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New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Joinery)

Level 3

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Looking to carve out a career as a joiner? Study UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Joinery).

A photograph of a modern kitchen featuring excellent joinery work
Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

Duration: 32 weeks including term breaks – 3 days per week

Dates:
16 Feb 2026 – 25 Sep 2026

Domestic Fees: *
TBC

Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
TBC

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for 30 weeks of study.

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Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students
Download the Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students.

Joiners cut, fit and construct objects out of wood. The job is creative, and ranges from small projects like creating doors and door frames, to collaborating with other tradespeople to make state-of-the art kitchens, bathrooms and staircases.

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This programme runs for 32 weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:
Class Time

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings, workshop practicals and builds, and timetable set by your lecturer.
    
Study Time

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time or possibly by paper. Talk to us about your options with this programme.


Successful graduates will be able to:

  • Understand and apply specific joinery terminology when carrying out joinery work in a project environment
  • Apply knowledge of the types of timbers, panel products, fixings and hardware to joinery projects
  • Follow the sequence of machining, construction for assembling and installing joinery items while carrying out joinery projects 
  • Carry out assigned joinery work in a project environment.
To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries, see Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Occupation Outlook for Carpenters & Joiners.

This programme consists of 90 credits.

Workplace Safety Fundamentals (15 Credits)
Learn about the broad legislative frameworks that regulates the construction industry; and requirements for workplace safety in the construction industry. Students are exposed to construction environments where they are able to apply their knowledge of safe working practices, the legislative framework and develop effective communication skills.

Core Construction and Communication Skills (15 Credits)
Learn how to interpret and use construction specifications and drawings. Develop calculation skills that underpin construction practices in the industry.

Timber and Board (10 Credits)
Apply your knowledge to various timber and board materials used in the joinery industry.

Machining and Assembly (15 Credits)
Identify and apply a range of construction processes and installation processes and techniques when carrying out joinery tasks.

Interior and Exterior Joinery (30 Credits)
Apply your knowledge in machining and assembly of interior and exterior joinery items.

UCOL staff are well connected to our stakeholders. We will prepare you for the workplace and help manage your apprenticeship.

The Regional Trades and Technology Centre in our Palmerston North campus is a state-of-the-art ten million dollar facility, with the latest industry fit equipment and teaching technology, complete with an indoor space large enough to build a 3-bedroom house.

NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English Proficiency Entry Requirements
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL).  IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL iBT testing centre.

Applicants under 20 years of age: 
For international applicants under 20 years of age who do not hold NCEA, International Academic Qualifications Entry Criteria apply.

UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Joinery) comprises 90 credits.

To successfully complete this programme, you need to be aware of the physical demands required for this career pathway.

Work experience
There is no work experience component as part of this programme.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

  • National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
  • Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
  • Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
  • Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email.


Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:
  • Certificate in Carpentry

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills:

  • Steel cap boots $100

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and Universal College of Learning (UCOL) Trading as Universal College of Learning (UCOL) is accredited to teach it.

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