Carpentry
Job opportunities for carpenters are always in high demand so if you enjoy creating and building things with your hands then becoming a carpenter could be for you!
Completing the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) allows you to become a Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) and gain employment as a builder, site supervisor, building project manager or even have your own construction firm.
Depending what area of work you go into, a career in carpentry may include:
- Building houses
- Constructing large-scale commercial buildings
- Completing building and furniture renovations and alterations
Becoming a Licensed Building Practitioner in New Zealand is a 3 and a half to 4-year long process. It includes a combination of practical, on-the-job training (an apprenticeship) and professional skill development through a tertiary level education provider such as Otago Polytechnic. While completing your apprenticeship you are paid for your services to your customers, this means you can earn while you learn!
Gaining a New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) at Otago Polytechnic includes:
- A 3 - 4-year long apprenticeship where you are paid to work alongside a LBP and learn on the job (you will be a full-time worker during this time)
- Three, one-week block courses at Otago Polytechnic in year one (3 weeks in total)
- Two, one-week block courses at Otago Polytechnic in year two (2 weeks in total)
- Two, one-week block courses at Otago Polytechnic in year three (2 weeks in total)
- Developing a portfolio (keeping a professional record) of the work you have completed
- Theory assessments are written assignments, presentations, ePortfolio and diary/journal keeping of work – these are completed during the block courses
Entry requirements
The only academic entry requirement necessary for this program is an IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years). However, you are required to have found your own employment as an apprentice in the construction industry.
It is not necessary to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) (Carpentry) program before applying for the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4). However, it is recommended if you have little or no previous experience with carpentry. Completing the level three certificate alone does not allow you to become employed as a carpenter. You can become a labourer or an apprentice with the Level 3 certificate. Again, the only academic entry requirement necessary for this program is an IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years).
Gaining a New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) (Carpentry) at Otago Polytechnic includes:
- One year of full-time study
- Face-to-face learning from 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday
- Work experience on a Friday (according to employer hours)
- Six weeks of on the job training
- Three hours of additional self-directed study a week
- Assessments are written assignments, presentations, ePortfolio and diary/journal keeping of work
