New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry
Course details
About the course
Students in this programme are in a formal apprenticeship agreement with an on-site supervisor and Unitec. The majority of your learning will take place in actual and practical work-based settings. Timetabled off-job training sessions complement workplace learning and focus on integrating your practical workplace learning experiences to make sense of complex situations.
Highlights
- Earn and learn – with our flexible study method, you will learn on campus one day per week for the first two years and one evening per week for the last two years
- Range of employment and work competencies to increase your fundamental knowledge and skills to become a well-rounded, commercially competent licensed builder
- Staff who are members of the NZCB (New Zealand Certified Builders), the Registered MB (Master Builders), the BOINZ (Building Officials Institute of New Zealand), and other industry groups
- Access to well-equipped workshops
Qualification and What Next
Once you’ve successfully completed this programme and your apprenticeship, you’ll receive the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) and be considered a trade-qualified carpenter. You can apply to become a member of NZCB(New Zealand Certified Builders), the Registered MB (Master Builders), and the BOINZ (Building Officials Institute of New Zealand).
Are you an employer looking to train your crew?
Do you have someone on your team who needs training, or do you want to empower your crew with the expertise required to excel in the carpentry trade, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and increased job site efficiency? Training an apprentice lays the foundation for hardworking, loyal employees who understand your business’s operations. Reduce risk, increase efficiency and profitability, and develop your team’s skills to meet your standards. Win business quickly with a qualified team. Contact our carpentry team at [email protected]
Career Options
- Building Contractor
- Licenced Builder
- Qualified carpenter
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$940
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
This programme is not open to international students - check our international study options instead.
Semester Dates
Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry Prospective Study Guide - Carpentry_0 Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
Must have one of the following;
- NCEA Level 2 with a minimum of 10 Level 1 credits in English or Te Reo and 10 Level 1 credits in Mathematics, OR
- Have attained the Construction and Infrastructure Vocational Pathway for NCEA level 2, OR
- Be a graduate of a pre-apprenticeship qualification in a building and construction field such as the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- Applicants for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language are required to provide proof of English proficiency.
- The required level of proficiency for this programme is IELTS (General) score of 5 with no individual band lower than 5 from a single test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
- Domestic learners who have completed the majority or all of their education in New Zealand are deemed to have met this requirement
Non Academic requirement
- To be working in the construction industry as an employee or contractor; And
- Be supervised by someone who has qualifications and/or experience with Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) and is prepared to support your training. Note: Unitec will arrange the training agreement between you, your employer and Unitec. The agreement will outline the responsibilities of each party to the apprenticeship, and will align with the principles in the Code of Good Practice for New Zealand Apprenticeships.
Don’t meet theseAcademicrequirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify.
- You may also be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.