The Carpentry Trade Skills (Level 3) course is a pre-apprenticeship programme designed to prepare you for entry into the construction industry in New Zealand.

You will learn how to build real structures like sleepouts and small houses, while developing the skills needed to become an apprentice carpenter.

Key Benefits

• Open to international students
• Hands-on training in a real trades campus
• Build practical projects like timber sleepouts and house frames
• Learn foundation construction skills for apprenticeship entry
• Strong focus on workplace readiness and safety
• Pathway to Level 4 carpentry apprenticeship qualification
• Study in real workshop environments (not just classrooms)

Programme Structure / Topics Covered

Core Carpentry Skills

• Timber-framed construction
• Foundations, framing, roofing
• Interior lining and cladding

Construction Knowledge

• Building industry overview
• Role of contractors and subcontractors
• Reading construction drawings
• Site procedures and workflow

Practical Workshop Training

• Tool usage and machinery safety
• Building prefabricated structures
• Construction of sleepouts and house sections

Health & Safety

• Construction site safety
• Workplace best practices
• Hazard awareness

Communication Skills

• Teamwork on construction sites
• Site communication and reporting
• Time management

Disciplines / Specialisations

After completing this course, students can progress into:

• Carpentry Apprenticeship (Level 4)
• Residential Construction
• Commercial Construction Support
• Building Site Labouring
• Construction Trainee Roles

Highlights

• 32-week intensive carpentry training
• Build real structures in workshops (sleepouts/houses)
• 120 NZQA credits
• Strong focus on apprenticeship readiness
• Hands-on learning (not theory-heavy)
• Pathway to Level 4 carpentry qualification
• Industry-relevant skills from day one

Career Outcomes

After completion, students can work as:

• Carpentry Apprentice (entry level)
• Construction Labourer
• Building Site Assistant
• Framing Assistant
• Residential Construction Trainee

Work Settings

• Residential construction companies
• Commercial building sites
• Renovation and housing projects
• Infrastructure construction companies

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme is open to international students
• Requires physical capability for manual work
• Strong emphasis on real building projects in workshops
• Pathway directly into apprenticeship training
• Limited intake seats due to workshop capacity
• Youth Guarantee funding available for eligible domestic learners

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 fee payment
• Evidence of funds for living costs
• Medical & travel insurance
• English proficiency evidence (interview-based or IELTS if required)
• Health and character requirements

Programme Summary (Quick View)

• NZQF Level 3 Carpentry Certificate
• 32 weeks duration
• 120 credits
• Fully hands-on workshop training
• Build real construction projects
• Entry pathway to apprenticeship (Level 4)
• Open to international students
• Strong employability in NZ construction industry