Apprentice Service Technician

Trades & Services
- Apprentice / Trainee
- Manawatu
- Permanent / Full Time

22/9/2025
- Join Norwood's 2026 Apprenticeship Programme and jumpstart your career
- Service Technician opportunity based in Palmerston North starting January 2026
- Receive training and development in a supportive team environment

**Norwood is backing the future of our industry - and that means investing in you.**

This is your chance to build a career in the agricultural and construction machinery industry - one that’s in demand here in New Zealand and around the world. Whether you're a school leaver, currently completing your pre-trade, or looking to retrain, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

A qualified Service Technician is responsible for servicing, diagnosing, and repairing a wide range of machinery - from routine maintenance to complex mechanical, hydraulic and electrical issues. This is a high-demand role across New Zealand and around the world, with excellent long-term career prospects.

**About Norwood’s Apprenticeship Programme**

Our structured programme supports you to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering, specialising in Agricultural Equipment, Plant & Equipment or Outdoor Power Equipment, while gaining practical experience in a fully equipped Norwood workshop. Our training is designed by industry experts for industry success. We ensure that everything you learn is directly applicable to the workplace.

**What we offer as part of our structured programme**:

- 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training whilst working hands-on with some great machinery
- A nationally and internationally recognised NZQA trade qualification with the opportunity to gain additional qualifications
- Earn while you learn with a starting pay rate of $23.50 per hour and incremental pay increases every time you achieve 75 credits in your MITO qualification
- In-house technical training at our National Training Centre in Palmerston North
- Ongoing mentoring and support, including regular check-ins with our dedicated Apprenticeship Programme Manager
- Career pathways into senior technician and leadership roles
- National induction event in Palmerston North to kick off your career with Norwood
- A tool advance of up to $5,000 to equip you for success
- Employee benefits including Premier Health Business cover with nib insurance, trade prices on parts and accessories and tool allowance.

**Apprenticeship locations for 2026**

We’re currently hiring Service Technician Apprentices to complete the NZ Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 4) in the following locations and strands:
Palmerston North - Agricultural Equipment
Gisborne - Agricultural Equipment
Ashburton - Agricultural Equipment
Whangārei - Agricultural Equipment or Plant & Equipment
Pukekohe - Agricultural Equipment
Te Awamutu - Agricultural Equipment
New Plymouth - Outdoor Power Equipment
Hawera - Agricultural Equipment

We are also recruiting Parts Apprentices in Pukekohe, Albany, Hawera, Ashburton and Timaru. Check out or advertisements on SEEK or our careers website for more information.

**We’re looking for motivated people who**:

- Are mechanically minded and enjoy practical, hands-on work
- Are genuinely interested in agriculture, heavy machinery and technology
- Work well in a team and are keen to learn
- Have achieved (or are on track to achieve) NCEA Level 2, including passes in English and Maths
- Hold a Restricted or Full class 1 Driver’s Licence
- Are New Zealand or Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents

**How to apply**
- Complete the Norwood Apprenticeship Application Form
- Upload a copy of their NZQA Record of Achievement
- A phone interview with our HR team
- A face-to-face interview with one of our Dealership teams
- Reference and criminal history checks

**Why choose Norwood?**

Norwood is one of New Zealand’s leading agricultural and construction machinery providers, with a proud 75-year history of supporting the primary industries that keep our country running. With a nationwide dealership network, we sell and service a wide range of premium machinery - from tractors and hay tools to cutting-edge construction equipment - and we’re committed to providing top-tier aftersales support to maximise the performance and lifespan of that equipment.

We understand the critical role the agricultural and construction sectors play in New Zealand’s economy and way of life. Whether it’s ploughing fields, harvesting crops, feeding livestock, or maintaining land and infrastructure, we know what our customers need and work hard to deliver on those expectations.

What truly sets Norwood apart is our people. We’re proud to have some of the most experienced and passionate professionals in the industry - from technicians and apprentices, to sales and parts experts - all working together to keep our customers moving. When you join Norwood, you’re not just starting an apprenticeship, you’re joining a team that’s deeply committed to