Te Mahi a Rehe
Trades
Learn an in-demand trade and build a solid future on strong foundations.
Whether you’re a school leaver needing pre-trade training before starting an apprenticeship, or a seasoned tradesperson looking to upskill, or you’re seeking new skills and a fresh direction, we have full-time and part-time courses to suit.
Our trades programmes are delivered at our Trades campuses in Christchurch and Timaru.
NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with trade skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.
We offer a broad range of trade training in the areas of agribusiness, construction, electrical, motor industry and engineering trades. Our training programmes are designed with flexible timeframes for completing your qualifications and most are offered as both full and part time options. Usually you will start out with a pre trade programme to get the core skills and knowledge ideal for starting work as a trainee or apprentice. You can then complete further training with us as well as in your workplace.
You can become work ready for a trade in under four months.
Our programmes also offer the opportunity for you to continue study at higher levels, or move into other related areas of study.
You can also study our trades short courses which include Welding, Heat Pump/ Split Systems, Electrical Service Technician, Electrical Service Technician A and Solar Hot Water Installations.
Perhaps the best trades training facility in the country, we have real-world learning environments including:
- Training building barns
- State-of-the-art equipment and machinery
- Custom built workshops and machine rooms
- Purpose-built Engineering Technology Centre
- South Island Plastics and Polymer Centre of Excellence
We also hosts TradeFIT, a simulated subdivision where trades students are trained in key infrastructure trades in a real world environment, alongside other trades trainees and experienced tutors. TradeFIT includes: residential and commercial building construction; civil works; electrical distribution; telecommunications installation; plumbing and gasfitting; brick and block laying; drainage and water reticulation, and steel structures.
Our trades programmes are at the forefront of training with qualifications that are nationally recognised and endorsed by more than 160 industry partners. Together we ensure you have access to the latest techniques, equipment and technologies. Our strong industry ties guarantee that our qualifications and work experience are relevant to current workforce needs and equip you to be work fit when you complete your programme.
If you think you may require modifications in order to undertake the practical components of a particular course of study, we encourage you to discuss these with us so we can give them careful consideration.
As it may take time to consider and implement any modifications, please contact disability@ara.ac.nz as early as possible prior to the course starting. We’ll also need to check that there’s no risk of harm to you or anyone else before making a final decision.
Throughout this process we’ll communicate with you in a clear and timely manner.
Related programmes & courses
Trades Primer
Sample a range of trades and find your future career path.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 3
Get hands-on skills for a career in mechanical engineering.
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)
Gain the knowledge and skills to start an apprenticeship in the electrical industry.
Certificate in Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing
Equip yourself with skills for a career in the automotive collision repair and refinishing industry.
New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3)
Gain all the fundamental skills needed to begin a career in plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying.
Certificate in Construction Trade Skills – Joinery
Develop the key skills needed for employment or a traineeship.
Certificate in Construction Trade Skills – Carpentry
Learn in-demand carpentry skills and gain experience on real construction projects
New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills Allied Trades Strand Painting and Decorating
Gain the fundamental skills to start a career in Painting & Decorating.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Toolmaking
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Maintenance Engineering
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Machining
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) General Engineering
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Fitting and Machining
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering
Equip yourself with the in-depth skills needed to work as an auto technician.
Certificate in Joinery
Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.
Certificate in Carpentry
Grow your carpentry and organisational skills on the job.
Certificate in Engineering Fabrication -Light Fabrication
Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.
Certificate in Engineering Fabrication - Heavy Fabrication
Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.
Certificate in Engineering Fabrication - Steel Construction
Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.