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 (delivered over 39 weeks) 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 NZ Citizen or Resident 17+
Placement testing consists of assessments in Literacy & Numeracy, Maths & Physics, English Comprehension and Interview.  Registrations for 2026 open now!

PLACEMENT TESTING

Mandatory prerequisite 

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

  • New Zealand Citizen or Resident:  17+ years

Successful applicants will be offered a place on completion of placement testing.
Registrations for 2026 open now!

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)