A place to stand
In Ōtautahi and across Aotearoa, EarnLearn is helping people find more than a trade – it’s helping them find their place to stand.
In te ao Māori, tūrangawaewae means ‘a place to stand’: a foundation of belonging and identity. For our Māori trainees, and indeed all our learners, an apprenticeship through EarnLearn can offer just that.
Whether it’s Plumbing, Gasfitting, or Drainlaying, Electrical or Scaffolding, EarnLearn’s apprenticeship training programmes give trainees the chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications and real-world skills through hands-on work – all while earning while they learn.
Nowhere is the value of trades careers more visible than in Ōtautahi. Over the past decade, skilled tradespeople have been central to the city’s rebuild – restoring homes, infrastructure, and businesses from the ground up. Today, a new generation of apprentices is helping shape the next chapter of Christchurch, contributing to a city they’re proud to stand in.
A trade apprenticeship offers more than just a job – it’s a pathway to a career with purpose. One that builds confidence, creates opportunities, and allows trainees to contribute to their whānau and wider communities.
With 50 dedicated Account Managers located across the motu – including a Christchurch-based team – EarnLearn apprentices are supported by people who are genuinely invested in their success. EarnLearn Account Managers understand that no two learner journeys are the same, and they work closely with employers and apprentices to provide one-on-one guidance, navigate challenges, and celebrate milestones along the way.
“It’s incredible to see the change in confidence once trainees realise what they’re capable of,” says Kelly Walter, EarnLearn’s National Manager, Industry Engagement and Operations. “They start to see their value – not just in the workplace, but in their communities too.
“They take real pride in being able to point to something and say, ‘I helped build that.’ It’s a powerful moment knowing their work has made a lasting impact.”
Ready to step into your tūrangawaewae? Learn more about apprenticeship training through EarnLearn at earnlearn.ac.nz.