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Trades and hands-on work

Sample CV2 pagesFictional person

Best for

You are a builder, electrician, driver, machine operator or similar, where tickets and licences matter as much as the job titles.

Download Word file (.docx)

Bold style. Dark name banner and boxed tickets and licences so the key proof stands out. Open it in Word, Pages or Google Docs, replace the fictional details with yours, then save as PDF.

JORDAN WIREMU

Tauranga | 022 000 0000 | jordan.wiremu@example.com

NZ citizen. Full licence (Class 1 and 2). Own tools and vehicle.

Profile

Qualified carpenter with 12 years on residential builds, from new homes to renovations. Reliable, safety-focused, and comfortable running a small crew. Looking for a site carpenter or leading-hand role in the Bay of Plenty.

Tickets and licences

  • NZ Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), 2016
  • Site Safe Passport and Supervisor, current
  • Full licence, Class 1 and 2
  • Working at Heights, current
  • First aid certificate, current

Work history

Leading Hand CarpenterHarbour Homes Ltd, TaurangaApr 2019 - Sep 2026

Redundancy when the company wound down its building arm.

  • Led a crew of four on 14 residential builds, framing through to fit-out, finished on time and within budget.
  • Ran daily toolbox talks and site checks. No lost-time injuries on my sites over seven years.
  • Trained two apprentices; both passed their Level 4 assessments.
  • Worked from plans to set out, frame and fit roofs, decks and stairs to a high finish.

CarpenterMount Builders, Mount MaunganuiJan 2014 - Mar 2019

  • Framing, cladding and interior fit-out on new homes and renovations.
  • Completed an apprenticeship while working full-time (finished 2016).

Labourer and apprentice carpenterVarious employers, Bay of Plenty2010 - 2013

Tools and equipment

  • Own full carpentry tool set
  • Nail guns, laser levels, saws, scaffolding
  • Reading plans and specifications

Referees

Available on request. Two recent managers, contact details supplied once we have spoken.

Why it is laid out this way

  • Tickets and licences go near the top. Site managers and recruiters check these first.
  • Each job names the type and size of project, because 'builder' means very different things.
  • Bullets say what you built, how big it was and whether it came in on time, in plain words.
  • Safety record and supervision experience are called out because they decide who gets hired.

Making it yours

  • Add licence numbers or expiry dates only if the application asks. 'Current' is enough on the CV.
  • Photos of your work belong in a portfolio link or on your phone, not on the CV.
  • If you have worked for yourself, list it as a job: 'Self-employed builder', with the kinds of work and clients.

Paste into Word or Google Docs, use one column and a plain font (Calibri or Arial), and save as PDF unless the ad asks for Word. Full advice in the NZ CV guide.

The people, employers and numbers here are made up. Use only your own real, checkable details. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.

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