While there are no specific entry requirements for an ETITO apprenticeship, it's important that candidates have a reasonable level of maths and literacy skills to meet the theory requirements of their apprenticeship. 

We recommend that you're selective about who you take on as an apprentice, as someone without the aptitude for learning a trade will struggle with the workload.  To find the best apprentice, it's important you use a thorough recruitment process. 

Our training managers are happy to advise you at any stage of the recruitment or training process.  They may even know of an ideal candidate in your area.

There are a number of indicators which point to a candidate making a good apprentice:

Personal indicators:

Do they have a good attitude and present themselves well? 

Do they enjoy working with their hands? 

Do they have a sport or hobby that reflects well on them? 

Do they have good practical skills?

School indicators:

Do they have good maths, science and English achievement [preferably to the level of School Certificate or NCEA Level 1]?

Did they do woodwork or metalwork at school?    

Some other good indicators:

Have they completed a pre-employment course at a polytechnic?   

Have they done any work part-time that demonstrates a keen interest to work in the industry? 

Did they study the National Certificate in Electronics Technology [NCET] at school?  This is a basic electrical and electronics course designed by ETITO, which can be taken as an elective subject at High School.

Are they members of the ETITO Bright Sparks Club?  This is a web-based club for young people with an interest in all things electrical and electronic [www.brightsparks.org.nz]

During the interview process...

Have the candidate complete our short aptitude test.

Organise a small, practical test of your own in the company workshop.  For example, you could show them how to make off a lead and see how easily they can complete the process.

Pre-employment courses

Pre-employment courses are for people who want to start working towards an electrotechnology trade before beginning an apprenticeship. 

The exact content of pre-employment courses varies between polytechnics, but essentially they cover the first year or two of the off-job theory component in an apprenticeship.  Many of these courses also cover workshop and hand-tool skills, as well as health-and-safety.

Many pre-employment courses encourage students to spend time working with a local employer to gain work experience.  Agreeing to this can give you a choice of potential candidates over the year, and the opportunity to conduct a 'working interview' with potential apprentices.

Modern apprenticeships

In 2001, the government introduced a new initiative to complement and build on existing work-based industry training. 'Modern Apprenticeships' offer the best of the apprenticeship tradition with additional mentoring support for both the employer and apprentice via a modern apprenticeship coordinator. The support of ETITO's field and office-based staff is also provided to modern apprentices and their employers.

You can find more about modern apprenticeships here.