Aeronautical Engineering Trainee - Christchurch

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Air New Zealand’s 2027 Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship in Christchurch offers permanent employment from day one, a four-year programme, and on-the-job training toward the NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering Level 4. You’ll rotate across maintenance areas, gain practical experience, and progress toward becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer or Licensed AME. Essentials: NZ or Australian citizenship or NZ residency, Level 3 (or NMIT equivalent) by end 2026, a full driver license, reliable transport, and a January 2027 start; shifts may include nights and weekends. Apply with CV and cover letter; assessment centre 10 Sept 2026 in Christchurch; travel and accommodation are your responsibility. Applications close 19 Jul 2026. Tips: tailor your CV to highlight hands-on mechanical or avionics work, teamwork and problem solving, and prepare for the video interview.

Job Description

Kia ora! 

Ready to launch your aircraft maintenance career in aviation? 

Air New Zealand is looking for motivated individuals to join our 2027 Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship in Christchurch. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, complete a nationally recognised qualification, and build a long-term career with the airline. 

What you’ll get: 

• Permanent employment from day one
• A structured 4-year apprenticeship programme 
• On-the-job training across a range of maintenance areas 
• Support to complete your New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Level 4) 
• Mentoring from experienced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers 
• Competitive remuneration with regular progression increases 
• Access to Air New Zealand staff benefits including staff travel discounts.

Your Journey 

Throughout the programme you’ll rotate through different areas of Aircraft Maintenance, gaining practical experience while learning from industry experts. 

You’ll assist with aircraft inspections, maintenance activities, troubleshooting, and repairs while developing the skills required to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). 

Upon successful completion of the programme, you’ll transition into an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer role, with future opportunities to progress towards becoming a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) or explore other careers within Engineering & Maintenance. 

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking people who are: 

• Passionate about aviation and engineering 
• Keen to work in mechanical and/or avionic specialisations 
• Curious, motivated, and eager to learn 
• Strong problem-solvers with excellent attention to detail 
• Effective communicators who work well in a team 
• Flexible and willing to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. 

Eligibility requirements 

To apply, you must: 

• Hold, or be on track to complete by the end of 2026, a New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Level 3), or hold a New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering from NMIT 
• Be a New Zealand or Australian Citizen, or hold New Zealand Permanent Residency 
• Hold a Full New Zealand Driver Licence (Restricted Licence holders will also be considered) 
• Have reliable transport 
• Be available to commence the apprenticeship programme in January 2027. 

Recruitment process 

1. Application 
2. Initial screening 
3. Video Interview
4. Assessment Centre  
   • Christchurch 10 September 2026
   • Please note: If invited to an assessment centre, Candidates will be interviewed at their preferred locations and are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements).
5. Pre-employment checks 
6. Offer 

Ready to take off? 

Apply via the Air New Zealand Careers website and submit your CV and cover letter. 

Applications close Sunday 19th July 2026. 

Join a team that keeps New Zealand flying and start building your future in aviation. 

Additional Information

At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles.

Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua, kia tina.

"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."