Core elements

This programme will provide you with knowledge and skills in a range of areas including:

• Construction site safety
• Hand and power tools
• Construction site organisation
• Building consents and regulations
• Site set out
• Foundations, subfloors and flooring
• Framing
• Roofing (framing and roof cladding)
• Exterior cladding
• Interior linings
• Fitting of windows and doors
• Insulation
• Fitting interior joinery
• Skirtings, architraves and furnishing

Further study options

This qualification can lead on to the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trades Skills Level 4 and the National Certificate in
Construction Site Management.

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you’ll have the skills to pursue a career in the construction industry, in a
variety of positions including Apprentice Carpenter, Hammer hand or Skilled Labourer.

Programme structure and workload

This programme runs for 34 weeks. Theory is taught in a classroom environment while practical learning occurs in our carpentry workshop and on a building site with the student/tutor ratio reflective of the practical task. As part of your studies, you’ll also undertake three weeks’ work experience (across terms two, three and four) with a local West Coast builder. During your work experience you’ll gain an insight into the industry and make contacts as a prospective employee. Tutors will carry out on-site visits during your placement.

Entry requirements

To apply for this programme you must:

• Have a minimum of 10 credits each in literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy at NCEA Level 1, or able to demonstrate suitable knowledge and skills.
• Be physically capable of meeting programme requirements.
• Meet general or academic IELTS 5 (with no band score lower than 5) or equivalent, if English is a second language
• Attend an information session where you’ll be required to demonstrate your ability, interest, motivation and commitment to succeed in the programme

*If you’re a domestic applicant over 20 years old and you don’t meet the academic entry requirement but can demonstrate your skills, education and/or work experiences, you may be eligible for special admission.

Additional costs

You should expect to spend approximately $500 on programme specific equipment (apron, hammer, rule, tape, pencil, square, punch set, chisel set, driver set, screwdriver set, safety glasses, ear muffs and knife). This can be covered by the course-related costs section of your student loan (if you are eligible). You can borrow up to $1,000 even if you are not drawing down the tuition fees component of your student loan, e.g. those students who are fees-free.

2024 enrolments

When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2024, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start from 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.