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!
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.
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.
New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) (Carpentry) - TTAF funded
- Dunedin and Central Otago
- One year
- Level 3
- Starts Feb, March and July 2021 (in Dunedin) | July 2020; Feb 2021 (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.
He Toki Carpentry and Infrastructure Trades Training Scholarship
- Dunedin and Central
- 1 year
- Level 3
- Starts Central - August 2020; Dunedin - 8 March 2021
- 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 Carpentry (Level 4) - TTAF funded
- 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).
New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
now offered in Cromwell
We are now delivering our ITAB Carpentry block courses at our Central Campus – this means first- and second-year managed apprentices can complete their training in Central!
Contact Matt Thompson
ITABS Coordinator
03 470 4382
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 holds a regional carpentry apprentice challenge. The winner of the regional competition gets to compete at the New Zealand Carpentry Apprentice Challenge, held each year at the national Certified Builders Conference
