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LocationIntakeStudy breaks
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Dunedin20 January 2025
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Dunedin3 February 2025
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Dunedin30 June 2025
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Dunedin26 January 2026
Study breaks content
Carpentry involves the construction and maintenance of buildings, and there is high demand for qualified carpenters.
This programme will give you the work-ready skills to enter the construction trades as an apprentice carpenter working under supervision.
With additional training and/or experience, you could become a carpenter, junior and senior foreperson, or be self-employed.
During your studies you will enjoy hands-on training in our workshops and the chance to be involved in real-world, community-based building projects – which will lead to you gaining knowledge about health and safety, trade calculations and hand tools.
During this Certificate, students will also have the opportunity to work on Otago Polytechnic's charity house project.
16-19 years old and identify as Māori or Pasifika?
We also offer a version of this programme called He Toki. With He Toki, you'll get a unique and empowering learning experience that has te reo, tikaka and mentorship at the heart of everything. Find out more and apply here >
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection criteria
- Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of NCEA Level 1 and four years of secondary education OR the National Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills (BCATS) (Level 2) programme.
Please note: The BCATS programme is offered through trades academy, secondary schools and some private training establishments.
You will study
Trade Skills 1 (15 credits)
Develop preliminary skills and knowledge for working in the construction industry.
Trade Skills 2 (30 credits)
Enhance your trade skills knowledge and gain practical experience on a construction site or in a construction-related industry.
Foundations (15 credits)
Learn how to set out and prepare to construct foundation structures (up to and including floor level) using specified materials.
Structures (30 credits)
Gain an understanding of how to construct walls and roofs using specified materials.
Exterior Claddings (15 credits)
Develop an understanding of how to install external cladding and roofing to a structure using specified materials.
Interior Lining (15 credits)
Learn how to install interior linings, trim, fixtures and fittings using specified materials while working with others in a safe working environment.
Additional costs
This is a list of the equipment you'll need for the programme. You'll need some of it before you start so make sure you read through the information carefully.
Equipment can be bought with your course-related costs through StudyLink and assistance is also available through WINZ.
Intakes:
| Course | Description | Dates |
| 26-DUN-FY1 | Dunedin | 26 Jan 2026 |
