Carpenter
On this page
- What's it like to be a Carpenter?
- How to become a Carpenter
- Latest Carpenter jobs
- Top skills and experience for Carpenters
- Is Carpenter the right role for you?
- Carpenter role reviews
What's it like to be a Carpenter?
A Carpenter (Kaihanga Whare) works mainly with wood in construction or cabinetmaking. They commonly use power tools to construct timber framing, foundations, walls and fixtures in the building industry. They may also carry out other general trades tasks. The work can be indoors or outdoors, and ranges from installing kitchen cabinets to erecting framing for multi-story buildings. Some Carpenters specialise in cabinet making, finishing, or shop fitting.
Tasks and duties
- Studying building plans and drawings to work out the materials required and how best to install features.
- Preparing, treating, cutting and shaping timber elements to be used for structures or fittings.
- Erecting building framework, roofs and floors, fitting exteriors, doors and window frames.
How to become a Carpenter
There are no specific educational or study requirements to become a Carpenter, but it is common to complete an apprenticeship.
Consider studying for a one-year pre-trade New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills Carpentry (Level 3).
Secure a carpentry apprenticeship in the industry, or apply for an entry level role in building or cabinetmaking and gain skills on the job. Apprentices and other junior Carpenters are usually expected to own a car, hold a current driver’s licence, and buy their own tools.
If you complete an apprenticeship, you will study part time over four years towards a New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4). Experienced Carpenters with no formal qualifications can have their skills assessed by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) to obtain a New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4).
Apply to become a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), which is required to carry out licensed building work in New Zealand.
