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.
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
What You Study
What you will learn
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.
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure they are ready for this study.
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.
All fees and costs are approximate.
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
Visit Welcome to StudyLink studylink.govt.nz to apply for a student loan to cover your course fees, course-related costs or living costs, or to apply for a student allowance.
If you are eligible for Fees Free you may not need to borrow for course fees, but you may still wish to apply for course-related costs, living costs or student allowance.
Fees Free
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
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.
