New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry)

Construction

A course by

UCOL

Build practical skills and knowledge to become a carpenter in New Zealand's construction industry. Acquire foundational trade skills, safety knowledge, technical carpentry competencies and work-ready experience for apprenticeship or entry-level employment.

STUDY FREE
FREE

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing

Fire Emoji in green

Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 3 Certification (120 Credits)

Study Level

Entry

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Available in 4 locations

It will take a total of 42 weeks

This course requires 33 hours per week

Background blur gradient small

Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer

Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.

More details

Unlock these abilities


Star graphic

Workplace Safety and Legislative Knowledge

Identify legislative frameworks regulating construction and apply safe working practices and effective communication within construction environments.

Star graphic

Interpret Construction Specifications and Drawings

Interpret and utilize construction plans and drawings to complete simple projects, performing necessary calculations.

Star graphic

Carpentry Terminology and Concepts

Recognize fundamental carpentry concepts and correctly use related terminology in building plans, drawings, and calculations.

What You're Signing Up For

This Level 3 New Zealand Certificate program at UCOL provides comprehensive training in construction trade skills with a focus on carpentry. Covering legislative frameworks, workplace safety, construction maths, tool use, building assembly techniques, and project work, it prepares learners for carpentry roles in the construction sector. The one-year full-time programme (42 weeks) includes practical workshop experience, theoretical studies, and compliance with industry standards. Graduates will be equipped to enter apprenticeships or junior carpenter positions and can progress to Level 4 carpentry qualifications. The course is delivered at multiple UCOL campuses and is accredited by NZQA.

Course Content

  • Workplace Safety Frameworks and Practices
  • Skills for Construction Trades
  • Carpentry Terminology and Job Role Knowledge
  • Building Assembly Techniques and Properties of Building Materials
  • Construction and Installation Processes and Techniques
  • Carpentry Project Preliminaries
  • Carpentry Project Foundations and Support Structures
  • Carpentry Project Frames, Structures and Exterior Envelope
  • Carpentry Project Interior Linings and Finishing

What you need to know first

NCEA Level 1 or equivalent academic achievement

English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 (academic) or TOEFL with no band below 5

Industry icon

What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Construction

  • Building Trades

Employment opportunities icon

Future employment opportunities might be

  • Entry-level carpenter roles

  • Apprenticeships in carpentry and construction trades