New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills

Giving you a flexible, practical foundation, this programme is designed to provide you with a progressive pathway into a wide range of building, construction, and allied trades occupations.

You’ll develop the basic skills and knowledge in numerous aspects of the construction trade, from health and safety practices to using hand and power tools, and you’ll get to tackle practical projects.

You’ll graduate ready to take on further training or entry-level roles in the booming construction sector.

This programme runs 4 days per week for 13 weeks, including 3 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

19 hrs

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

Study Time

19 hrs

Study in your own time.

This programme comprises 40 credits.

Introduction to Building and Construction (18 Credits)

Ākonga will learn the basics of the building industry, including health and safety requirements. After completing this building and construction course, you will be able to;

• Identify, describe, select, use and maintain portable power tools for BCATS projects.

• Describe health and safety legislation and procedures and apply safe working practices in a BCATS environment.

• Receive instructions, and communicate information related to BCATS projects.

• Describe the roles of different trades involved in the construction industry.

Introduction to Construction Planning (14 Credits)

Ākonga will learn construction planning, mathematical processes, timber and other construction materials. After completing this construction planning course, you will be able to:

• Apply mathematical processes to BCATS projects.

• Create sketches and drawings for BCATS projects.

• Describe types, parts and structure of timber.

• Describe conversion, treatment, handling and storage of timber and other construction material.

Construction Project (8 Credits)

Ākonga will learn to undertake and complete a construction project. After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and prepare components, quantities and materials required from BCATS project documentation.

• Mark, set out and construct components in accordance with BCATS project documentation.

• Assemble and finish BCATS project in accordance to working drawings and job specifications.

• Complete works operation in accordance with workplace practices.
  

Our approach to learning a trade is practical learning delivered in modern equipped workshops by industry-proven lecturers to give you the solid foundation you need to build a great career on.

New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trades Skills (Level 1)

OR

equivalent skills and knowledge

OR

on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

This programme of study is not open to international learners.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Successful graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Building Construction and Trade Skills (Level 2) can progress further by taking the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Related Trade Skills (Level 3).

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Carpenters and Joiners, Construction Workers, Quantity Surveyors, and Painters and Floor Finishers, visit tahatu.govt.nz

• Registered Master Builders Association of NZ Inc.

• New Zealand Certified Builders

It is recommended that learners under the age of 20 have met the literacy and numeracy requirements of NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.

Learners need to be aware of the physical demands required for this career pathway and must supply their own equipment as specified in the Learner Handbook.

To optimise chances of student success, 100% attendance is strongly recommended.

Attendance

To optimise chances of learner success, 100% attendance is strongly recommended.

Equipment

Ākonga must provide the following resources at the beginning of the programme:

• Steel cap boots

• Calculator - scientific type

• Drawing Equipment - set squares (45 and 60 degrees), pencils (H & 2H), soft rubber, compass, and scale rule (1:5, 1:10, 1:20 etc.)

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 learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

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 (not via the online application form).

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the National Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills:

• Steel cap boots $100

• Scientific calculator $30

Approximately $150.00

• Faber Castel graphite sketch pencils

• Pilot Hi Tech Rectractable Roller Pen

• Pilot Hi Tech Rectractable roller pen fine black

• Staedler Academy scale ruler 300mm

• Staedler Mechanical Pencil 0.9mm

• A3 Sketch Pad, compass set, protractor, usb memory stick 4gb

• Office eraser max large, french curves, triangles 200mm

• Pencil sharpener, lecture pad a4 7mm ruled 200 leaf