New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Trade)

Designed for those already in the industry who can demonstrate their competence in joinery skills, this programme is your pathway to becoming a certified craftsman. 

Enabling you to learn while you earn, this programme combines block courses at UCOL with practical, on-the-job training at your workplace.

Over 3–4 years, you’ll master the art of joinery - operating and maintaining industry-standard machines, and specialising in one of four exciting strands: Cabinetry, Timber Doors and Windows, Timber Stairs, or Laminate Fabrication. You’ll also develop essential literacy and numeracy skills to thrive in the trade.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to work unsupervised in your chosen specialty, producing high-quality joinery that meets the standards of a true professional.

This programme runs for 40 weeks each year.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Industry Experience

Full-time employment in the carpentry industry.

Study Time

5hrs

Study in your own time.

This programme comprises 162-192 credits, depending on the strand(s) selected.

Note: The availability of a particular strand is subject to an appropriate number of learners enrolling in that strand.

COMPULSORY UNIT STANDARDS (112 Credits)

The compulsory Unit Standards for all strands consists of 112 credits in total and includes 215 practical learning hours. These include:

Unit Standard 28226 (Version 1) (Level 3) (8 Credits)

Work safely in the glass, joinery, or joinery-related industries.

Unit Standard 28205 (Version 1) (Level 4) (10 Credits)

Apply codes of practice and industry standards to the production of glass, joinery, or joinery-related items.

Unit Standard 19605 (Version 4) (Level 3) (5 Credits)

Provide customer service in the glass, joinery or joinery-related industries.

Unit Standard 28228 (Version 1) (Level 3) (5 Credits)

Work in a team to achieve designated tasks in the glass, joinery, or joinery-related industries.

Unit Standard 28207 (Version 1) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Remedy defects in joinery items.

Unit Standard 2557 (Version 7) (Level 3) (2 Credits)

Use adhesives and sealants in the joinery industry.

Unit Standard 2536 (Version 8) (Level 3) (5 Credits)

Manufacture glulam components.

Unit Standard 28206 (Version 1) (Level 3) (5 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of materials and methods used with glass, joinery, or joinery-related items.

Unit Standard 28227 (Version 1) (Level 3) (5 Credits)

Use tools and equipment with glass, joinery, or joinery-related items.

Unit Standard 14480 (Version 5) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Receive, handle, and store joinery materials.

Unit Standard 2544 (Version 7) (Level 2) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of ordering, receiving, handling, and storing joinery materials.

Unit Standard 2549 (Version 7) (Level 3) (4 Credits)

Measure and calculate materials in the glass, joinery, or joinery-related industries.

Unit Standard 28208 (Version 1) (Level 4) (10 Credits)

Interpret specifications and plans to create sketches for glass, joinery, or joinery-related items.

Unit Standard 2552 (Version 7) (Level 2) (6 Credits)

Set up and use fixed machinery in the joinery industry under supervision.

Unit Standard 8609 (Version 5) (Level 3) (2 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of compressed air systems used in a joinery workplace.

Unit Standard 28209 (Version 1) (Level 3) (6 Credits)

Set up, operate, and maintain sanding machines used to produce basic joinery items.

Unit Standard 28210 (Version 1) (Level 3) (6 Credits)
Set up, operate, and maintain planning machines used to produce basic joinery items.

Unit Standard 28211 (Version 1) (Level 3) (4 Credits)

Set up, operate, and maintain fixed and moveable saws used to produce basic joinery items.

Unit Standard 28212 (Version 1) (Level 4) (8 Credits)

Set up, operate, and maintain shaping machines to produce joinery items.

Unit Standard 2541 (Version 8) (Level 4) (4 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of a joinery operation and plan a workshop layout.

Unit Standard 2541 (Version 1) (Level 4) (6 Credits)

Calculate and order materials and select work methods to produce glass, joinery, or joinery-related items.

Cabinetry Strand (80 Credits)

To be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Level 4) with Strand in Cabinetry you need to complete a minimum of 192 credits. You should complete the below unit standards (80 credits) along with the compulsory unit standards (112 credits) detailed above.

