Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship-Carpentry
Overview
Considering an apprenticeship? Lay a strong foundation with a Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship – Carpentry. This course covers both theory and practical training equipping you with skill set to work safely in the building and construction industry. You’ll develop a basic insight into working within a licensed trade area and the associated responsibilities. Graduate equipped with the skills and knowledge employers look for.
Four credits are available in this course that contribute to the Certificate III in Carpentry.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Skills you’ll learn
- Construct basic wall, window and door frames
- Construct basic subfloor, external cladding, formwork for concreting and roof frames
- Carry out basic demolition of timber structures
- Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
- Install interior fixings and perform basic setting out
- Install roof trusses and roofing
Your career opportunities
- Apprentice Carpenter
Admissions
Satisfactory completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 10 or equivalent. Applicants who have not completed Year 10 or equivalent may provide additional information such as a CV (including relevant work experience) to support their application.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
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Certificate III in Carpentry
Course structure
The course contains 19 units of competency and aligns to the Victorian curriculum packages. Delivery of the program is primarily face-to-face, with theoretical and practical training. Students will develop a range of skills and produce live work from the program.
Indicative nominal course hours: 561.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Conduct workplace communication
Core unit |
CPCCOM1014 |
|
Carry out measurements and calculations
Core unit |
CPCCOM1015 |
|
Apply basic levelling procedures
Core unit |
CPCCCM2006 |
|
Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Core unit |
CPCCWHS2001 |
|
Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
Core unit |
CPCCWHS1001 |
|
Provide basic emergency life support
Core unit |
HLTAID010 |
|
Erect and safely use working platforms
Core unit |
VU23314 |
|
Interpret and apply basic plans and drawings
Core unit |
VU23313 |
|
Prepare for work in the building and construction industry
Core unit |
VU23312 |
|
Identify and handle carpentry tools and equipment
Core unit |
VU23320 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Install interior fixings
Elective unit |
VU23327 |
|
Perform basic setting out
Elective unit |
VU23321 |
|
Construct basic sub-floor
Elective unit |
VU23322 |
|
Construct basic wall frames
Elective unit |
VU23323 |
|
Install basic window and door frames
Elective unit |
VU23326 |
|
Install basic external cladding
Elective unit |
VU23325 |
|
Dismantle basic timber structures
Elective unit |
VU23328 |
|
Construct a basic roof frame
Elective unit |
VU23324 |
|
Construct basic formwork for concreting
Elective unit |
VU23329 |
|
Erect and safely use working platforms
Elective unit |
VU23314 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$8,950
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$2,150
2025 fees
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
-
Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.