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FAQs about an Apprenticeship with ATT

When looking for the right apprenticeship and apprentice there are many questions. Have a look at our FAQs to find your answer. If we haven’t answered your question here, please get in contact so we can help you.

 
 

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a NZQA recognised Level 4 qualification and the best way to enter the plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying or electrical trades. As an apprentice you will learn the trade through a combination of practical work experience and theoretical study. Every ATT apprentice must complete a set number of theory modules, attend all relevant courses and reach practical competencies to become qualified. While gaining their qualification, apprentices are working in a real business and being paid – so there are no student loans.

What are the advantages of being an ATT apprentice?

The financial advantages of being an ATT apprentice include a 58 cents tax-free tool allowance (on top of wages) and an interest-free tool loan. Apprentices start on a ‘training wage’ which is 80% of the minimum wage. However, ATT's starting rate is often higher than the New Zealand minimum training wage. Once the apprenticeship is completed, ATT apprentices are awarded a $1,200 incentive payment less tax to reward them for their achievement.

The administration and theoretical components are organised for ATT apprentices, such as block courses or training requirements. As an ATT apprentice you can be assured that you are signed into a training agreement from day one.  Due to our network of host businesses, ATT apprentices have more job security. For instance, if your host business was to run low on work, ATT could place you with another host business, or if your host business can’t give you the exposure to all the apprenticeship requirements, ATT could place you with another host to gain this experience.

What are the entry requirements for an ATT apprenticeship?

To start an ATT apprenticeship you will need to: have achieved a minimum NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent); hold a current restricted or full drivers licence and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. As well as passing a numeracy, literacy and mechanical reasoning test, you will need to have a good attitude and a commitment to completing the apprenticeship. Please note, ATT will conduct a criminal background check on all successful candidates.

What are the costs involved with an ATT apprenticeship?

An initial $1,250 fee is required prior to starting an apprenticeship as an upfront component of the training fees. Through our partnership with certain providers, there is financial support available to applicants who meet certain criteria. If you require financial assistance, please enquire for more information about the options available. 

ATT will automatically deduct training fees from apprentice wages and can organise for training fees to be paid in full. Please talk to our recruitment consultants to find out more.

Additionally, apprentices are required to purchase their own tools. ATT apprentices get access to significantly discounted tools, a 58 cent tax-free tool allowance and an interest-free tool loan. Depending on the trade, in your first year as an ATT apprentice you could expect to spend $600-$1,000 on tools.   

How long does it take to complete an ATT apprenticeship?

Depending on the chosen trade, the length of an ATT apprenticeship differs. However, it usually takes two to five years to complete. ATT apprenticeships include:

  • Plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying apprenticeships are structured over five years (or 10,000 hours of practical work experience)

  • Drainlaying apprenticeships take two years to complete (or 4,000 hours)

  • Electrical apprenticeships take three to four years to complete (or 6,000-8,000 hours), depending on prior experience and qualifications

How much should I expect to earn as an ATT apprentice?

As an apprentice, you will earn while you learn.  As you are working towards gaining your National Certificate in your chosen trade, your wage will increase as you gain experience. Our minimum starting wage is $18.16 but wages can increase based on a variety of factors e.g. previous experience, market conditions etc. Your Area Manager will negotiate your starting wage with the host business on your behalf. The recruitment team will discuss this further with you during the process. 

Can I apply for an ATT apprenticeship in a different city to which I currently live?

Feel free to apply for an apprenticeship in a different area to which you live, however ATT does not get involved in the relocation process. Please indicate on the application form which area you are looking for an apprenticeship in. 

Can I apply for an apprenticeship if I wasn't born in New Zealand?

Even if you weren't born in New Zealand, you can still apply for an ATT apprenticeship. However, as the types of apprenticeships we offer can take up to four years to complete, you will need to have either a Residents Visa or New Zealand Citizenship.

Can I get any financial support?

Unfortunately, student loans are not available to those training as an apprentice. However, for certain candidates that meet the criteria, financial assistance may be received through our partnership with certain providers. If you require financial assistance, please enquire for more information about the criteria. 

Can I apply for an ATT apprenticeship if I have my learners’ drivers licence/no drivers licence?

Most Host Businesses require you to have a minimum of a restricted drivers licence prior to starting your apprenticeship. ATT will commence with your application if you currently hold a learners licence however, you sould expect some delays with being placed. If you are applying for an ATT apprenticeship with a learners’ driver licence, please indicate on your application when you are able to go for your restricted drivers licence. 

