Program Overview

Certificate in Construction Trade Skills – Joinery

Overview

Develop the essential joinery skills required for employment or an apprenticeship. Joiners design, craft and install a wide range of timber products for residential and commercial buildings, including doors, windows, stairs, built-in cabinetry and furniture. Working on-site or in a workshop, joiners use specialised machinery and hand tools to create high-quality finished pieces.

What will I study

On this highly practical programme you’ll learn basic joinery skills such as using tools and fixed machinery, selection and properties of materials including timbers, fixings, adhesives and sealants, and how to produce internal architecture and fixed objects within buildings. You’ll also gain an understanding of the theory, calculations and documentation skills needed in this industry.

Pathway

Upon completion of this programme, you’ll be ready for an apprenticeship. Over time, you’ll enhance your joinery skills and gain practical experience, leading to opportunities like becoming a supervisor or foreperson, or starting your own joinery business.

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $4,500 - $6,500 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• The programme has open entry.
• English Language requirements apply.

English Requirements

• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• Overall IELTS 5.0 Academic
  • 5.0 Listening
  • 5.0 Reading
  • 5.0 Writing
  • 5.0 Speaking

Selection Criteria

• Applications will be processed in the order that they are received.
• In the event that there are more Applications than spaces available on the programme, a waitlist will be maintained.

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for.
• These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study.
• We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Workplace Safety Fundamentals (CARP3001, 15 credits)
• Core Construction and Communication Skills (CARP3002, 15 credits)
• Timber and Board (CARP3201, 15 credits)
• Machining and Assembly (CARP3202, 15 credits)
• Interior and Exterior Joinery (CARP3203, 30 credits)

Career opportunities

• This pre-trade qualification will enable you to carry out supervised work in the industry and help you on the path toward full trade qualification.
• On completion of this programme, you can seek work within an established joinery business with a view to gaining an apprenticeship.
• Over time and with experience, you can progress to supervisory roles or project management, or you could run your own joinery business.
• Specific roles for joiners include:
  • Workshop joiner - creating cabinets, doors, window frames and stairs in a workshop environment
  • Site joiner – installing pre-made joinery items such as kitchens and bathrooms on construction sites
  • Custom joiner – designs and builds bespoke joinery for clients
  • Manager/supervisor - oversees teams of joiners, manages projects, ensures quality control
  • Joiner consultant – advises clients on joinery options and designs
  • Business owner – runs their own joinery business, managing all aspects from quotation to installation

Study pathways

• Following successful completion of this programme you can pathway into the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery Level 4.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Technology
• Maths
• Woodwork
• Design

New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills Joinery Strand

• FULL-TIME - 30 Weeks
• Develop the essential joinery skills required for employment or an apprenticeship
• Information
  • Type: Certificate
  • Code: NZ2834
  • Credits: 90
  • Level: 3
  • May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
  • May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
  • Reference: NZ2834-JOIN

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.