New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry

Summary

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 carpentry@unitec.ac.nz

Career Options

• Building Contractor
• Licenced Builder
• Qualified carpenter

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$995

(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