New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3)
Get the foundational skills and knowledge of worksite safety and tools, providing you with a head-start for a future apprenticeship. Enjoy hands-on training in our workshops and building projects in a supportive environment without the pressure of a real-world worksite.
Domestic
June
About the programme
Carpentry involves the construction and maintenance of buildings, and there is high demand for qualified carpenters.
This programme will give you the work-ready skills to enter the construction trades as an apprentice carpenter working under supervision.
With additional training and/or experience, you could become a carpenter, junior and senior foreperson, or be self-employed.
During your studies you will enjoy hands-on training in our workshops and the chance to be involved in real-world, community-based building projects – which will lead to you gaining knowledge about health and safety, trade calculations and hand tools.
During this programme you will also have the opportunity to work on our charity house project.
Are you a Māori or Pasifika person aged 16-40?
We also offer a free version of this programme called He Toki.
He Toki supports whānau to gain skills and qualifications, connect with iwi and explore industry opportunities, with the goal of securing wealth-enriching futures for Māori and Pasifika.
With He Toki, you'll be supported to gain a New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) in Carpentry via a unique and empowering learning experience that has te reo, tikaka and mentorship at the heart of everything.
International
June
About the programme
Carpentry involves the construction and maintenance of buildings, and there is high demand for qualified carpenters.
This programme will give you the work-ready skills to enter the construction trades as an apprentice carpenter working under supervision.
With additional training and/or experience, you could become a carpenter, junior and senior foreperson, or be self-employed.
During your studies you will enjoy hands-on training in our workshops and the chance to be involved in real-world, community-based building projects – which will lead to you gaining knowledge about health and safety, trade calculations and hand tools.
During this programme you will also have the opportunity to work on our charity house project.
What You Study
Courses
Workplace Safety Fundamentals (15 credits)
- Explain legislation relevant to specific tasks in the construction trades industry.
- Apply safe working practices when completing tasks in a construction trades environment.
- Maintain a safe work environment for the duration of construction trades tasks.
Core Construction and Communication Skills (15 credits)
- Interpret basic drawings and specifications to complete simple tasks for construction trades.
- Perform calculations to solve simple problems relevant to a construction trades environment.
- Demonstrate effective communication, with colleagues and customers, appropriate for the construction trades environment.
Preliminary Works for Construction (15 credits)
- Prepare a building site under supervision to meet plans and specifications for a construction project.
- Identify sub-contractors' roles in construction projects.
Support Structures for Building Work (15 credits)
- Identify the fundamentals of support structures and floor systems for building work.
- Construct basic support structures and floor systems under supervision in line with plans and specifications for a building project.
Wall Structures for Building Work (15 credits)
- Fabricate and erect framed wall structures in line with plans and specifications for a building project.
- Employ safe working practices when handling construction materials on building sites.
Roof Structures for Building Work (15 credits)
- Erect framed roofing structures in line with plans and specifications for a building project.
- Maintain a safe work environment for roofing work on a building project.
Exterior Envelope (15 credits)
- Install a range of external cladding and accessories in line with plans and specifications for exterior envelope projects.
- Describe the preparation and installation of roofing material for exterior envelope projects.
Interior Linings and Finishings (15 credits)
- Install interior linings and trim in line with plans and specifications for a building project.
- Install a range of building hardware and door furniture using manufacturers specifications and best practice in a building project.
Workload
Your workload
On-site class timetable hours are Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4.30pm.
At times, you may need to complete up to three hours of study on a Friday.
2025 calendars (programme start and end dates, semester breaks)
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- Special and discretionary admission options are available.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 (general, no 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 internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
Studylink course-related costs can be used to buy the required equipment. All tools and PPE will be provided for you to use as part of the programme.
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.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
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.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
