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

Duration
1 Year Full-time
Level
3
Credits
120
Fees
$7,846
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee - see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
January
June

International

Duration
1 Year Full-time
Level
3
Credits
120
Fees
$26,000
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee - see Fees section below for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
January
June

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 you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Fees

Domestic fees

Full tuition
Standard
$7,846

International fees

Full tuition
Standard
$26,000

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.

2025 programme equipment list >

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.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz
https://www.op.ac.nz/programmes/nzqa/new-zealand-certificate-in-construction-trade-skills-carpentry-level-3