Apprentice CNC Machinist

January 2027 Intake – High-Performance Engineering Polymers

Supply Services Ltd – Mount Maunganui

Role details

•       Apprentice Machinist – New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4), Machining strand

•       Apprenticeship, full-time, permanent

•       Start date: January 2027

•       Location: Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

•       Guaranteed minimum 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

•       Overtime at time-and-a-half when required

•       Pay reviews as you progress through your apprenticeship

Many people think machining polymers is simple.

They’re wrong.

At Supply Services we machine high-performance engineering polymers for some of the most demanding applications in New Zealand — aerospace, medical equipment, pharmaceutical industry, food processing systems, marine industry, electrical equipment, construction, timber processing, agricultural machinery and specialist industrial equipment manufacturers. The material behaviour, thermal properties and tight tolerances often demand more skill, care and problem-solving than equivalent metal work.

We are a NZ-owned performance engineering business (established 1980) with modern machine shops in Mount Maunganui, Auckland and Christchurch. Our engineering services cover CAD design, manual and CNC machining, reverse engineering of worn or obsolete parts, and assembly and fabrication. This is a true jobbing environment — varied, hands-on and technically interesting. It is one of the best places in the country to learn the trade properly.

The apprenticeship

This is a paid, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship. You will work alongside our experienced machinists in Mount Maunganui and complete the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4) – Machining strand through ATNZ (Apprentice Training New Zealand). It is a nationally recognised trade qualification of around 280 credits, typically completed over about four years through on-the-job training combined with online and self-directed study.

What you will learn:

•       CNC and manual machining – turning and milling

•       Tooling selection and machine setup

•       Measuring and inspection of precision components

•       Reading and producing engineering drawings and sketches, trade calculations and material selection

•       Health and safety, quality systems and good workshop practice

As your skills grow, you will progress from supervised operation to setting, programming and running our multi-axis CNC lathes, mills and routers on real customer jobs. On completion you will be a qualified tradesperson, with a pathway to the New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Advanced) (Level 5).

What we’re looking for:

•       A genuine interest in engineering, machines and how things are made

•       Good maths and a practical, hands-on approach

•       Attention to detail and pride in accurate work

•       Reliable, punctual and keen to learn

•       Commitment to working safely and as part of a team

•       Willingness to study alongside work and complete the full apprenticeship

Minimum requirements:

•       New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (an ATNZ apprenticeship requirement)

•       Aged 16 or over by the January 2027 start

•       NCEA Level 2 recommended

Desirable (not essential):

•       NCEA maths, physics or technology subjects

•       Any workshop, engineering or trade experience, including school or hobby projects

•       Full or restricted driver licence

You should still apply even if you do not meet every single requirement

Why join us?

•       Paid apprenticeship leading to a nationally recognised trade qualification

•       Your apprenticeship training fees paid by Supply Services

•       Learn on modern CNC equipment, including multi-axis and mill-turn machines

•       Genuine variety — not repetitive production work

•       Mentoring from an experienced, supportive team in Mount Maunganui

•       Stable, growing NZ-owned company with three locations nationwide

How to apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you want to be a machinist to [email protected]. Applications close 30th October 2026. School leavers are welcome to apply.

A pre-employment medical and drug test are required.

If you want to learn a real trade where the work is challenging and the parts matter, we’d like to hear from you.