Construction & Built Environment
Love working with your hands? Ready to build a future you can be proud of? Gain the trade skills required to help enhance Aotearoa New Zealand’s communities!
With over 100 years of tradition in producing skilled trades professionals, UCOL is the perfect place to start your journey.
Train in our state-of-the-art, million-dollar trades facility - an expansive 5,315m² space packed with industry-approved equipment and specialised workshops for construction, carpentry, furniture, and joinery. You’ll work on real-world projects and take part in industry placements and apprenticeships.
Whether you’re aiming for building and construction courses, carpentry and joinery, or a diploma in architecture, your future starts here!
Explore our programmes below and talk to us today.
Carpentry & Joinery
Our Carpentry & Joinery programmes are practical and engaging so you can study what you love and turn it into a career. You'll learn from industry-experienced lecturers at UCOL's Regional Trades Centre - a state-of-the-art ten million dollar facility, with the latest industry-fit equipment and teaching technology.
New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Trade)
3 - 4 years full-time (40 weeks each year)
Cabinetry & Craftperson Strands:
S1: Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4: 02 Feb 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
S2: Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4: 20 Jul 2026 - 07 May 2027
Cab/Ex Doors/Windows Strands:
Y1: 02 Feb 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
Already working as a skilled joiner and want to take your skills to the next level? Craft your future by gaining a nationally recognised qualification!
New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills
13 weeks full-time
Palmerston North
12 Oct 2026 - 18 Dec 2026
Whanganui
12 Oct 2026 - 18 Dec 2026
Masterton
13 Oct 2026 - 18 Dec 2026
Keen to build a career in construction? Your pathway to working in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest industries starts here!
New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry)
1 year full-time (42 weeks)
Part-time option available
Palmerston North
16 Feb 2026 - 04 Dec 2026 (intake full)
03 Aug 2026 - 21 May 2027
Whanganui
16 Feb 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
03 Aug 2026 - 21 May 2027
Masterton
23 Feb 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
Taumarunui
16 Feb 2026 – 04 Dec 2026
Kapiti (school’s intake only)
16 Feb 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
For 2026 intakes, call 0800 468 265
Dreaming of a future in construction? Build your career from the ground up!
New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Trade)
4 years part-time (40 weeks each year)
Y1, Y2, Y3 & Y4:
16 Feb 2026 - 04 Dec 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 21 May 2027
Already working in construction and ready to take your skills to the next level? Build your future and become a qualified carpenter!
New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Joinery)
32 weeks including term breaks – 3 days per week
Enjoy working with your hands? Craft your career with joinery!
U-Skills Academy Construction
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Level 2, 26 Credits
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Tuesdays
Whanganui - Fridays
Level 2, 25 Credits
Delivery day:
Ōtaki - Wednesdays
Level 3, 22 Credits
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Mondays
Whanganui - Fridays
Masterton - Thursdays
Ōtaki - Fridays
Discover if carpentry is the right career path for you while still in secondary school!
Construction & Architecture
Our Construction & Architecture programmes provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to manage projects, design and produce working drawings, and to work as a Quantity Surveyor.
New Zealand Diploma in Construction
2 years full-time (42 weeks each year)
Part-time option available
If you’re ready to take charge of building projects, this diploma is your blueprint for success!
New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology
2 years full-time (42 weeks each year)
Part-time option available
Passionate about architecture and want to shape the spaces where people live, work, and play? Learn the skills to launch a career in the booming construction and design industry.
U-Skills Academy Applied Construction Design
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery day: Friday
Are you interested in buildings and architectures? Discover if construction design is your calling!
U-Skills STAR Construction Skills
1 day per week for 6 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Interested in building? Discover if carpentry is right for you while still in secondary school.
Infrastructure Works
Our Infrastructure programme teaches you the skills and knowledge to work safely and responsibly with others on infrastructure works sites, and perform basic infrastructure works activities.
U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works Level 2
Palmerston North
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Otaki
23 Feb 2026 - 07 Jul 2026
Wairarapa
16 Feb 2026 - 03 Jul 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Mondays and Tuesdays
Otaki - Mondays and Tuesdays
Wairarapa - Mondays and Tuesdays
Discover if a career in wastewater, stormwater, electricity or road networks is right for you, while still in secondary school.
U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Level 3
05 Mar 2026 - 06 Nov 2026
Delivery days:
Thursdays and Fridays
Kickstart your career in wastewater, stormwater, electricity or road networks with a comprehensive pre-employment qualification for the Infrastructure Works industry!
Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying
New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North
22 weeks full-time
Part-time option available
02 Feb 2026 - 03 Jul 2026 (intake full - please contact us to go on waitlist)
Ready to lay the foundations for a career in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s essential trades? Learn the skills to work in the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industry.
U-Skills Academy Introduction to Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North
1 Day per week, for 33 weeks
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Ending: Week of 25 Sep 2026
Delivery day: Thursday
Are you looking for an industry with great job opportunities? The UCOL Academy Introduction to Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying programme will provide you with the foundation skills you’ll need to get started in this busy industry.
U-Skills STAR Plumbing
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North
5 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Take the first step to building a rewarding career as a plumber, where you ensure the hidden hero of the home is running smoothly and efficiently!