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
February
March
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.
What You Study
Courses
This programme has a credit range of 60-120.
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Skills 1 | Develop preliminary skills and knowledge for working in the construction industry. | 15 |
| Trade Skills 2 | Enhance your trade skills knowledge and gain practical experience on a construction site or in a construction-related industry. | 30 |
| Foundations | Learn how to set out and prepare to construct foundation structures (up to and including floor level) using specified materials. | 15 |
| Structures | Gain an understanding of how to construct walls and roofs using specified materials. | 30 |
| Exterior Claddings | Develop an understanding of how to install external cladding and roofing to a structure using specified materials. | 15 |
| Interior Lining | Learn how to install interior linings, trim, fixtures and fittings using specified materials while working with others in a safe working environment. | 15 |
Workload
Your workload
On-site class timetable hours are Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4.30pm.
Fridays are required when doing work experience (as per employers working hours). You are required to complete at least six weeks of work experience and up to three hours of additional self-directed study a week.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 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 list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
This programme is not available to international students.
Selection criteria
- Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of NCEA Level 1 and four years of secondary education OR the National Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills (BCATS) (Level 2) programme.
Please note: The BCATS programme is offered through trades academy, secondary schools and some private training establishments.
Fees
Domestic fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get free tuition fees for this programme.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
Additional costs
This is a list of the equipment you'll need for the programme. You'll need some of it before you start so make sure you read through the information carefully.
Equipment can be bought with your course-related costs through StudyLink and assistance is also available through WINZ.
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.
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.
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Application
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.
