Frame & Truss
Frame & truss manufacturers make pre-nailed timber framing sections of walls and roofs commonly used in New Zealand buildings. Frame & truss detailers interpret plans and drawings to create layout plans and cutting lists that are then processed by the frame and truss manufacturers.
Fees Free
Some frame & truss qualifications may be eligible for the Government's Fees Free initiative - no fees for the first 2 years of your apprenticeship. Find out if you're an eligible individual.
Job Prospects
Very good
Total Fees
$2,000-$3,000
Time to qualify
1-2 years
Career opportunities
Frame and truss fabricator, frame and truss detailer, supervisor, plant manager, business owner
Qualifications
See it for real
Explore the BCITO My Virtual Construction Site to see if this is the right trade for you.
What frame & truss specialists do
Frame & truss specialists have to understand the qualities of timber best suited to carry and support a building's structure. They calculate quantities; interpret plans and specifications before undertaking construction, and ensure the finished product is fit for purpose and of a high standard. Work is mostly carried out indoors in a large manufacturing facility, working with saws, cranes, hoists and your main tool of the trade – the nail gun. For more complex builds they may also travel to sites to oversee the fitting and standing of frames.
Watch this and see what it's like to work in Frame & Truss.
Frame & truss qualifications
The BCITO manages apprenticeships for frame & truss manufacture specialists. In your frame and truss manufacturing apprenticeship you will work towards one of the following qualifications:
- National Certificate in Frame & Truss Manufacture Level 3
- New Zealand Certificate in Frame & Truss Detailing Level 4
You will work at a frame and truss manufacturer under an experienced employer who'll provide on-job coaching and support 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
Working in frame and truss manufacturing or detailing 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.
