Domestic Students (NZ Citizens/Residents)

 NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering(Level 3)

Our NZQA approved, 36-week, Level 3 Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering,  is a pre-requisite qualification to then apply for an apprenticeship with Air New Zealand Engineering & Maintenance and other general aviation industry employers including Christchurch Engine Centre, Defence Force, Rocket Lab, Dawn Aerospace, Salus Aviation, Mt Hutt Aviation, Hamilton Jet & Mission Aviation Fellowship.

Course Fees 2026 TBC (2025 Fees $11,248 plus (approx $500.00 course related costs)  Eligibility Fees Free/Studylink 
 

1.
What do we do?
Air New Zealand Academy of Learning provides world-class pre-employment training for people looking to enter the aviation industry. We leverage learnings and innovation from the Air New Zealand operational environment which transfer to our training programmes, ensuring they are best fit for industry.
2.
What will you do?
You will undertake an aviation specific, compact 36 week course that is designed to deliver high quality, hands on aviation training. You will train alongside industry professionals, in the same facilities as Air New Zealand's own professionals. Click on the button below to learn more about the course.
3.
Getting started
Domestic student NZCitizen or Resident 17+ Placement testing consists of assessments Maths/Physics, English and an Interview. 2025 courses full.  Registrations for 2026 open late 2025.

PLACEMENT TESTING

Mandatory prerequisite 

Passing the placement test.  Testing includes assessments on Maths/Physics (Based on NCEA L2), English and Interview. Placement Testing is conducted at both AKL & CHC Learning Bases. 
Please check that you meet the following criteria 

  • New Zealand Citizens and Residents:  17+ years

When all placement testing is completed, successful applicants will be offerred a place on the following years programme. 
Registrations for 2025 enrolments completed.
Registrations for 2026 open late 2025.

Register Here

New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Pre-employment Skills) - Level 3
(Domestic Students)

A 36 week introduction to basic aircraft maintenance (delivered over 39 weeks which includes two semester break/work experience opportunities) On successful completion, graduates can apply for an apprenticeship in the industry with employers including Air New Zealand, Christchurch Engine Centre, Hamilton Jet, RocketLab and other General Aviation employers. Many employers including Air New Zealand only employ those who have NZ Citizenship or Residency.

Find out more
The Aviation Institute holds the following regulatory approvals

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand - Part 141, European Aviation Safety Agency - Part 147
Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Part 147 (Australia)