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2027 Heavy Automotive Engineering Apprenticeship

General Information

Date Published
26-Aug-2026
Advertising Ends
06-Sep-2026
ID#
16722
Role Type
Early Careers
Work Type
Fixed-Term Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Canterbury, Southland

Position Description

  • 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.   

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us  

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.  

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity   

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. 

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You    

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)
  • Edendale (Southland)

Mōu | About you   

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

You might be:

  • 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 earlycareers@fonterra.com. We're committed to ensuring everyone can participate fully and be at their best.

Tātou, tātou.
 
Applications close on Sunday 6th September 2026.