The new joinery programme is starting in July.

“There is a massive interest within local industry for qualified joiners and builders,” says EIT carpentry tutor Michael Chapman. “I have talked to at least 20 Hawke’s Bay businesses and they all told me that they are short of young trades people”, says Michael.

As a consequence of the high demand, EIT is launching a new Certificate in Construction Trades Skills Joinery (Level 3). Students can get a head start for a career in joinery and gain skills towards the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (L 4).

The NZ Certificate in Construction Trades Skills Joinery is a pre-employment programme which offers students practical studies and provides a pathway to an apprenticeship in the construction industry.

Students will gain hands-on skills by learning how to build kitchens, furniture, doors and windows, all while using different timbers and respective hand and power tools. Work experience with local industry will be an important part of the programme.

“The building sector job market is looking rosy nationwide, as the building industry as a whole is booming right around the country,” says Michael.

The new programme will be offered on Hawke’s Bay campus.