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Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)

This programme is the best foundation for employment in the building industry or to secure an apprenticeship in carpentry or building. It includes a full year of theoretical and practical skills training equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship. You will put this theory into practice and take ownership of a major project by building, in teams, a three bedroom house on campus. Our campus facilities include a specialist carpentry workshop and modern classrooms.

As part of this programme, you will also complete 8 weeks' work experience, giving you relevant and recognised industry experience. Our tutors use their 35+ years of experience to support and guide you through the theory and practical work including literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the trade. We use our close ties with local industry to assist students secure an apprenticeship or a job upon successful completion of your studies.

If you are already working in the industry then have your experience formally acknowledged with this qualification.

What will this programme cover?

  • All theory unit standards required for the National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4).
  • Use of power tools and carpentry hand tools
  • Health & Safety Compliance
  • Construction techniques
  • Site set out
  • Foundations and floors
  • Wall and roof framing
  • Interior linings and finishing
  • Exterior claddings
  • Work experience

Related Careers

  • Building Apprenticeship + National Certificate in Carpentry
    (Level 4)
  • Promotion to leading hand or foreman
  • Start your own business

What do you need to apply?

For entry to our Certificate in Carpentry it is desirable that you have at least 3 years secondary education and have at least NCEA Level 1 made up of 16 credits in English and 16 credits in Maths.

If you don't have the stated entry criteria, talk to us about whether you can use your equivalent skills and knowledge or to see if this is the right programme for you.

You may also be asked to attend an interview and complete a pre-entry test to indicate your level of literacy, numeracy and technical skills.

Programme Recognition

This programme is accredited by NZQA.

Further Study Options

National Certificate in Construction
(Leading Hand, Aoraki Polytechnic Programme)

Certificate in Business Ownership
(Aoraki Polytechnic Programme)

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