Metal forming and casting

Nationally recognised training for the technicians who install and maintain the milking, water, and effluent systems New Zealand's dairy industry depends on.

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications — tailored to your business's specific needs.

5,672
Apprentices trained
Level 4
National qualification

The metal forming and casting programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to manipulate and shape metal into functional components and structures using processes such as forging, casting, and press working. Training covers pattern making, mould design, pouring techniques, heat treatment, finishing, and quality control—delivered in line with industry standards and safety practices.


Benefits of this programme

  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and  technical knowledge
  • Flexible structure combining workplace learning, eLearning, and block courses
  • Build skills in pattern making, mould preparation, metal forming methods (forging, pressing, casting), and finishing techniques
  • Ability to produce and deliver cast or formed metal components with adherence to quality and tolerances
  • Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

How we work with you

We partner with members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential learners, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences, and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

When apprentices enrol, we assign them a Competenz account manager. Our account managers understand the industry and the skills learners and businesses need to gain.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice

Use this form to register with Competenz. We’ll get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.

Get started →
Onboarding guides

Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays — your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how to help your apprentice succeed.

Onboarding guides →
See your business impact

View the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. The lasting value of investing in your workforce.

ROI Calculator →

The dairy industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled technicians. Training your own people is the most reliable way to build capability that actually stays.

Competenz Training Advisor — Dairy Systems, Waikato region

You run the operation. We handle the training architecture.

What do they do?

Metal casting engineers produce parts from molten metal and test, control and adjust the chemical make-up of the metal. They use traditional and modern techniques and a high level of skill.

A typical day

Normally an eight-hour day; sometimes working longer may be required.

Work can include reading, interpreting and creating design drawings, producing replicas, before making moulds, selecting the metals, inspecting, testing and repairing castings, then tempering, hardening, polishing and coating the final product.

You will learn about all sorts of materials; metals, woods, clays, plastics and resins.

Sounds like you?

If you’re practical, curious about how things work, and comfortable in both workshops and outdoors — this is worth reading.

Study areas that help

  • English or Media or History
  • Maths or Accounting or Economics
  • Sciences or Workshop Technologies
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.

Helpful experience

  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery.

Work environments

  • Indoors (workshop or plant).

Good to have

Problem-solving mindset

  • Reasonable strength and fitness
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good work habits/time management
  • Good literacy and numeracy skills

Career pathway

The apprenticeship is the foundation — not the ceiling.

School

Getting ready

These can be useful from school:

Ideally NCEA Level 2 in:

  • Maths
  • Science (physics)
  • Technology (metal work)
  • English.

Entry level

Apprenticeship

  • Foundryman
  • Pattern Maker
  • Mould Maker
  • Metal worker
  • Metal Forger
  • Blacksmith
  • Metal Extruder
  • Metal Worker.

Advancing

Higher learning

  • Specialist Engineer
  • Supervisor
  • Leading Hand
  • Workshop Supervisor
  • Welding Supervisor.

Senior

Higher learning

  • Foreman
  • Site Supervisor
  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.

Common questions

How do I set up my account for Competenz Central?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I’m an international student - can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need a visa or work permit?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How old do I need to be?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How long is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How much does an apprenticeship/traineeship cost?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I have a job, what do I do next?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need to be employed to be an apprentice/trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What experience do I need to do an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be a trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be an apprentice?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Who is Competenz?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Metal forming and casting

The metal forming and casting programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to manipulate and shape metal into functional components and structures using processes such as forging, casting, and press working. Training covers pattern making, mould design, pouring techniques, heat treatment, finishing, and quality control—delivered in line with industry standards and safety practices.


Benefits of this programme

  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and  technical knowledge
  • Flexible structure combining workplace learning, eLearning, and block courses
  • Build skills in pattern making, mould preparation, metal forming methods (forging, pressing, casting), and finishing techniques
  • Ability to produce and deliver cast or formed metal components with adherence to quality and tolerances
  • Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.

How we work with you

We partner with industry associations like Metals New Zealand to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential apprentices, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences, competitions and graduations and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

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?

What do they do?

Metal casting engineers produce parts from molten metal and test, control and adjust the chemical make-up of the metal. They use traditional and modern techniques and a high level of skill.

A typical day

Normally an eight-hour day; sometimes working longer may be required.

Work can include reading, interpreting and creating design drawings, producing replicas, before making moulds, selecting the metals, inspecting, testing and repairing castings, then tempering, hardening, polishing and coating the final product.

You will learn about all sorts of materials; metals, woods, clays, plastics and resins.

Sounds like you?

Study areas
  • English or Media or History
  • Maths or Accounting or Economics
  • Sciences or Workshop Technologies
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.
Attributes
  • Reasonable strength and fitness
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good work habits/time management
  • Good literacy and numeracy skills
Helpful experience
  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery.

Preferred work environments
  • Indoors (workshop or plant).

Pathway

School

These can be useful from school:

Ideally NCEA Level 2 in:

  • Maths
  • Science (physics)
  • Technology (metal work)
  • English.
Entry level jobs

Apprenticeship

  • Foundryman
  • Pattern Maker
  • Mould Maker
  • Metal worker
  • Metal Forger
  • Blacksmith
  • Metal Extruder
  • Metal Worker.
Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Specialist Engineer
  • Supervisor
  • Leading Hand
  • Workshop Supervisor
  • Welding Supervisor.
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Foreman
  • Site Supervisor
  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.

FAQs

Related FAQs

Ready to get Started?