Technical Training ROI Calculator
Calculate Your Technical Training Investment
See how technical training compares to university in terms of cost, earnings, and time to break even.
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Based on NZQA data: 89% of graduates find full-time work within 6 months.
Apprentices earn $18-$25/hr while training.
When people talk about technical training, they’re not just referring to college degrees or online courses about coding. Technical training is about learning how to do something real-with your hands, your tools, and your problem-solving skills. It’s the kind of education that turns someone into a certified electrician, a CNC machine operator, a network technician, or a welder who can fix a pipeline under pressure. If you’ve ever watched a mechanic fix a car in under an hour or seen a plumber unclog a drain without calling in a team, that’s technical training in action.
Technical training isn’t theory-it’s practice
Think back to school. You learned math from a textbook, biology from diagrams, history from dates. Technical training flips that. You don’t just read about how to wire a circuit-you wire it. You don’t just watch a video on soldering-you solder your first circuit board and get it right the third time. There’s no passing a test with multiple-choice answers. You pass by making something work.
Most technical training programs run between 6 months and 2 years. They’re not designed to fill your head with abstract concepts. They’re built to give you the exact skills employers need right now. In New Zealand, for example, trades like plumbing, electrical work, and refrigeration are in high demand. The government even offers subsidies for people who complete certified technical training in these areas because the workforce is short.
What counts as technical training? Here’s the list
Not everything that sounds technical is actually technical training. A 12-week course on Excel formulas? That’s a skill boost. A 10-month program to become a certified automotive technician? That’s technical training. Here’s what qualifies:
- Trade certifications: Electrician, plumber, gas fitter, welder, carpenter, HVAC technician
- Industrial roles: CNC machine operator, industrial maintenance technician, robotics technician
- IT support roles: Network support technician, desktop support specialist, field service technician
- Healthcare support: Medical laboratory assistant, radiography technician, dental assistant
- Aviation and marine: Aircraft maintenance technician, marine diesel mechanic
These aren’t just job titles. They’re regulated roles. In many cases, you need a license to work legally. That’s why technical training includes formal assessments, apprenticeships, and government-approved standards. You don’t just get a certificate-you earn a credential that employers recognize nationwide.
How it’s different from college or university
College teaches you how to think. Technical training teaches you how to do.
University degrees often take 3-4 years. They focus on broad knowledge, research, and theory. A computer science degree might teach you algorithms, data structures, and programming languages-but you won’t necessarily leave knowing how to fix a broken server in a small business. That’s where technical training steps in.
Technical training programs are shorter, cheaper, and more focused. You’ll spend 70% of your time in workshops, labs, or on-site with mentors. The rest is theory-just enough to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. A typical electrician’s apprentice spends 4 days a week on the job and 1 day in class. That’s the rhythm.
And the results? According to Workforce Development Council data from 2024, 89% of people who complete certified technical training in skilled trades find full-time work within 6 months of finishing. Compare that to the national graduate employment rate for bachelor’s degrees, which sits at around 72%.
Who runs technical training programs?
You won’t find these programs at big universities. They’re offered by:
- Industry training organizations (ITOs): Like Skills Organisation (for IT and business services), Mihi (for construction), and the New Zealand Automotive Industry Association
- Polytechnics and institutes of technology: Like Unitec, Ara, and Otago Polytechnic-they offer both certificates and diplomas
- Private technical colleges: Specialized schools that focus on one trade, like electrical or plumbing
- Employer-led apprenticeships: Some companies train their own staff through structured programs approved by the government
Look for programs that are accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). That means the course meets national standards and your certificate will be recognized by employers across the country. Avoid programs that only offer a "certificate of completion"-those are often just attendance records, not credentials.
What you’ll actually learn
Let’s say you enroll in a Level 4 Certificate in Electrical Installation. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- How to read and interpret electrical schematics
- How to install wiring systems in residential and light commercial buildings
- How to test circuits for safety and compliance with AS/NZS 3000 standards
- How to use multimeters, insulation testers, and clamp meters
- How to work safely around live circuits
- How to document your work for inspection
These aren’t buzzwords. These are the exact tasks you’ll do on day one of your job. No fluff. No theory without application. Every lesson is tied to a real-world task you’ll face in the field.
