START YOUR CAREER WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP

We’re a bold future focused organisation, leading the way with renewable energy and working toward a sustainable future. A place where our people deliver on our company’s purpose - Tiakina te anamata, mā te tūhono i ngā tāngata me ngā wāhi o te inamata. Taking care of tomorrow: connecting people and place today. This pushes us to do all we can to create a better future for our people, communities, and Aotearoa New Zealand.

At Mercury, we’re on a mission to achieve operational excellence by building a resilient workforce. Our Generation team is at the forefront of innovation, continuously improving performance through optimised maintenance practices and cutting-edge reliability engineering. With 9 hydro stations on the Waikato river, five geothermal plants located in the Central North Island and New Zealand’s biggest wind farms, we offer excellent career pathways and opportunities to be exposed to all areas of power generation.

ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL TRADES APPRENTICESHIPS

Are you thinking about a career in mechanical or electrical trades or looking to take the next step after your 2025 Gateway or pre-trade programme studies? Mercury is offering a pathway into a four-year Mechanical or Electrical Apprenticeship, working at our Geothermal and Hydro power stations. Our support doesn’t end there – as you approach the end of your apprenticeship, we’ll then work with you to explore what’s next! This could be a career within Mercury, elsewhere, or to continue your education. Our applications for our apprenceship programme will open on January 12th 2026 and will be based in the Taupo/Cambridge region.  

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

  • On-the-job training: Get hands-on with tasks, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.
  • National Level 4 trade qualification: Learn trade theory and build skills with training partners and industry experts, backed by structured training plans.
  • Mentoring and support: Receive guidance and training from experienced Mercury colleagues to help you grow.
  • Earn while you learn: We will recognise and reward your growing skills and abilities.
  • Your own tools: All the tools you need, which will be yours once you complete the programme.
  • No fees: Mercury covers training and development costs.

    WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Curious, motivated, practical problem-solvers.
  • NCEA Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy (or equivalent knowledge and skills).
  • Completion of a Gateway or pre-trade programme will be an advantage.
  • New Zealand Drivers Licence: Desirable that applicants have at minimum a NZ Restricted licence.
  • Based in New Zealand and a NZ Citizen or Resident.

    WHAT DOES AN APPRENTICESHIP AT MERCURY LOOK LIKE?

    One of the wonderful things about starting an apprenticeship with us is that you’ll learn trade theory and build skills with training partners and industry experts, backed by structured training plans. You’ll have the opportunity to move around some of the most stunning geothermal, hydro and wind sites in the country. Below are a few examples of the journeys some of our apprentices have had.

    CAITLIN MANICKUM – ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE Apprentice photo - Catlin 1000x1000

    Tell us about your Apprenticeship Journey so far? 

    I did a pre-trade with an institute in Hawkes Bay and spent a few months doing work experience before joining Mercury.  I saw the opportunity with Mercury for an apprenticeship and wanted to work in a power station, which seemed interesting as you can see the difference you make.  Since joining Mercury, the pre-trade gave me an advantage where I could go straight to year 2 of theory while completing year 1 “on the job”.  In my first year I was nominated by my manager for the Trainee Generation Apprentice of the Year, which is a national industry award based on your achievements, character and work ethic.  With the support of my team, I was a finalist and travelled to Christchurch for the awards. 

    What do you enjoy about your role? 

    I enjoy that everyday is a learning opportunity and I don’t feel that there are any limitations – if there is an opportunity, Mercury encourages me to jump on board and learn.  My colleagues are really supportive, regularly check in and I feel really comfortable asking for help and advice – it’s really easy to talk to anyone. 

    How would you describe the Learning Environment? 

    Everyone has a lot of knowledge to share and come from different backgrounds – which I want to take advantage of and learn from them.  They have a broad level of knowledge which is different and gives great perspective – I really like learning from them.   

    How does Mercury make it easy for you to do your apprenticeship? 

    Having the support of the team – I can go to them with questions and for extra support.  They’ve allocated time during the day for me to do my theory, which takes the pressure off and gives me a good work/life balance – but also the opportunity to do extra work so I can get ahead.   

    What is your last piece of advice for someone considering joining Mercury? 

    Just apply!  I thought working in a power station might be scary and a big step, but it’s the best decision I’ve made.

    HUNTER TALIVAI LEYDON – ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE

    Tell us about your Apprenticeship Journey so far? 

    I have nearly finished the first year of the Electrical Apprentice with Mercury.  I started to have an interest in apprenticeships when I was at school and then completed a gateway programme before I got the role with Mercury.  Everyone has been really friendly and taken me under their “wing” – I’ve been able to get involved with some big projects which has been exciting and really valuable. 

    What do you enjoy about your role? 

    I get to learn new things every day – especially the practical experience where I can get stuck in and not just do menial jobs.  I feel like I’m really contributing – I get to be amongst the good stuff!  

    How would you describe the Learning Environment? 

    I work with varied people and everyone is really keen to share their ways and knowledge on how to do things.  

    How does Mercury make it easy for you to do your apprenticeship? 

    It’s been awesome.  My managers allocate time for me each day to get my paperwork done, which really makes a difference and gives me a good work/life balance – it means I don’t have to go home after a busy day and then have to do my study.  It also means that if I need help with anything, people are around to teach me.  

    What is your last piece of advice for someone considering joining Mercury? 

    It’s exciting, you learn heaps, and work with great people.  
     
    Maraetai Hydro Station

    APPRENTICE OPPORTUNITIES OPEN 12TH JANUARY 2026

    Applications will open on our Career Page on 12th January 2026 and will be open for two weeks, followed by shortlising and interviews held in February 2026. These roles will be based in the Taupo and Cambridge regions, close to our generation sites. Places are limited! Applications will open on Monday, January 12th via our Career Page. If you would like to receive an alert when this role becomes available, please register your profile via our Career Page (on the right hand side of the page, click “sign in”). If you require any support or have further questions prior to applying, please email recruitment@mercury.co.nz We will not be accepting applications via this email address.  

     

    Generation people

    APPLICATION PROCESS

  • When the role is listed on our Career Page, press apply.  
  • You will be asked to complete a standard application form and attach your resume (this can be basic, highlighting any work experience you may have). 
  • Please complete our Expression of Interest, which is specific to our Apprenticeship Programme and will be used as part of the screening process.  
  • Upload the Expression of Interest in replacement of a cover letter.  We will not accept applications without the Expression of Interest.
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