New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 40 credits. The courses include:

Introduction to Building and Construction (18 Credits)
Students will learn the basics of the building industry, including health and safety requirements. After completing this building and construction course, you will be able to;

• Identify, describe, select, use and maintain portable power tools for BCATS projects.
• Describe health and safety legislation and procedures and apply safe working practices in a BCATS environment.
• Receive instructions, and communicate information related to BCATS projects.
• Describe the roles of different trades involved in the construction industry.

Introduction to Construction Planning (14 Credits)
Students will learn construction planning, mathematical processes, timber and other construction materials. After completing this construction planning course, you will be able to:

• Apply mathematical processes to BCATS projects.
• Create sketches and drawings for BCATS projects.
  
• Describe types, parts and structure of timber.
  
• Describe conversion, treatment, handling and storage of timber and other construction material.

Construction Project (8 Credits)
Students will learn to undertake and complete a construction project. After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and prepare components, quantities and materials required from BCATS project documentation.
• Mark, set out and construct components in accordance with BCATS project documentation.
• Assemble and finish BCATS project in accordance to working drawings and job specifications.
• Complete works operation in accordance with workplace practices.
  

New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trades Skills (Level 1)
OR
equivalent skills and knowledge
OR
on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.0 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

It is recommended that students under the age of 20 have met the literacy and numeracy requirements of NCEA Level 1 or equivalent. 

Students need to be aware of the physical demands required for this career pathway and must supply their own equipment as specified in the Student Handbook.

To optimise chances of student success, 100% attendance is strongly recommended.

Attendance
To optimise chances of student success, 100% attendance is strongly recommended.  

Equipment
Students must provide the following resources at the beginning of the programme: 

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 student 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 relevant policies and procedures.

Assessment and recognition of current competency may be conducted by an assessor appointed by the BCITO, or an accredited provider.

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).