E-tec Expands To Highbrook

Skills Group’s electrotechnology training arm, E-tec, is expanding its presence in East Auckland, with a suite of courses to be delivered from the organisation’s new, purpose-built Highbrook campus.

Each year, E-tec trains over 3,000 tradespeople through its comprehensive range of courses, as well as certifying electricians entering New Zealand. The uptake of its recently launched solar micro-credential course has been particularly strong and is on track to exceed projected targets for 2025.

The move brings E-tec, a specialist provider of electrical and electronic compliance training, into the same purpose-built facility opened earlier this year to support the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in Auckland. Located at 18 Business Parade North, Highbrook, the $4.5 million facility was officially opened by Minister of Education Erica Stanford in May 2025.

The expanded course offering positions the Highbrook facility as a comprehensive centre of electrotechnology excellence, offering a cohesive training ecosystem that spans pre-trade, apprenticeship, and continuing professional development pathways for electricians and electrical workers.

Skills Group Director of Trades School, Di Lithgow, says the integration of E-tec courses like its new suite of micro-credential courses in solar energy systems into the new campus will better serve learners and industry alike.

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“Bringing E-tec to Highbrook means we can offer a unified training experience for electrical professionals at all stages of their careers, from first-year pre-trade students to experienced workers updating their certifications,” she says.

“It positions the Highbrook building as the most comprehensive electrotechnology training hub in the country.”

The Highbrook facility was specifically designed with input from tutors and industry, featuring large-scale workshop classrooms, custom-built training boards, and flexible learning spaces that support both theory and hands-on learning in a single environment.

E-tec’s move to the site reflects growing demand for electrical workers across Auckland and the wider region, as well as the need for modern, fit-for-purpose learning environments that can scale with industry needs.

“The plan is to move most of the E-tec courses to the Highbrook campus. Our focus is to make the East Tamaki site a hub for plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying, and roofing.

“This enables us to future-proof our delivery, respond to regulation changes faster, and provide a better experience for the electrical workers we support each year. While class sizes will stay the same, there is significantly more workshop space available so learners will be able to take advantage of practical applications when completing their courses” says Di.

About Skills Group

Skills Group is New Zealand’s largest private training establishment, delivering hands-on, real-world education to over 23,000 learners across New Zealand and the world. From school leavers to CEOs, Skills Group supports lifelong learning through practical, industry-aligned training programmes that help individuals grow their careers, businesses, and communities.

As a charitable organisation, the main goal of Skills Group is to support people in New Zealand through education and training for work.

As a trusted partner to government, employers, and educators, Skills Group plays a vital role in shaping New Zealand’s workforce and driving economic growth. Our programmes are built with industry, for industry - ensuring learners gain skills that are relevant, future-focused, and immediately applicable in the workplace.

Whether training the next generation of electricians, upskilling healthcare workers, or supporting leadership development in the boardroom, Skills Group is committed to maximising human potential through lifelong learning.

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