The chances of getting a job as an avionics engineering tradesperson is good, as demand is rising.

Demand is expected to keep rising, driven by the projected growth in the global aviation industry of between 5% and 10% a year, as passenger numbers continue to climb. 

To meet growing demand, the country's main employer, Air New Zealand, is boosting its annual intake of trainee engineers by 100 for the next two years. Some of those trainees will specialise in avionics.

Number of avionics mechanics in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)

Census	Number of avionics mechanics
1996	78
2001	90
2006	198
Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool.

Most avionics engineering tradespeople are employed by Air New Zealand Engineering. Other employers include:

• smaller airline and helicopter companies
• maintenance and aircraft design firms
• the Royal NZ Air Force.

Avionics engineering tradespeople work throughout New Zealand, but most work at one of Air New Zealand's two engineering bases – in Auckland and Christchurch. About 40% of the total workforce is based in Auckland and about 30% in Christchurch.

Other regions with a significant aviation industry are Marlborough and Waikato, which each have 5% of the avionics engineering tradespeople workforce.