Course Overview
If you enjoy working with wood, here’s your chance to jump-start your career in wood manufacturing.
Delivered through our Waipā Campus, we're the only dedicated training facility in the country to operate a working sawmill and wood manufacturing plant. Training and classes take place onsite, as part of our busy operation.
Job opportunities are strong within this industry with many sawmills in high need of qualified workers.
Learn with expert tutors who will give you real life experience and can help you look at gaining an apprenticeship.
In this 22 week course, you'll first look at environmental issues, safety and product quality before getting into Timber Machining.
When you have completed the course, you’ll be able to put your skills and knowledge to work as an operator in a solid wood manufacturing organisation and continue your apprenticeship. Find a job locally or overseas.
Skills needed: attention to detail, affinity with technology and the wood industry.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing (Level 3) (Timber Machining Strand)
Locations | Rotorua |
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Next intake | Jul 2022 View more details |
Study options |
22 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
Total credits | 79 |
StudyLink assistance | Available |
Indicative Fees | No tuition fees (TTAF funded) until 31 Dec 22 for domestic students View full fees information |
Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
Solid wood manufacturing operator with limited supervision within the solid wood manufacturing industry, including roles in timber machining
Topics you'll cover
Compulsory
- Environmental Issues, Safety and Product Quality
Timber Machining strand
You'll learn how to safely set up and operate timber machining equipment.
- Timber Machining and Planning System
- Dressing Timber on Four Sides
- Set and Joint Straight Cutters
Course Fees
Indicative Fees * | No tuition fees (TTAF funded) until 31 Dec 22 for domestic students |
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Course related costs |
Approx. $265 in course related costs |
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

This course qualifies for free tuition fees under TTAF. (Course materials and equipment not included). There's no need to do anything extra - simply apply for the course and we'll take it from there.
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you’re studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
You must be:
- 16 years old at the time the course starts,
- able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level,
- physically able to complete the course
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
For courses at levels 1-3, domestic and international students will be required to:
Provide evidence of ability to complete academic requirements.
English language requirements
Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
Location | Campus | Start Date | |
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Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 26 Jul 2022 |
Study options
- 22 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
Important dates
Further Study Options
Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions
- New Zealand Certificate in Timber Machining (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Wood Manufacturing (Advanced Processing) (Level 5)