The Level 3 Painting & Plastering course is a fast-track pre-apprenticeship programme designed to help you start a career in the construction finishing trades.

It focuses on developing practical skills in surface preparation, coating application, and plaster finishing to industry standards.

Key Benefits

• Open to international students
• Only 19 weeks duration (fast entry into workforce)
• Hands-on workshop training (real tools and materials)
• Learn professional painting and plastering techniques
• Strong focus on Level 4 industry-standard finish quality
• Pathway to apprenticeship in painting, plastering, or allied trades
• High-demand construction finishing skills in New Zealand
• Supported learning with experienced trade tutors 

Programme Structure / Subjects Covered

Painting Skills

• Surface preparation techniques
• Brush, roller, and spray painting methods
• Interior and exterior painting
• Achieving professional finishes

Plastering Skills

• Wall preparation and repair
• Skimming and finishing techniques
• Level 4 standard finish preparation
• Surface smoothing and coating application

Construction & Safety

• Workplace health and safety
• Use of construction tools and materials
• Working at heights safety training
• Site readiness skills

Industry Knowledge

• Roles in construction finishing trades
• Understanding job site workflows
• Communication and teamwork on-site

Disciplines / Specialisations

After completion, students can progress into:

• Painting Apprentice
• Plastering Apprentice
• Interior Finishing Trades Assistant
• Construction Labourer (finishing sector)
• Renovation and refurbishment roles

Highlights

• 19-week fast-track trade qualification
• Hands-on painting and plastering training
• Learn industry-standard finishing techniques
• Strong focus on Level 4 finish quality standards
• Real workshop-based learning (not classroom-only)
• Direct pathway to apprenticeships
• High-demand construction finishing skills in NZ

Career Outcomes

Graduates can work as:

• Painter Apprentice
• Plastering Apprentice
• Interior Finishing Assistant
• Construction Site Finisher
• Renovation Worker

Work Environments

• Residential housing projects
• Commercial construction sites
• Renovation and refurbishment companies
• Painting and decorating contractors

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme open to international students
• Must be physically capable of manual trade work
• Includes safety training for heights and confined spaces
• Strong emphasis on real-world construction projects
• Short duration (19 weeks) designed for quick entry into workforce

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study in New Zealand, students must apply for a Student Visa.

Required Documents

• Offer of Place from NZMA
• Valid passport
• Proof of tuition payment
• Evidence of living funds
• Medical & travel insurance
• IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent)
• Health and character requirements

Programme Summary (Quick View)

• NZQF Level 3 Painting & Plastering Certificate
• 19-week duration
• Fully hands-on training
• Entry pathway to painting/plastering apprenticeship
• International student eligible
• High-demand finishing trade in NZ construction industry