Job Description

Job Name
Mechanical Apprentice

General Information

Date Published
19-May-2026
Advertising Ends
02-Jun-2026
ID#
14792
Role Type
Engineering
Work Type
Fixed-Term Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Taupo & Southern Waikato

Position Description

Our Co-operativeAta whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with UsAt Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, 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 OpportunityStart your career with one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest companies and gain a NZ certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Maintenance focus) in our fully funded apprenticeship. Based at our Tirau Site, you will work in a large manufacturing environment with a supportive team of technical trades professionals while earning a competitive salary.
You will balance theory-based learning with practical hands-on training and work experience at our Tirau site. Working on equipment breakdowns, preventative maintenance, fault diagnostics, maintenance planning and scheduling, shut down maintenance and exposure to highly automated and site utilities such as boilers.  Learn about the repair, maintenance and installation of mechanical motors, pumps, valves, and a variety of cutting-edge technology and assets with exposure to vibration analysis, welding, fabrication and robotics.
Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to YouWe 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

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers
Mōu | About YouOur ideal applicant must meet the following criteria: 

• Achieved or in the process of achieving a Mechanical Engineering Level 3 pre-trade qualification is preferred but not necessary. 
• An interest and aptitude in hands-on engineering work 
• A passion to qualify and build a career in your chosen field 
• Restricted driver’s licence (by the time you start the apprenticeship) 
• Keen interest in solving problems, a curiosity to learn and being able to work in different situations with different people 
• New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, a Permanent Resident in Aotearoa New Zealand 
• 18+ years old

Ngā Aura | Our Values At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz
Ngā Mahi | A Career of OpportunitiesAt Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.
Tātou Tātou | Join UsDoes this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. 
You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.
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 world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. 
We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). 
Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. 
If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou. 
Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 2nd June 2026.

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