Costs and financial support
Technical training is one of the most affordable paths to a stable career. Most certificate programs cost between $2,000 and $8,000 total. That’s a fraction of what a university degree costs.
In New Zealand, the government covers up to 100% of tuition fees for priority trades through the Fees Free scheme. If you’re under 25 and haven’t done any tertiary study before, you might qualify for a full fee waiver. Even if you’re older, you can still access student loans or allowances if you’re enrolled in an approved program.
Some employers even pay you while you train. Apprentices in plumbing or electrical trades often earn $18-$25 an hour while learning. By the time you finish, you’re not just qualified-you’ve already earned a salary.
What technical training is NOT
It’s easy to confuse technical training with other kinds of learning. Here’s what it’s not:
- Not a bootcamp: A 12-week coding bootcamp might teach you Python, but it won’t give you a nationally recognized trade credential.
- Not online-only: While some theory can be learned online, technical training requires hands-on practice. You can’t learn to weld by watching YouTube.
- Not for everyone: If you hate getting your hands dirty, working in noisy environments, or solving problems under pressure, this might not be for you.
- Not a dead-end: Many people think technical jobs are "just jobs." But with experience, you can become a supervisor, a trainer, start your own business, or move into project management.
Where technical training leads
People assume a university degree is the only path to a good career. But in New Zealand, many of the highest-paid, most stable jobs come from technical training.
Take this example: A 22-year-old finishes a Level 4 Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. They start as a junior technician at $22/hour. After 2 years, they’re qualified to work independently. By year 5, they’re managing a team of three. At year 7, they start their own business. That’s not a dream-it’s a common path.
Technical training doesn’t just get you a job. It gives you a career you can build on your own terms. You don’t need to wait for a promotion. You earn more as you earn more skills.
How to get started
If you’re thinking about technical training, here’s what to do next:
- Identify the trade you’re interested in. Look at job listings in your area. What skills are employers asking for?
- Check if the trade is on the New Zealand Skills Shortage List. If it is, you’ll get extra support and funding.
- Find a provider with NZQA accreditation. Visit their website or go in person-ask to see their workshop.
- Ask about apprenticeship opportunities. Some programs let you train while you work.
- Apply for Fees Free or a student loan if you qualify.
You don’t need to have a perfect resume. You don’t need to have finished high school with top grades. All you need is the willingness to learn by doing.
Is technical training only for people who didn’t do well in school?
No. Technical training attracts people from all backgrounds. Many high-achieving students choose it because they want to work with their hands, avoid student debt, or enter a field with guaranteed job openings. Others switch to technical training after university because they realized they prefer doing over studying. It’s not a fallback-it’s a smart choice.
Can I do technical training while working full-time?
Yes, many programs offer evening or weekend classes. Some employers even sponsor part-time training. Apprenticeships are designed to let you work and learn at the same time. You’ll likely need to commit 1-2 days per week to classes, but the rest of your time can be spent earning a wage.
Do technical jobs pay well?
Absolutely. Entry-level electricians in New Zealand earn between $22-$28 per hour. With experience, many earn $40-$60 per hour, especially if they run their own business. Plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians are in similar ranges. These jobs often come with benefits like superannuation, tools provided, and overtime pay.
Is technical training only for men?
No. While some trades have historically been male-dominated, that’s changing fast. Women now make up over 20% of apprentices in electrical and plumbing trades in New Zealand. Many training providers offer support networks, mentoring, and scholarships specifically for women entering trades. Skills don’t have a gender.
Can I move overseas with a technical qualification from New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand’s trade qualifications are recognized in Australia, the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe. Many countries actively recruit skilled tradespeople from NZ because of the quality of training. You may need to take a local licensing exam, but your foundational skills will transfer.
Next steps if you’re serious
Don’t wait for the "perfect time." The trades need people now. Start by visiting NZQA’s website and searching for accredited programs in your area. Talk to someone who’s already working in the field-ask them what their first year was like. Visit a training center and watch a class in action. You’ll see that technical training isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most willing to show up, learn, and get your hands dirty.