Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Gain the skills needed to enter work as a labourer or an apprentice.
If you’re new to the trades, then this course is for you. You’ll learn a wide range of introductory skills including carpentry, painting, gib stopping, plumbing, and other construction trades. You’ll learn how to safely use and maintain tools, perform necessary calculations, and how to choose materials to complete projects.
What you will learn
Students will be able to:
- Apply generic construction industry terminology and display job role and inter-relationship knowledge while carrying out allied trades tasks
- Identify and correctly use hand tools and materials to complete familiar tasks in the allied trades
- Carry out assigned project work for allied trades.
- Work safely and in accordance with compliance and regulatory requirements in the construction trades sector.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers within the construction industry.
- Read and use specifications and drawings to complete introductory construction projects.
- Perform introductory applied calculations to complete a range of familiar tasks in the construction sector.
Employment Pathway
After completing this programme, you can go into work as a labourer or take on an apprenticeship in a construction trade with a wide range of practical, transferable skills that will help you get a foot in the door.
With additional training and/or experience you may go on to further roles in the construction industry such as carpenter, joiner, plasterer, painter or roofer.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
This intake has a focus on painting.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