Unit Standard 28214 (Version 1) (Level 4) (20 Credits)

Set up, operate, and maintain specialist machinery used for the production of joinery cabinetry items.

Unit Standard 28215 (Version 1) (Level 4) (30 Credits)

Manufacture and assemble joinery cabinetry items for use in residential and commercial buildings.

Unit Standard 28216 (Version 1) (Level 4) (30 Credits)

Manufacture special fitments to produce complex joinery items.

Timber Doors and Windows Strand (62 Credits)

To be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Level 4) with Strand in Timber Doors and Windows you need to complete a minimum of 174 credits. You should complete the below unit standards (62 credits) along with the compulsory unit standards (112 credits) detailed above.

Unit Standard 28217 (Version 1) (Level 4) (12 Credits)

Set up, operate, and maintain specialist machinery used for the production of timber doors and windows.

Unit Standard 28218 (Version 1) (Level 4) (40 Credits)

Manufacture doors and windows.

Unit Standard 28218 (Version 1) (Level 4) (10 Credits)

Install hardware on doors and windows.

Timber Stairs Strand (50 Credits)

To be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Level 4) with Strand in Timber Stairs is a minimum of 162 credits. You should complete the below unit standards (50 credits) along with the compulsory unit standards (112 credits) detailed above.

Unit Standard 28220 (Version 1) (Level 4) (25 Credits)

Manufacture timber stairs for use in residential and commercial buildings.

Unit Standard 28221 (Version 1) (Level 4) (25Credits)

Manufacture timber geometric stairs for residential and commercial buildings.

Laminate Fabrication Strand (50 Credits)

To be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Level 4) with Strand in Laminate Fabrication you need to earn a minimum of 162 credits. You should complete the below unit standards (50 credits) along with the compulsory unit standards (112 credits) detailed above.

Unit Standard 28222 (Version 1) (Level 4) (20 Credits)

Set up, operate, and maintain specialist machines used for the production of high-pressure laminate benchtops.

Unit Standard 28223 (Version 1) (Level 4) (30 Credits)

Manufacture high-pressure laminate benchtops for use in residential and commercial buildings.

Optional Strands

Cabinetry Installation Optional Strand (10 Credits)

Unit Standard 28224 (Version 1) (Level 4) (10 Credits)

Install joinery cabinetry in residential and commercial buildings.

Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Machinery Optional Strand (2 Credits)

Unit Standard 21811 (Version 3) (Level 3) (3Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of CNC machines to produce glass, joinery or joinery-related items.

Unit Standard 28225 (Version 1) (Level 4) (10 Credits)

Set and operate computer numerical control (CNC) machinery used to produce joinery items.

The Regional Trades and Technology Centre is a state-of-the-art ten million dollar facility, with the latest industry fit equipment and teaching technology, complete with an indoor space large enough to build a 3 bedroom house

This programme is designed for trainees/apprentices employed in the joinery industry.

The entry requirements for domestic student applicants are:

NCEA Level 2

OR

National Certificate in Employment Skills

OR

Are able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills

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.

Those who enter the industry will be able to work unsupervised as a joiner in specialist or generalist joinery companies working with timber.

Successful graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Trade) (Level 4) can further enhance their knowledge by studying New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trades Supervision (Level 5).

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

UCOL staff and learners are well connected to our stakeholders. We will prepare you for the workplace and help manage your apprenticeship.

The availability of a particular strand is subject to an appropriate number of learners enrolling in that strand.

Work experience

This programme is designed for students in an apprenticeship/in-work and is not a taught programme. Students need to be in full-time employment to be assessed against practical unit standards.

Equipment

Learners are expected to provide their own tools and must also supply their own covered shoes for the workshop. Steel caps are not necessary.

Learners must supply their own calculator (scientific type) and drawing equipment: set squares (45 and 60 degree), pencils (H and 2H), soft eraser, 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 New Zealand Certificate in Joinery:

• Steel capped boots as per worksite requirements $100-$150

• Scientific calculator $30

• Drawing equipment - set squares (45 and 60 degree), pencils (H and 2H), soft eraser, compass, and scale rule (1:5, 1:10, 1:20, etc). $30

Learners are responsible for finding and funding their own accommodation and travel to attend block courses.