There are no entry requirements to work as a carpenter. However, most employers prefer to employ carpenters with a qualification.

Useful secondary school subjects for carpenters include English, maths, technical drawing, science, woodwork or workshop technology. It is preferred that carpentry apprentices have at least three years' education.

Pre-employment carpentry courses

People wanting to do a carpentry apprentice can complete a pre-employment course at a polytechnic. A carpentry pre-employment course provides aspiring apprentices with some basic practical knowledge of the trade and prepares them for an apprenticeship.

Carpentry apprenticeships

To become a qualified carpenter you need to complete a three to four-year apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Carpentry. Apprenticeships are done through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).

National Certificates can also be done through the New Zealand Army.

Carpentry apprenticeships for 16 to 21-year-olds are also offered through the Modern Apprenticeships scheme.

Experienced carpenters with no qualifications can sit BCITO's practical exams to gain a National Certificate in Carpentry.   

Carpenters gain skills on the job.

Apprentices train on the job under the guidance of a qualified carpenter.  

On 1 November 2007, the Department of Building and Housing introduced the first stage of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme for carpenters. From November 2010, certain carpentry work will need to be undertaken or supervised by a licensed carpenter. To get a licence, carpenters will have to prove their experience and/or have appropriate qualifications.

Useful experience for carpenters includes:

• draughting
• woodwork
• labouring on a construction site
• any other building trade.