Certificate in Carpentry

By MARK STORY

THE COURSE

The NZQA-recognised certificate in carpentry (level three) offers entry into a career in building and construction.

Aimed at both mature students and school-leavers, this one-year pre-trade fulltime course gives students the skills needed for a wide variety of carpentry-related jobs. Fully equipped workshops and staff with industry experience enable students to complete qualifications at many levels, says senior lecturer Kerry Brown.

Students who complete the 120 credits needed for the certificate in carpentry can progress to the (60 credits) one-semester (18-week) MIT certificate in carpentry (level four).

Subjects taught during the 36-week certificate in carpentry (level three) programme include: identifying and selecting materials from drawings; setting out foundations; fabricating and fixing reinforced steel; supervising the placement of foundations; pre-cutting and nailing sub-floors, walls and roof structures; erecting timber, steel and concrete structures; fixing internal floors, walls, and ceiling linings; fixing external cladding; and internal and external finishing.

Students enrolling for the certificate must have completed three years of secondary education or fill one of the following criteria: be employed in the industry; have a work history confirmed by references; or have company sponsorship that may lead to employment once they've finished the course.

Applicants must also be fluent in spoken and written English language and be physically able to complete the practical aspects of the programme.

Classes are held three days a week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday or Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 4.30pm. Students are encouraged to work while they're studying and MIT can help to find work.

Opportunities available to graduates, says Brown, range from employment within the building industry as a carpenter, specialist craftsperson, building supervisor, or project manager, through to self-employed builder or property developer.

While there are no formal examinations, students are assessed in the practical and theoretical aspects of the course. They can also choose to sit exams for theory components of the National Certificate in Carpentry.

The programme, which costs around $4467, has two intakes each year of up to 32 places. Students can apply for next year's February and July level three intakes right up until the course begins.


WHAT PAST STUDENTS THINK

Antony Rongo

Apprentice builder, 35

Construction Management Group, Auckland

Graduated 2002

"I needed a change from my previous job, so I decided to get myself a trade.

"I chose to do building and enrolled at MIT, where I completed the carpentry programme. This gave me the practical skills and knowledge to start as an apprentice builder.

"I enjoy what I do and I am glad I made the change. It takes years to become an experienced builder, but the broad working knowledge I got from this course enabled me to get into the industry.

"Combining theory with the practical skills, it not only equipped me with basic skills, but gave me a good grounding in basic building industry requirements, like health and safety.

"The structure meant I could complete the programme fulltime while working at a building site two days a week. I'm now completing the national certificate programme."


WHAT EMPLOYERS THINK

Dave Redmond

Contract supervisor

Construction Management Group, Auckland

"I had no hesitation in hiring Antony. The course gave him the necessary skills to fit well into our team. What makes Antony stand out as an excellent worker is his positive attitude.

"As an adult apprentice, he brings an extra level of maturity and initiative to his work. He's keen to apply himself to any job and is always asking questions. Last week he was concreting, this week it's all framing work."

Certificate in carpentry

Manukau Institute of Technology - School of Construction

Phone: (0800) 62 62 52

Email: info@manukau.ac.nz