Carpentry
Looking to become a carpenter, site supervisor, building project manager, self-employed builder or even have your own construction firm? You'll earn while you learn with our carpentry apprenticeship pathway!
Carpentry is a big and varied industry. As a carpenter you might build houses, garages or 50-storey buildings, or specialise in renovations and alterations. You could work for a company or be a self-employed contractor. You could work overseas or stay in NZ. As you gain experience as a carpenter, you can be in control of projects as a foreman or leading hand.
ITAB Carpentry Apprenticeships
The one-year New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) Carpentry gives you the skills you need to enter the industry as an apprentice carpenter and do the four-year New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4).
If you can find a construction employer who'll take you on as an apprentice, you can enter directly into the apprenticeship scheme and do the compulsory block courses and practical on-site apprenticeship assessment without doing New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) Carpentry.
He Toki Carpentry and Infrastructure Trades Training Scholarship
- Dunedin and Central
- 1 year
- Level 3
- Starts 7 March (Dunedin); to be confirmed for 2022 (Central Otago)
- Apply now
Get the skills and support you need to succeed in the construction industry in Te Waipounamu. With He Toki, you'll be supported to gain a New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) in Carpentry or Infrastructure* - but with a difference. You’ll get a unique and empowering learning experience that has te reo, tikaka and mentorship at the heart of everything. This programme is perfect for you if you identify as Māori or Pasifika, are 16-40 years old and want to learn and earn in a practical, hands-on environment. (*Infrastructure only offered at our Central Otago Campus).
New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3)
- Dunedin and Central Otago
- One year
- Level 3
- Starts Jan, Feb, March and July (in Dunedin) | Feb (in Central Otago)
- Apply now
Gain the work-ready skills you need to enter the construction trades as an apprentice carpenter working under supervision With additional training and/or experience, you could go on to further roles including a carpenter, junior and senior foreperson and self-employment. 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. Plus, this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs).
New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
- Dunedin and Central
- Three and a half to four years
- Level 4
- Starts flexible
- Apply Now - contact Carpentry@op.ac.nz
Want to become a carpenter, site supervisor, building project manager, construction firm owner or self-employed builder? Learn from professionals and gain sought after skills with a carpentry apprenticeship pathway brought to you by Otago Polytechnic and Industry Training Association Building (ITAB). Plus, this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any additional course-related and living costs).
New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
Now offered in Cromwell
We are now delivering our Carpentry block courses at our Central Campus – this means our managed apprentices can complete their training in Central!
Contact Simon Brookes
Apprentice Coordinator
027 281 5338
Apprenticeship benefits
Apprentices can get ITAB membership, with benefits like discount vouchers, awards, competitions and scholarships.
ITAB apps
Download our ITAB app to capture the notes, images, dates and locations of your on-site practical work for assessment.
iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY
Scholarships for carpentry students
You may be entitled to assistance under the scholarships to fund your study. Check your eligibility now!
New Zealand Carpentry Apprentice Challenge
Once a year, Otago Polytechnic supports a regional carpentry apprentice challenge by hosting New Zealand Certified Builders on-site. The winner of the regional competition gets to compete at the New Zealand Certified Builders ,National Carpentry Apprentice Challenge, held each year at the National Certified Builders Conference
