Mechanical Engineering Tutor

• Modern facilities and strong industry connections
• Make a real difference in learners’ futures
• Ongoing professional development and teaching support

We are seeking an experienced Engineer to take their expertise beyond the tools and into the classroom.

In this role you will help shape the next generation of skilled engineers through teaching apprentices, pre-trade and foundation learners, and combining practical workshop delivery with theory to prepare ākonga (students) for real-world success.

You will deliver engaging engineering trades training across Levels 2–4, teaching fabrication, machining and maintenance, while supporting apprentices through block courses, evening classes and workplace visits, designing practical project-based learning, providing assessment and feedback, and building strong industry and stakeholder relationships.

Don’t have teaching experience? No worries, we offer support to move into teaching and gain your Level 5 adult teaching qualification, free of charge, while you work!

You'll be an experienced Engineer who enjoys sharing your knowledge and helping others build their skills. Whether you have teaching experience or you've trained apprentices, mentored junior staff on the workshop floor, supervised trainees, or supported new team members to learn the trade, you'll get satisfaction from seeing others succeed.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• A recognised engineering trade qualification (such as Fitter/Welder, Boilermaker, Fitter and Turner, General Engineer, or similar) and strong, current industry experience
• Advanced technical skills across engineering trades processes and a commitment to maintaining industry knowledge
• Experience coaching, training, supervising, or mentoring apprentices, trainees, or less experienced tradespeople
• The ability to explain technical concepts in a practical, engaging way and adapt your approach to different learners
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Confidence using digital tools and technology, including Microsoft Office
• Experience using learning platforms (or a willingness to learn)
• Ability to communicate clearly, build positive relationships, and support learners from a wide range of backgrounds
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with students, colleagues, employers, and industry partners
• A genuine interest in helping learners develop the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed for success in the engineering industry.

We know great people come from a range of backgrounds, and you may not tick every box. That's okay. We're committed to supporting the right person to develop the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to succeed in the role, including gaining a teaching qualification if required. What matters most is your passion for the engineering trades, your technical expertise, and your desire to share your knowledge with others.

If you're motivated to create meaningful learning experiences and help ākonga build successful careers, we'd love to hear from you.

Ara Institute of Canterbury is the South Island's largest provider of tertiary vocational education and home to one of New Zealand's premier trades training environments.

At Woolston campus, you'll work in modern, industry-standard workshops built for carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and more. Our tutors bring deep industry experience, and students work on real projects, including constructing houses that are sold and moved.

We offer tangible benefits: income protection for permanent kaimahi over 15 hours, fee discounts on Ara courses for staff, professional development leave and funding, generous leave provisions and an annual Christmas closedown to enjoy time with whanau and friends. Free parking and on-site food options round out the picture.

Guided by our values Hono | Connect, Hihiri | Inspire and Aroha | Respect, we're committed to equity, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you're looking for work that matters, Ara could be your next chapter.

We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email Recruitment.nz.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.