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Learn about this trade and gain an apprenticeship in carpentry through this three year managed apprenticeship. You’ll study this programme alongside your on-job training and will complete an NZQA level 4 qualification.
Basic carpentry skills
One of the most basic Auckland carpentry skills is using a hammer. It’s important to know how to use a hammer correctly, especially when it comes to rough framing carpentry. You don’t want to hit the timber too hard, which can cause it to split or crack. Instead, it’s best to go slow and steady until you get the hang of it.
Carpenters should also be able to read and interpret blueprints, which will help them understand the dimensions and requirements for a project. They also need to have good problem-solving skills, as they might be tasked with coming up with solutions for issues that arise on a site.
Working as a carpenter also involves working alongside other tradespeople and professionals, so it’s important to be able to communicate effectively. This includes speaking clearly, listening carefully, and responding to any questions or concerns quickly. It’s also a good idea to wear personal protective equipment when working on sites.
Basic carpentry knowledge
If you’re interested in carpentry, but don’t know where to start, it’s a good idea to watch some online tutorials. These can be really helpful for visualising projects and learning techniques. You can also ask for help from a friend or family member who is a licenced carpenter.
You can also enroll in a shop class at your local high school. These introductory courses can teach you the basics of carpentry, including safety procedures and how to use tools. They can also help you decide if this is the career path you want to take.
Another option is to complete a Carpentry apprenticeship. This usually takes three years to complete and includes both practical and theoretical training. The qualifications you need to start a career as a carpenter include a high school diploma, and you’ll also need to have a construction induction card (White Card). You can study this course at Unitec through an apprenticeship agreement with your employer and on-site supervision.
Advanced carpentry skills
The program offers students a comprehensive preparation for the construction industry. It is delivered through lectures, demonstrations, shop exercises and campus work projects. Students will complete tasks to industry standards, increasing in complexity.
The programme enables learners to confidently enter the workforce as a hammer hand or trainee builder/carpenter. It can also be taken as part of an Ara Managed Apprenticeship and leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry Level 4.
The term ‘carpenter’ is often confused with ‘joiner’, but they have very different skills. Joiners specialise in crafting and assembling wooden components, while carpenters are more involved with on-site construction work. Typically, carpenters will work with other specialist subcontractors and have a broader understanding of the entire building process. This is important when it comes to managing time and costs. They will also have the ability to track their work through a gps time clock app. This will ensure they can accurately account for their hours and improve productivity.
Advanced carpentry knowledge
With a high demand for carpenters in New Zealand and across the world, this is a great time to start or upgrade your skills. Carpenters are builders who install or repair foundations, walls, roofs, windows and doors in residential and commercial buildings. They may also construct framed timber buildings and cladding. The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) Te Pukenga manages carpentry apprenticeships.
An advanced site carpenter is required to work with a wide range of materials and to understand the wider implications of their role in the construction industry. This includes knowledge of the consent process, licensing requirements and health and safety in the workplace.
In a workshop environment, an advanced architectural joiner produces complex and often bespoke building components such as shaped linings, flights of stairs with turns, complex wall and floor units, and erecting specialised structural carpentry including inclined roof structures. They have a thorough understanding of the use and care of power tools and hand tools and the ability to read and interpret plans, drawings and specifications.