Architectural Aluminium Joinery
Aluminium doors and windows help to frame great views. They need to be professionally designed, constructed and installed to ensure they're functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Job Prospects
Very good
Total Fees
The first year start-up fee for Machining & Fabrication, Installer, Joiner and Estimator is $1,071, and each year after that there is an additional annual fee of $875. Optional strand $257 extra each.
Time to qualify
2–3 years
Career opportunities
Aluminium Joinery Fabricator and Machinist, Assembler, Installer, Estimator, supervisor, project manager, contract manager, contract supervisor, designer, aluminium architect, business owner
Qualifications
What architectural aluminium joiners do
Architectural aluminium joinery involves the machining and fabrication of aluminium products into joinery items.
Aluminium doors and windows are widely used in New Zealand residential and commercial buildings. The industry needs qualified professionals to manufacture and install aluminium joinery to meet building code requirements. Careers in aluminium joinery range from machining, fabrication and assembly of joinery items through to the estimation, quotation and installation of the finished product.
Assembly
Assembly involves using technology and specialist factory machinery to measure, cut and assemble both standard and more complex non-standard aluminium joinery products. Professionals need to interpret plans and specifications correctly.
Joinery installation
Professional aluminium joinery installers require an understanding of adhesives, sealants and proper installation techniques. They ensure joinery is installed and fitted to a high standard – and is watertight.
Aluminium joinery estimation and quotation
Aluminium joinery estimators prepare quotes from plans using aluminium joinery software packages. They work closely with designers, architects, builders and installers.
Watch this and see what it's like working in Architectural Aluminium Joinery.
BCITO architectural aluminium joinery qualifications
BCITO manages apprenticeships for aspiring architectural aluminium joiners. In your apprenticeship you will be working towards one of the following qualifications:
- New Zealand Certificate in Architectural Aluminium Joinery: Machining and Fabrication Level 3
- New Zealand Certificate in Architectural Aluminium Joinery: Installer with Repairs and Maintenance Level 4
- New Zealand Certificate in Architectural Aluminium Joinery: Joiner with Computer Numerical Controlled Machinery Level 4
- New Zealand Certificate in Architectural Aluminium Joinery: Estimator Level 4
You’ll work under an experienced architectural aluminium joiner who'll provide on-job coaching and tautoko throughout your apprenticeship. You’ll also receive the guidance of a BCITO training advisor.
There are no strict entry requirements, although it will help if you have good maths and English skills – you need to be able to understand instructions and work out measurements, quantities and angles.
Your apprenticeship is the start of a professional career
Architectural aluminium joinery isn't just a job – it's a professional career. By doing an apprenticeship and getting qualified, you're setting yourself up for ongoing employment as a well-paid tradesperson. You’ll also open up opportunities to do further study in supervision or site management, go to university, or start a business and train your own apprentices.
