Modern Apprenticeships

If you are interested in getting work experience and qualifications in one of our exciting industries - and getting paid to do so! - then Modern Apprenticeships are the way to go.

ATTTO offers Modern Apprenticeships in aviation, tourism, travel and museums.

What are they about?

Becoming a Modern Apprentice (MA) is a smart way to gain a nationally recognised qualification while learning practical skills on the job. An MA is a foundation for a great career in any of our industries, and you won’t have to worry about the student loan or the long hours in lecture theatres!

MAs are workplace-based, so you will need an employer who is willing to support you through the programme. Normally you will also need to be aged between 16 and 21, although older people can also apply. To be a successful MA you will need to have a positive attitude, be willing to learn new skills and be committed to completing the tasks and assessments.

If you are older than 21 and wish to apply for the programme please contact an ATTTO Business Development Advisor (BDA). ATTTO can only accept a small proportion of older people for the MA programme and trainees will need to meet certain criteria.

As an MA, you’ll have the ongoing support of an ATTTO Business Development Advisor (BDA), who will help get you started. They’ll keep in touch and follow up with you four times per year to ensure your learning stays on track. ATTTO’s Trainee/Modern Apprentice Mentor will also contact you once a month to check in on their progress.

Delivery, timeframes and assessment

MA programmes can take up to three years to complete, depending on the programme you choose. The programme can often be completed more quickly if you are motivated to get the work done and have a supportive workplace.

Learning takes place at your own pace. You will need to collate evidence of the work you are doing on the job, including writing up what you have done to complete specific tasks. This will often need to be done in your own time, outside of working hours.

You’ll also need to complete assessments, which can be done in the workplace with a Registered Workplace Assessor. Find out more about assessments

Learning resources

Each MA will receive an information booklet and two resource packs, which will help support you and your workplace in getting started with the training and making the most of your learning. The package helps MA’s through the training and assessment requirements for unit standards.

In addition, Aviation MAs are recommended to purchase a Personal Training Record (PTR) to document evidence of their training and experiences towards their Aircraft Maintenance Engineers’ License (AMEL).

What does a Modern Apprenticeship cost?

Modern Apprenticeships are subsidised by the New Zealand Government, which keeps costs to a minimum. There are fees required for things like ATTTO registration and purchase of resources, such as a Personal Training Record (PTR), as well as assessment fees for workplaces that require the services of an external or ATTTO Assessor.

Your workplace may cover these costs. In exchange, you will make a commitment to your workplace by signing a training agreement, which is linked to your employment contract.

Will I get a Certificate?

Yes, of course! When you complete your MA you will receive an ATTTO Modern Apprenticeship Certificate and, once you’ve completed all required unit standards, a National Certificate in the field for which you have completed your training.


Aviation Modern Apprenticeships - Aeronautical Engineering

What is available?

There are four Modern Apprenticeships available in the aviation industry, depending on the career pathway that learners are interested in. They include:

  • MA in Aviation >> Aeronautical Engineering Specialist Support
  • MA in Aviation >> Aeronautical Engineering
  • MA in Aviation >> Gas Turbine Overhaul
  • MA in Aircraft Manufacture

How do they work?

To become an Aviation Modern Apprentice, it is highly recommended that you complete an Aviation Gateway placement while you are at secondary school and/or a pre-apprenticeship course.

Pre-apprenticeship courses can be completed through training providers such as the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) www.nmit.ac.nz or Air New Zealand Training School www.plane-training.com. It is a good idea to contact these providers to discuss
the most suitable course. 

Once you have secured a job in the aviation industry, you can register as a Modern Apprentice. This will involve signing into one of the above Aviation MA programmes with the support of your workplace, and then working through the tasks and assessments required to complete the relevant National Certificate.

Tourism, Travel and Museums Modern Apprenticeships

What is available?

There are nine Modern Apprenticeships available in the tourism, travel and museums industries, depending on the career pathway that learners are interested in. They include:

  • MA in Tourism
  • MA in Travel
  • MA in Adventure Tourism
  • MA in Tourism Maori
  • MA in Tourism Guiding (Attraction or Excursion)
  • MA in Tour Leadership
  • MA in Museum Practice
  • MA in Horse Trek Guiding
  • MA in Tourism Visitor Information

How do they work?

Each MA programme requires the completion of:

  • The National Certificate in Tourism (Core Skills) (Level 3)
  • A National Certificate and/or a selection of additional unit standards that is relevant to your workplace

On completion MAs will also receive the ATTTO Customer Experience Award.

Contact ATTTO Customer services for more information about MA programmes. They will be able to advise you on the appropriate unit standards for you.