Mechanical Engineering Trainee - Auckland

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Air New Zealand’s 2027 Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship in Auckland offers a four-year path with permanent employment from day one, on-the-job training in Aircraft Components, mentoring from experienced engineers, and support to complete the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 4. You'll rotate through teams gaining maintenance and testing experience with progression in pay. Standout applicants show passion for engineering and aviation, strong problem solving, and teamwork, and are flexible to shifts. Eligibility includes Level 3 certificates by end of 2026 or equivalent, a full NZ Driver Licence, and reliable transport. Start February 2027. Apply on the Air NZ Careers site with CV and cover letter before 19 July 2026; assessment centre on 2 Sept 2026.

Job Description

Kia ora!

Ready to launch your career in aviation? 

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

What you'll get 

• Permanent employment from day one 
• A structured 4-year apprenticeship programme 
• On-the-job training across our Aircraft Components and Side Shops teams
• Support to complete your New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4) 
• Mentoring from experienced engineers and tradespeople 
• 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 our Aircraft Components and Side Shops, gaining practical experience while learning from industry experts. 

You'll assist with the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and testing of aircraft components and specialised equipment while developing the skills required to become a qualified Mechanical Engineer. 

As part of the programme, you'll complete unit standards towards your New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4), combining practical workplace experience with formal training. 

Upon successful completion of the programme, you'll have the skills and experience to continue building your career within Air New Zealand's Engineering & Maintenance business. 

What we're looking for 

We're seeking people who are: 

• Passionate about engineering and aviation 
• 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 Mechanical Engineering (Level 3), New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3), or equivalent qualification 
• Hold a Full New Zealand Driver Licence (Restricted Licence holders will also be considered) 
• Have reliable transport 
• Be available to commence the apprenticeship in February 2027.

Recruitment process 

1. Application 
2. Initial screening 
3. Video Interview 
4. Assessment Centre – held in Auckland, 02 September 2026  
   • (If invited to an assessment centre, candidates 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 helps keep 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."