New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3)

• 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. 

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. 

On-site class timetable hours are Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4.30pm (classes are held in L Block, 100 Anzac Avenue. Click here for a map). 

Fridays are required when doing work experience (as per employers working hours). You are required to complete at least six weeks of work experience and up to three hours of additional self-directed study a week.

This is how your study year will look. It shows when you're on work experience and when the programme breaks are: 

• January intake calendar
• February intake calendar
• March intake calendar (this is our He Toki programme intake)
• June intake calendar

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. 

• Course equipment list

Equipment can be bought with your course-related costs through StudyLink and assistance is also available through WINZ. 

TTAF

The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means only your 2022 study will be covered. You may be able to get some financial help for your remaining study through the Fees Free scheme if you’re eligible (see info below).

Whilst this programme is free for you to study during 2022, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (which is only available for domestic learners).      

It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. 

Fees Free

The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme. 

So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your 2022 study and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that to cover some of your remaining study. 

You can check your Fees Free eligibility here > 

Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.  

Again, you can pay for these costs by yourself if possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (only available for domestic learners). 

If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz