Find out more by reading our report
We’re creating a more flexible, transparent, and supportive Building Qualification Pathway, focused on ensuring it remains relevant, accessible, and aligns with the needs of learners, employers, and the future of the construction workforce.
Industry, providers and learners told us that while they value the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry highly, it doesn’t work for everyone. You also told us that you needed a clear, flexible and future-ready training pathway from pre-employment, into apprenticeships, and beyond.
In March 2025 we produced a report to outline insights and proposed solutions developed in response to industry feedback. It provides:
Enhancing Carpentry Skills: New Standards for Industry – Waihanga Ara Rau
Develop a micro-credential(s) and supporting guidance information for onsite environmental sustainability across construction environments.
Alongside the review of NZC Carpentry (Level 4) and NZC Construction Trades Skills (Level 3), consult with industry and develop micro-credentials for areas of technical trade skills identified for:
As the suite of concrete qualifications and skill standards are developed, consult with industry and develop required micro-credentials for:
Targeted consultation to explore opportunities to support tradespeople to further develop skills that support them to be effective trade professionals (e.g. personal and professional development, interpersonal skills).
Use existing core construction and carpentry skill standards to develop micro-credential(s) for new starters.
Targeted consultation to confirm support and demand for the development new credentials for the following areas:
Provide transition information between micro-credentials, current building qualifications and the new skill standards in the Carpentry Programme Guidance.
We’re currently seeking feedback from across the sector – including employers, providers, and learners, to help shape the future of construction training. Your feedback will help shape a qualification pathway that truly supports learners and employers. Give your feedback now on each of the current sub-projects by completing a short survey, or get in touch by email.
