New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills

We are evolving

From 1 October 2022, NMIT and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Nelson:

20 February 2023

Joinery Strand

Richmond:

20 February 2023

Carpentry Strand
Study options

Full-time
Length

Carpentry strand: 40 weeks full-time - 34 teaching weeks plus 6 holiday weeks. Joinery strand: 30 weeks full-time - 26 teaching weeks plus 4 holiday weeks.
Total credits

120
Fees

2023: Carpentry Strand (120 credits) - $6,696 plus $240 Student Services Levy; Joinery Strand (90 credits) - $5,022 plus $180 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies ($2 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ2834

Get your building career off to a great start with a qualification that prepares you for the workforce.

Set yourself up for an apprenticeship or entry-level job in the building and construction industry with this popular programme.

You can choose to specialise in:

Carpentry: If you want a career in either residential or commercial construction, building houses and other large structures, the Carpentry strand is for you.
Joinery: If you want to build panel products and the wooden components of buildings like stairs, kitchens, doors and fittings, the Joinery strand is for you.

Carpentry is more suited to students who enjoy working outdoors on large-scale construction projects. Joinery is more suited to students who have an eye for detail and enjoy working with precise measurements. Both specialisations have excellent job prospects in New Zealand and globally.

As a graduate, you will be qualified to work as an entry-level construction site worker, pre-cut factory worker, and in the retail sector of the construction and joinery industries.

The qualification will also assist you in obtaining an apprenticeship.

NMIT’s tutors are Licenced Building Practitioners with extensive industry experience and our top-notch facilities include a carpentry barn and enclosed construction yard.

Our students are strongly represented in the regional and national Apprentice of the Year competition, which speaks to the real-world education available at NMIT.

The programme is supported by the Industry Training Association Building (ITaB) scheme and the BCITO.

Entry requirements

This programme has no minimum academic requirements

English language requirements

If you have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance, you are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

If English is not your first language you may also be required to provide evidence of your English language skills as listed below.

If they have no evidence of their English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, contact NMIT for an assessment.

• IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.5 in any subtest). For acceptable alternatives refer to the English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.

Note:
IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Selection

This programme has a limited number of places due to workshop constraints and health and safety requirements.

All applicants will be assessed for suitability for this programme prior to enrolment, which may include demonstrating proficiency in literacy, numeracy and basic computer skills. Applicants may also be asked to participate in an interview.

Acceptance on the programme is at the discretion of the Curriculum Manager or delegate.

Applicants will be provided with programme information to ensure the applicant is aware of the programme content, assessment policies and entry requirements.

Career opportunities & pathways

Once you graduate, you will be able to follow safe working practices in a carpentry workshop and perform basic operations with hand, power and machine tools.

You will be qualified to work as entry-level construction site workers, pre-cut factory workers and in the retail sector of the building and construction industry.

This qualification will assist you in obtaining an apprenticeship and completing the practical requirements towards the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)(external link).

You can complete your apprenticeship through NMIT as part of the NMIT Managed Apprenticeship programme.

Structure and timetable