Southern Group Training helps you to become a qualified tradesperson. As your legal employer, we pay your wages and all your core training expenses.
We provide you with personal protective equipment (PPE) and develop an individual Training Plan so you complete your apprenticeship in the optimum timeframe.
At the end of your apprenticeship, you will be a fully qualified tradesperson with a Level 4 qualification, set up for a lifelong high-earning career in the trades!
Why Choose a Trade?
Why Become an Apprentice?
If you like making or fixing things, an apprenticeship could be right for you. We want people with a great attitude who like being hands-on and want to get paid while learning skills they are passionate about. You could even start your own business one day!
Personalised Learning
Apprentices are supported by a trade-qualified SGTT Training Manager who meets with you regularly.
Real-World Experience
Apprenticeships provide genuine practical, hands-on training on real job sites alongside trade experts.
Earn As You Learn
You earn a regular paycheck from day one while working toward your nationally recognised qualification.
Job Opportunities
Qualified tradespeople are highly sought after across New Zealand and internationally.
Zero Student Debt
As a Southern Group Training apprentice, all your tertiary training and course fees are fully covered.
Career Progression
Gain technical skills specific to your trade that pave the way to supervision or business ownership.
Why Choose a Trade?
Complete SGTT Apprentice Benefits
When you sign with Southern Group Training Trust, you get comprehensive financial, practical, and personal support that standard direct employers rarely match.
Paid Regularly + Generous Leave
Paid fortnightly by direct credit. Plus, unlike standard law where annual leave requires 12 months, SGTT allows you to access annual leave after just 3 months! You get 4 weeks annual leave, 12 public holidays, and 10 days annual sick pay accessible after 6 months.
100% Free Training & Block Courses
We cover all ITO fees, course materials, e-learning, and distance modules. If you need to attend block courses outside your local area, we book and pay for your travel and accommodation—and you get paid your standard 40-hour wage while attending block course!
Interest-Free Tool Loan
We provide an interest-free tool loan recovered through fortnightly wage deductions. This allows you to build a complete starter toolkit without borrowing gear or paying high upfront costs.
Annual PPE Allowance
We keep you safe on site by providing high-quality personal protective equipment tailored to your trade—generally including 3 pairs of overalls, safety boots, earmuffs, and protective glasses each year.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Your mental health and personal wellbeing matter. All SGTT apprentices have 24/7 access to independent, completely anonymous professional counselling free of charge.
Zero Paperwork Stress
We take care of all legal requirements, NZQA unit registrations, ITO paperwork, and work assessments so you never get tripped up by administrative hurdles.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Your Apprenticeship Pathway
An apprenticeship combines practical on-the-job work with structured theory courses. The duration depends on your chosen trade, and we stay alongside you until you reach the finish line.
Apply for an Apprenticeship
Submit your application with SGTT to kick off your process.
Assessment & Interview
Attend an initial interview and skills assessment with our team.
Host Company Matching
Meet with a potential host company to ensure a great workplace fit.
Placement Agreement
Finalise paperwork and get placed officially with your host business.
Start On-the-Job Training
Begin practical daily work on site and start building your real trade skills.
Regular Mentorship Catch-Ups
Your dedicated Training Manager conducts regular check-ins to support your progress.
Off-Job Theory Training
Attend block courses and off-site modules to complete essential trade theory.
Assessments & Final Reviews
Complete all practical workbooks and theoretical trade assessments.
Qualified Tradesperson!
Congratulations! You have officially earned your Level 4 qualification and are ready for an exciting career.
Which Industry Best Suits You?
Regardless of which trade you prefer, strong basics make your application stand out:
Pre-Apprenticeship Courses
If a relevant Level 3 pre-apprenticeship course is available locally, completing it can give you a massive head start. It makes you more employable and reduces the total time required to finish your full apprenticeship.
Full-time pre-trade courses usually run for 6 to 10 months. Southern Group Training Trust regularly recruits top students directly from the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).
SIT Zero Fees Scheme: Students completing pre-trades at SIT only pay for material fees (safety gear, tools, drawing materials), making it an extremely cost-effective way to kickstart your career.