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.

Subjects

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.

Facilities and resources

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.

Industry and community

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.

Disability Statement

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.