General Manufacturing

General Manufacturing

The general manufacturing programmes provide a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to work in processing, production, assembly, distribution roles and to be able to use digital technology in manufacturing environments. Training includes use of machinery and process equipment, quality control, minor maintenance, safety procedures, and efficient production practices.


Benefits of these programmes

•   Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
•   A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
•  Coverage of safety and quality standards in line with industry practice
•  Build skills in operating manufacturing lines, assembly, process control, minor equipment maintenance, and quality assurance
•  Ability to work effectively in production, processing, and distribution settings while meeting productivity and quality expectations
•  Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

Programmes available

What do they do?

General manufacturing operators work in processing, production, assembly or distribution, usually in large businesses or factories. They can become highly skilled in their specific areas and there is room for advancement into team leader, supervisory and management roles.

A typical day

Typically an eight-hour day or shift work.

General manufacturing workers work on different parts of the processing, production, assembly or distribution lines, learning specific skills for each role. You may also undertake training on specialist equipment and learn to make minor repairs and maintain the equipment you use./p>

Sound like you?

Study areas
  • English or Media Studies or History
  • Maths or Accounting or Economics
  • Food or Nutrition.
Attributes
  • Confident communicator
  • Reasonable strength and fitness
  • Good literacy and numeracy
  • Good work habits/time management.
Helpful experience
  • Customer service or helping people
  • Making or fixing things
  • Selling or persuading people
  • Working with machinery.
Preferred work environments
  • Indoors (workshop or plant)
  • Outdoors (outdoors)
  • Different places from time to time.

Pathway

School

NCEA Level 2 recommended

Entry level jobs

Traineeship or apprenticeship

  • Process Worker
  • Production Worker
  • Assembly Worker
  • Distribution Worker.
Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Team Leader
  • Supervisor
  • Plant Supervisor
  • Production Manager
  • Teacher/Tutor.
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.

Ready to get Started?

Delivering on-the-job training that works for your business

We know what you might be facing as an employer — tight production schedules, rising costs, and on top of this, the challenge of keeping good people. You need your team upskilled, but you also need to keep things moving. That’s where we can come in to help.

We will work with you as your industry training partner, supporting you to build a skilled workforce through hands-on, work-based learning. We’ll build a training plan that meets the needs of your business and support your team every step of the way with flexible, on-the-job learning. The result? Confident, capable workers who stay longer, make fewer mistakes, and help lift productivity.

How do we build your team’s skills without slowing down your business?

Upskilling happens while the work gets done
Competenz provides on-the-job training. That means less downtime, more hands-on learning, and immediate application of new skills where they matter most: on the floor.

Our dedicated account managers and assessors guide progress and keep everything on track. It’s training that fits around your business.

Training delivers real results

From boosting productivity to building loyal teams, employers across the country are seeing the impact of on-the-job training. Hear from businesses like yours by clicking the links below.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice
Use this form to register with Competenz. We'll use this form to get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.
Onboarding guides
Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays. These guides explain your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how you can help your apprentice succeed.
See your business impact
Use this calculator to view the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. It’s designed to show the lasting value of investing in your workforce.

Ready to get started?