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.
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


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Workplace Safety and Legislative Knowledge
Identify legislative frameworks regulating construction and apply safe working practices and effective communication within construction environments.

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

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

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Construction
Building Trades

Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level carpenter roles
Apprenticeships in carpentry and construction trades


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