If you’re at the cross roads of your career path and wondering “where to next?”, there are more options available to you than the traditional university degree.
In the past, there has been an expectation that in order to have a successful and lucrative career, one must attend university for a number of years to earn a degree that will generate a decent occupation. Gone are the days when all high-schoolers were expected to automatically apply for their university of choice and sit through years of lectures and essays. And for those seeking to study again later in life, university isn’t always the career generator you’re after.
Of course, there are many careers that require further education at university tertiary level, but there are also many careers that require a more hands-on approach to learning - such as those in the trades.
Why the trades?
Skilled and competent tradespeople are in high demand. In fact, trade workers are so highly sought after, that NZ Immigration currently lists trades as a preferred occupation for those seeking work in New Zealand. Both construction and oil & gas are listed as industries with shortages on Immigration NZ’s skills shortage list. This means the time is ripe to consider a career in the trades - with many jobs available, your trades career is likely to be a long and prosperous one!
What’s my earning potential?
Your potential earning will depend on the trade you choose, the area you specialise in and your location - historically trades have been solid career choices. Plus we all know about student loans and student debt accrued by most when pursuing a degree at university, but what about debt accrued when starting out in the trades? An apprenticeship with ATT means you are not only training in a lucrative career, but you will also be earning as you learn. You will receive a tool allowance and interest-free tool loan, while undertaking on-job experience with your host company and successfully completing your apprenticeship. At the completion of training, you’ll have a highly valued qualification and little to no debt - which is a huge plus when comparing how long it can take many students to pay back their student loans once they’ve graduated from university.
What is involved at entry level?
Apprenticeship training involves learning under an established trades person or company, physically on the job instead of in university, along with study at an accredited institution. This is how many tradespeople commence their careers. At ATT, we equip you with the best of both worlds - you learn on the job in a classic apprenticeship style role, while still having the structure, resources and classroom learning needed to achieve your qualifications.
What about career progression?
When you gain a qualification in your chosen trade, think of it as merely a starting point. Just like other careers, your skillset will specialise over time with further training and on the job experience. As you learn and grow within the industry, many employers will help you to further your skillset with on the job training, or providing opportunities for further education. As well as this, trades is a sought-after qualification worldwide. Should you decide to travel, most will not find it too difficult to find work abroad because it’s an internationally required skill. Electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, etc are required the world over – and these roles earn considerably more than pulling pints at a local pub.
How do I get started?
We make it easy to start your role and succeed in your trades apprenticeship in three steps:
Application, selection and placement: Simply apply online via the ATT website. This is followed by a phone discussion, interview(s) and testing requirements. From there, once accepted, we will match you to an employer. We’ll also explain how it all works - any fees, required study, the apprenticeship path and how we can support you…which leads nicely to…
Support during your apprenticeship: An ATT Area Manager will look after you throughout your apprenticeship; they’ll be your go-to for any queries, helping you navigate the training requirements, deadlines and paperwork - they’re here to help you succeed. We also connect you with other apprentices and industry support, such as an online Facebook support group where you can chat to other ATT apprentices and managers.
Completion and ongoing connection: When you graduate with ATT, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the most of your career in the trades. Often employers that you have trained with will be eager to offer full employment opportunities, as they have come to know you over time within their company.
The best part of a career in the trades and an apprenticeship through ATT is that at the completion of your training, you are guaranteed an ongoing, sought-after career for life.
Get in touch with the ATT team to discuss your next career move; we’d be happy to discuss the opportunities available and whether an apprenticeship is the right move for you!