The benefits of pre-trade training

If you want to get an apprenticeship or work in a trade but don’t have enough experience, the answer might be to do a pre-trade training course.

If you're interested in a trade but not sure it's right for you, a pre-trade training course gives you the chance to try it without committing long term. Some employers prefer you to do a pre-apprenticeship training course before offering you an apprenticeship.

Pre-trade training courses are mainly offered by Te Pukenga and private training establishments (PTEs).

Pre-trade training is a good option if you’re at school and want to try a trade before you leave school.

• How to start training for a trade at school

Pre-trade training may also be an option if you’ve left school and you:

• tried to get into workplace training but the employer wasn't sure you had enough knowledge or practical experience
• want to try a certain job or industry without having to commit long term
• want to try a variety of different jobs to see which one you’re interested in
• are interested in workplace training or a New Zealand Apprenticeship and want to earn credits to show a potential employer your commitment to the industry and your willingness to learn.

Check with the body that organises apprenticeships as some do not require pre-trade training. 

• Apprenticeships

The benefits of pre-trade training are:

• you gain essential skills and form basic knowledge that can help you develop your career
• some employers will only hire you once you've completed pre-trade training
• you can try an industry and find out if you like it without committing long term.

You can search our courses database to find out what pre-trade courses are offered, or contact training providers directly.

• Courses database - search for pre-trade courses

Course costs vary so it’s best to ask the training provider. It’s also a good idea to check out your funding options.

You may be eligible for the fees-free initiative. A number of training providers offer subsidised pre-trade training courses – talk to your training provider or Work and Income to find out more.

• Fees Free website - check your eligibility for fees-free tertiary study and industry training
• What study costs and how to fund it
• Scholarships

The qualification you get depends on the course you do. Most training courses offer Level 2 or Level 3 certificates.

Not all pre-trade courses are part of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

If the course isn’t part of NZQCF you can’t cross-credit it to a New Zealand Certificate later on.

• Start tertiary or workplace learning while at school
• How to make a career decision
• Qualifications and their levels
• Work and Income website - get help finding a job