2027 Heavy Automotive Engineering Apprenticeship

Fonterra; Darfield; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

UniMed Health Insurance

Starting tool kit

5 weeks annual leave

Job summary

Fonterra invites you to join its 4-year Heavy Automotive Engineering (Diesel) Apprenticeship in Darfield (Canterbury). You’ll learn hands-on maintenance, diagnostics and component replacement while earning a competitive salary in a large manufacturing environment.

You’ll study for a nationally recognised qualification, work with experienced tradespeople, and progress toward your Class 5 Licence. Eligibility includes NZ citizenship/residency, 16+ years old, and Maths/English at NCEA Level 2 or

Qualifications

• Hands-on engineering aptitude and motivation to learn.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
• Must hold or be working toward a Restricted Driver Licence and NZ citizenship/residency.
• NCEA Level 2 Maths and English completed or on track, with a relevant pre-trade qualification.

Responsibilities

• Earn a nationally recognised Heavy Automotive Engineering (Diesel) qualification.
• Learn from experienced tradespeople in a large manufacturing environment over four years.
• Work on Fonterra's fleet with hands-on maintenance, diagnostics and repairs.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Problem solving

Teamwork

Restricted Driver Licence

Education

NCEA Level 2 with Maths and English

Pre-trade qualification

Tools

Vehicle diagnostics basics

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

2027 Heavy Automotive Engineering Apprenticeship

Feel connected here:Our people are at the heart of everything we do, connected to the land and each other, creating goodness for generations. We are good together.

Be inspired here:Be inspired to be better every day in a place that nurtures innovation, champions sustainability, and empowers you to help solve for a better future for all.

Grow here:In our inclusive environment, you’ll be supported to develop your skills, explore new paths, and grow with purpose. Together, we’ll make every drop count.

At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co‑operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

Start your career with one of Aotearoa New Zealand's largest companies while earning a nationally recognised qualification in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Diesel) and working towards your Class 5 Licence in our fully funded apprenticeship programme. Over four years, you'll learn from experienced tradespeople while earning a competitive salary and gaining practical, hands‑on experience in a large manufacturing environment.

Working on Fonterra's fleet of more than 480 milk tankers, you'll develop skills in:

Fault finding and diagnostics

Preventative maintenance and servicing

Mechanical repairs and component replacement

Computer diagnostics and modern vehicle technology

Planning and problem‑solving in a real‑world workshop environment

This is an opportunity to build a long‑term career while combining structured learning, on‑the‑job training, and industry experience in a supportive team environment.

We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well‑being, development, and work‑life balance:

Focus on pastoral care and qualification support

A 4‑year (8000 hour) fixed term contract

Monday to Friday day roster, 40 hours per week

A full starting tool kit

UniMed Health Insurance

5 weeks paid annual leave

Coverage of all training related costs during block course including meals, accommodation and travel

Choose from the following locations to start your apprenticeship career:

• Darfield (Canterbury)

We're looking for people who are curious, committed to learning, and interested in building a career in the trades.

Finishing school and considering your next step

Completing a pre-trade programme

Looking for a career change

Already gaining experience in the industry

To be considered, you'll need to:

Have achieved, or be on track to achieve, NCEA Level 2 with Maths and English, or be completing a relevant pre-trade qualification

Have an interest in practical, hands‑on engineering work

Enjoy solving problems and learning new skills

Be able to work with different people and in different environments

Hold, or be working towards obtaining, a Restricted Driver Licence before commencing the apprenticeship

Be a New Zealand Citizen, Australian Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident

Be 16 years of age or older

Most importantly, we're looking for people who are motivated to learn, willing to get stuck in, and excited to build a long‑term career in the trades.

He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion

Inclusion is key to our Co‑operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve because we believe different perspectives drive better decisions, stronger innovation and better outcomes.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, cultures and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from wāhine, Māori, Pasifika and others who are underrepresented in engineering.

If you require any support or accommodations throughout the recruitment process, please contact ************@fonterra.com. We're committed to ensuring everyone can participate fully and be at their best.

Applications close on Tuesday 1st September 2026.