Construction & Built Environment - LEVEL 2 & 3

U-Skills Academy Construction

Discover if carpentry is the right career path for you while still in secondary school!


Quick Facts

Locations
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton, Ōtaki
Dates

Starting: Week of 08 Feb 2027

Finishing: Week ending 24 Sep 2027

Level 2, 24 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Tuesdays

Whanganui - Fridays

Level 2, 21 Credits

Delivery day:

Ōtaki - Wednesdays

Level 3, 23 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Mondays

Whanganui - Fridays

Masterton - Thursdays

Ōtaki - Fridays


View Timetable
Domestic Fees

Fees-free

Application Forms

Overview

Discover the range of job opportunities the building and construction industries offer!

This programme enables you to work towards NCEA Level 2 or 3 whilst experiencing some of what the trade has to offer.

You will gain knowledge and practical skills in a range of areas, including:

  • Health and safety

  • Carpentry

  • Joinery

  • Power tools

  • Lay pavers

  • Concrete

  • Interior systems

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for this programme, talk to your Careers Advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school. Once you've talked to everyone required, you can use the form at the top of the page to apply.

Course Hours

Delivered from 9am - 3pm in each location.


Level 2, 24 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Tuesdays

Whanganui - Fridays

Level 2, 21 Credits

Delivery day:

Ōtaki - Wednesdays

Level 3, 23 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Mondays

Whanganui - Fridays

Masterton - Thursdays

Ōtaki - Fridays

Course Information

The UCOL Academy Construction Programme (Level 2) in Otaki comprises 21 Credits.

(Wednesdays)

Skill Standard 40561 (Level 2) (Version 1) (4 Credits)

Complete concrete work as a BCATS project

Skill Standard 40563 (Level 2) (Version 1) (6 Credits)

Construct a utility building as a BCATS project

Skill Standard 40564 (Level 2) (Version 1) (4 Credits)

Lay pavers as a BCATS project

Skill Standard 40557 (Level 2) (Version 1) (4 Credits)

Interpret and use trade information to progress a BCATS project

Skill Standard 40555 (Level 2) (Version 1) (3 Credits)

Measure and calculate to solve problems for a BCATS project

The UCOL Academy Construction Programme (Level 2) in Manawatū and Whanganui comprises 24 Credits.

Manawatū (Tuesday), Whanganui (Friday)

Skill Standard 40542 (Level 2) (Version 1) (5 Credits)

Use hand tools for a BCATS project or related task

Skill Standard 40553 (Level 2) (Version 1) (5 Credits)

Use power tools for a BCATS project

Skill Standard 40551 (Level 2) (Version 1) (4 Credits)

Apply controls to maintain a safe BCATS environment

Skill Standard 40566 (Level 2) (Version 1) (6 Credits)

Construct a cupboard with a drawer as a BCATS project

Skill Standard 40564 (Level 2) (Version 1) (4 Credits)

Lay pavers as a BCATS project

The UCOL Academy Construction Programme (Level 3) comprises 23 Credits.

Otaki (Friday) Manawatū (Monday) Wairarapa (Friday) Whanganui (Friday)

Skill Standard 40569 (Level 3) (Version 1) (5 Credits)

Contribute to a healthy and safe BCATS environment

Skill Standard 40573 (Level 3) (Version 1) (5 Credits)

Respond to the BCATS environment to work with others

Skill Standard 40572 (Level 3) (Version 1) (5 Credits)

Apply mathematical processes to a BCATS project

Skill Standard 40576 (Level 3) (Version 1) (8 Credits)

Create and evaluate a BCATS project

Learning Facilities

UCOL's dedicated trades facility.

Domestic Entry Requirements

For year 11 - 13 secondary school learners (NZ Citizens, permanent residents or learners with an applicable visa allowing them to be enrolled in a secondary school).

Applications are to be received from participating schools.

Recommended school subjects include:

  • Maths

  • English

  • Technology

  • Computing

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the U-Skills Academy Construction programme is the first step in a journey. Equipped with new skills and a taste for the industry, you will know what you need to do to pursue a career in carpentry, demolition, excavation, concreting, architectural design, quantity surveying, joinery, flooring, scaffolding, tiling or glazing.

If this is for you, you can undertake further tertiary studies in:

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Carpenters and Joiners and Construction workers, visit tahatu.govt.nz

Advice And Guidance

This short course is part of a suite of Academy programmes offered by UCOL to secondary learners seeking to explore their career options while still in school. Gain practical experience and NCEA Credits.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for the U-Skills Academy Construction programme, talk to your Careers Advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school.

Cost

Fees-free when criteria are met.

Transport

Transport assistance is available if you meet the criteria.

Attendance expectations

Learners must maintain appropriate attendance at both secondary school and Academy to remain enrolled in the Academy Programme.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs associated with this programme. Simply, bring a pen, paper and your lunch each week.