

- Location
Dunedin and Central Otago
- Duration
- One year (see the workload section below for more information)
- Delivery
On campus with hands-on training in our workshop facilities
- Credits
- 60-120
- Level
- 3
- Start
- Dunedin: January, February, March and July 2021 (FULL)
Central Otago: February 2022 - Apply
-
LocationIntakeStudy breaks
-
Central Otago15 February 202128 June 2021 - 16 July 2021
5 April 2021 - 16 April 2021
27 September 2021 - 8 October 2021
-
Dunedin25 January 202112 July 2021 - 16 July 2021
5 April 2021 - 9 April 2021
4 October 2021 - 8 October 2021
-
Dunedin22 February 202112 July 2021 - 16 July 2021
5 April 2021 - 9 April 2021
4 October 2021 - 8 October 2021
-
Dunedin19 July 202120 December 2021 - 7 January 2022
4 October 2021 - 8 October 2021
-
Central Otago14 February 20224 July 2022 - 22 July 2022
18 April 2022 - 29 April 2022
3 October 2022 - 14 October 2022
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 Certificate, students will also have the opportunity to work on Otago Polytechnic's charity house project.
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.
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.
You will study
Trade Skills 1 (15 credits)
Develop preliminary skills and knowledge for working in the construction industry.
Trade Skills 2 (30 credits)
Enhance your trade skills knowledge and gain practical experience on a construction site or in a construction-related industry.
Foundations (15 credits)
Learn how to set out and prepare to construct foundation structures (up to and including floor level) using specified materials.
Structures (30 credits)
Gain an understanding of how to construct walls and roofs using specified materials.
Exterior Claddings (15 credits)
Develop an understanding of how to install external cladding and roofing to a structure using specified materials.
Interior Lining (15 credits)
Learn how to install interior linings, trim, fixtures and fittings using specified materials while working with others in a safe working environment.
Your workload
On-site class timetable hours are Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4.30pm, Friday's 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.
Classes are held in L Block, 100 Anzac Avenue. Click here for a map.
Additional costs
Hand tools are included in the programme fee but the equipment will remain the property of Otago Polytechnic. Depending on what you own before starting the course, additional costs may be up to $600-$700 (approx). Assistance with personal equipment is available through WINZ under Course Related Costs.
Student loans/allowances with TTAF
Whilst this programme is free for you to study via the Trades and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), this fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible for you or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink.
It is 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 the Studylink website
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.