop a training plan with you and your employer and support you throughout your training.