Am I guaranteed an apprenticeship when I get through the ATT recruitment process?

Getting through ATT’s recruitment process does not guarantee you a placement. While we will always do our best to find you an apprenticeship position, placements can be affected by fluctuating demand and location. 

What if I am placed with an ATT host business and it doesn’t work out?

There are times when an apprenticeship placement may not work out – such as a drop in work. ATT will endeavour to place you with another host business if this happens. 

What happens if I fail my pre-employment drug and alcohol test?

If you fail the pre-employment drug and alcohol test ATT will not proceed with your apprenticeship. We have a zero tolerance on drugs and alcohol in the workplace. 

I have a criminal conviction, what are my chances to get an ATT apprenticeship?

Unless your conviction is covered under the Clean Slate Act 2004, please disclose ALL criminal history during application as we run criminal background checks on EVERY apprentice. ATT requires candidates to have a clean criminal record. 

How will I know when my block courses are scheduled?

ATT will arrange all theoretical components and administration for you. We will notify you and your host business when your block courses are coming up.

Do I need a CV to apply for an ATT apprenticeship?

You cannot submit an application without attaching a CV. Please ensure your CV outlines past work experience, educational qualifications, motivations for pursuing an apprenticeship and includes two references.

What happens if I fail the numeracy, literacy and mechanical reasoning test?

The numeracy, literacy and mechanical reasoning test is part of ATT’s recruitment process. The test is in place to ensure you will be able to complete the theoretical components of the apprenticeship. You will be provided with a calculator.

Why do I need to provide a photo?

When you get through ATT’s recruitment process, we will create an apprentice profile to help promote you to potential host businesses. The photo you provide is used as part of your profile, therefore the better the photo, the better we can promote you. Please ensure the photo you provide is high resolution and clear – outdoor photos or head shots are great!

What is certificationship?

Certificationship is an opportunity to grow your qualification at the completion point of your Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying or Drainlaying apprenticeship. Certificationship takes you from a registered trades person to being certified, meaning you can own a business and train apprentices.

Do I qualify for industry training free fees?

See if you are eligible for fees-free industry training at feesfree.govt.nz. You will need your NSN number to check if you are eligible.

What is involved in the ATT recruitment process? 

Every ATT apprentice will undergo our comprehensive recruitment process. This involves:

  • Formal interviews by our recruitment team

  • Numeracy, literacy and mechanical reasoning testing

  • Reference checks

  • Criminal background check

  • Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing

Additionally, ATT apprentices are required to have at least a restricted drivers licence. We will only take on apprentices that have a good attitude and are committed to completing the apprenticeship. 

What are the costs involved with an ATT apprenticeship?

As ATT employs the apprentice directly, we take care of all payments, such as ACC, Kiwisaver, wages whilst on block course, holiday pay, bereavement and sick leave. The apprentice will pay the weekly training fees.

As an ATT host business, you only pay for the hours worked by your apprentice, which is invoiced on a weekly basis. Please contact your Area Manager for a breakdown of charge-out rates in your trade. 

How long does an ATT apprenticeship take?

Depending on the chosen trade, the length of an ATT apprenticeship differs. However, it usually takes two to five years to complete. ATT apprenticeships include:

  • Plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying apprenticeships are structured over five years (or 10,000 hours of practical work experience)

  • A Drainlaying apprenticeship takes two years to complete (or 4,000 hours)

  • Electrical apprenticeships take three to four years to complete (or 6,000-8,000 hours), depending on prior experience and qualifications

What are the advantages of being an ATT host?

ATT simplifies the process of training an apprentice, so you can focus on growing your business. We provide top-quality candidates, as well as offering a full administration, HR and management package. As ATT directly employs the apprentice, this mitigates risk for our host businesses.

How long does it take to get an apprentice on board?

ATT has top-quality candidates ready to start their apprenticeship. However, if we do not have a suitable candidate for your business, we can recruit on your behalf. ATT has a proven recruitment process to ensure we only select high-calibre candidates. We always work towards the needs of our host businesses where possible.  

What if I find my own candidate?

Whether you have found a candidate or ATT has recruited for you, every candidate will be required to complete the same recruitment process. We are happy to work with candidates you may have found yourself.

What if I take on an ATT apprentice and it doesn’t work out?

As business can be unpredictable at times, ATT provides a handback option with three weeks notice. Depending on the situation, ATT will seek to place the apprentice with a new host business. Your Area Manager will work with you on a replacement, if required, or next steps.

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