Apprentice Aircraft Tradesperson

Prattwhitney; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Christchurch Engine Centre, a Pratt & Whitney/Air New Zealand joint venture, is seeking motivated applicants for a two-year Apprenticeship Programme to become a qualified Aeronautical Engineer. You will gain hands-on experience in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul with world-class training and the opportunity to become a permanent employee after completion.

Intakes are in February, June and October 2027.

Qualifications

• Completed NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Pre-Employment Skills) – Level 3.
• Legally entitled to work in New Zealand.
• Demonstrates integrity, reliability and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured two-year Apprenticeship Programme to become a qualified Aeronautical Engineer.
• Gain hands-on experience across engine maintenance, repair and overhaul processes.
• Progress through a rotating shift pattern and contribute to safety and quality culture.

Skills

Integrity

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety culture

Education

NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Pre-Employment Skills) – Level 3

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-07-27 Country: New Zealand Location: NZ-CAN-CHRISTCHURCH-115-1 ~ 115 Orchard Rd ~ V2500 WORKSHOP Position Role Type: Onsite WE TRANSFORM AVIATION Christchurch Engine Centre is a joint venture of two pioneers and leaders of their industry - Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand. We are specialized in the overhaul and repair of the Pratt & Whitney V2500-A5 engines. Our top-ranked facility at Christchurch International Airport is a trusted service provider for several commercial airlines around the globe.

By combining latest technologies and excellent engineering skills, with a unique company culture Christchurch Engine Centre delivers a world class service our customers can rely on.

We take great pride in our most important resource: Our people.

As part of the Christchurch Engine Centre team, you will work alongside experienced professionals in a highly modern environment while being supported by continuous training and professional development.

We succeed together living up to the values safety, empowering our people, integrity, dependability, quality, owning our story and driving profitability.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

Join our two-year program to become a qualified Aeronautical Engineer, following the apprenticeship, you will work as a permanent employee.

Our Apprenticeship Program will provide you with experience in all aspects of engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), from disassembly and inspection though to assembly and engine testing. At the end of the program you will have achieved a New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Applied Skills) strand Powerplant – Level 4 and be a specialist in V2500 engine MRO processes.

During the apprenticeship you will become familiar with engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and testing and you will advance your knowledge in repair methods, maintenance planning, release to service and quality and compliance.

For 2027, we will have intakes in February, June, and October.

YOUR PROFILE

• Completed a New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Pre-Employment Skills) – Level 3
• Legally entitled to work in New Zealand
• Lead with Integrity
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• High level of accuracy and eye for detail
• Flexible mindset and willingness to learn and develop
• Ability to comply with a strong safety and quality culture
• Comfortable to work on rotating fortnightly shift: Mon to Fri 7.00am – 3.30pm and Sun to Thu 3.45pm – 12.15am

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Structured rotational program and world-class on-the-job training
• Shift work on a rotating fortnightly pattern
• Competitive remuneration package with regular increases
• Modern and progressive facility
• Exposure to global opportunities as part of the Pratt & Whitney MRO network
• Support for further study, including LAME Culture, wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion team committed to creating a safe and fun work environment

About the Organisation Christchurch Engine Centre, a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand, delivers world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul services across all IAE V2500 engine variants and is adding capability for the new PW1100G-JM engine late in 2026. Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, is globally recognised for designing, manufacturing, and servicing aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for commercial, military, and business aviation. We are an expanding business and require more great people to support the growth and long-term success of the company. Our people are at the heart of what we do. As part of the Christchurch team, you’ll collaborate with experienced professionals in a state-of-the-art facility, with ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career growth.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.