New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
This is an apprenticeship qualification to become a qualified builder, and a pathway to becoming a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). Work as an apprentice under the supervision of a qualified builder, learn from industry professionals and gain sought-after skills through a carpentry apprenticeship pathway.
Domestic
Cromwell
About the programme
Become a carpenter, site supervisor, building project manager, construction firm owner, or self-employed builder.
Learn from professionals and gain sought-after skills with this carpentry apprenticeship pathway brought to you by Otago Polytechnic and Industry Training Association Building (ITAB). This apprenticeship option allows you to work in the construction industry as an employee, under the supervision of someone who is prepared to train you. It addresses industry standards and provides learners with the full support of regional coordinators.
Apprentices can also gain ITAB membership which offers additional benefits like discount vouchers, awards, competitions and scholarships. For more information on ITAB member discounts including savings on clothing and electronics and much more visit www.itab.co.nz/itab-benefits
At the completion of your apprenticeship - which allows you to earn while you learn - you will achieve a respected and in-demand qualification, the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4). This qualification is a gateway qualification to becoming a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) and will be awarded to you by Otago Polytechnic.
What You Study
Record of work
The Otago Polytechnic ITAB app is a tool that can be used by carpentry apprentices to capture the notes, images, dates and locations of their on-site practical work for assessment. Download the app here:
New Zealand Carpentry Apprentice Challenge
Once a year, Otago Polytechnic hosts a regional carpentry apprentice challenge for the New Zealand Certified Builders. The winner of the regional competition gets to compete at the Apprentice Challenge, held each year at the National Certified Builders Conference.
Further study options
The apprenticeship scheme will prepare you for full-time employment in the construction industry. Alternatively, you may wish to complete a further qualification and the New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) (Construction Management) or (Quantity Surveying) or Bachelor of Construction provides the perfect study option!
Workload
Your workload
You will undertake three block courses in the first year and two block courses in your second and third year. There are no block courses during your fourth year (unless you have missed previous block courses and then the fourth year gives you a chance to attend these and catch up).
The pathway will be slightly different if you have completed a Pre-Trade programme prior to an apprenticeship. This pathway will be discussed with you in your initial sign-up meeting.
This programme takes between three and a half and four years to complete. Part-time options aren't available.
Entry
Entry requirements
- You must be working in the construction industry as an employee or contractor; be supervised by someone prepared to support your training; and, enter into a training agreement with your employer and Otago Polytechnic.
Please contact one of our apprentice assessors (see Contact us section below for contact details) to make an initial appointment to discuss your apprenticeship.
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for a list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: This programme is not available to international students.
Fees
Domestic fees
Paying for your study
Studylink
It's important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.
For information about student loans and allowances please visit Studylink.
Fees Free
The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme.
So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your study up to 31 December 2022 and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that for additional tuition fee cover.
You can check your Fees Free eligibility here >
Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.
Again, you can pay for these costs by yourself if possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (only available for domestic learners).
If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
Block course scholarships
If you need to attend block courses, live outside Dunedin or Cromwell and require assistance with travel and accommodation, you may be entitled to assistance under the Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust. For more information on this, please visit https://www.itab.co.nz/grant-application-form/
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Application
How to apply
Contact one of our assessors below to have a chat about studying this programme. They'll invite you to meet with them so you can go through everything together.
Grant Beel (Dunedin Apprentice Assessor)
Email: grant.beel@op.ac.nz
Phone: 027 436 3908
Alan Fraser (Dunedin Apprentice Assessor)
Email: alan.fraser@op.ac.nz
Phone: 027 341 9072
Richard O'Neill (Dunedin Apprentice Assessor)
Email: Richard.ONeill@op.ac.nz
Phone: 027 218 2120
Simon Brookes (Central Otago Apprentice Assessor)
Email: simon.brookes@op.ac.nz
Phone: 027 281 5338
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
