Our story
Developing NZ’s engineering & manufacturing workforce
Since 1999, ATNZ has helped shape the future of engineering and manufacturing in Aotearoa. What began as a small industry-led initiative has grown into New Zealand’s largest employer of engineering apprentices — trusted by learners, businesses, and industry bodies nationwide.
For over two decades, we’ve delivered practical, workplace-based training that builds genuine capability, long-term careers, and stronger businesses.
From industry initiative to national training provider
ATNZ was founded to make apprenticeships more accessible and more successful. In our early years, we operated primarily as a Group Training Organisation (GTO), employing apprentices and placing them with host companies.
We transitioned into a registered Private Training Establishment (PTE), expanding our ability to design, deliver, and assess nationally recognised NZQA qualifications directly.
This strengthened programme quality and created a more seamless experience for both businesses and learners.
Today, alongside our hosting model, we deliver apprenticeships, advanced qualifications, short courses, and customised industry training.
We are no longer just facilitating training — we are actively shaping it.
Our model combines:
Our Future
Where we’re heading
More targeted industry training
Designing responsive programmes that address emerging skill gaps and support evolving workforce capability across engineering and manufacturing.
Clearer pathways from entry to advanced levels
Building structured progression from Gateway and Level 4 apprenticeships through to Level 5 and specialist qualifications.
Greater flexibility in programme delivery
Expanding modular learning, micro-credentials, and workplace-integrated training that adapts to business and learner needs.
Stronger alignment with industry standards
Continuing to collaborate with sector bodies, employers, and regulators to ensure qualifications remain relevant, rigorous, and future-focused.
Our Promise