The Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship is a first step to gaining an apprenticeship in the building industry as a carpenter.

The course involves both theory and practical training relating to building and construction with an emphasis on carpentry. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to work safely within the industry.

  • Croydon campus
  • Wantirna campus
  • Two years part-time
  • Year 1: Wednesday 8am–4pm OR Wednesday 1pm–6pm (plus a one-week block in July School Holidays )OR Friday 8am–4.pm (subject to demand)
  • Year 2: Wednesday 8am–4pm OR Wednesday 1pm–6pm (plus a one-week block in September School Holidays) OR Friday 8am-4pm
  • Classroom/workshop based/online delivery
  • Materials fee: Year 1 = $530, Year 2 = $505
  • Required clothing and equipment: work boots, work pants or shorts, shirt or t-shirt (NO singlets), 1m folding ruler, tape measure, pencil case with pens, pencils and erasers, and an exercise book.

Units of competency

Unit code Unit name Nominal hours Compulsory/Elective
VU23320 Identify and handle carpentry tools and equipment 100 Elective
CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry 6 Compulsory
CPCCWHS2001 Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry 20 Compulsory
CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication 20 Compulsory
CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations 20 Compulsory
VU23327 Install interior fixings 40 Elective
CPCCCM2006 Apply basic levelling procedures 8 Compulsory
VU23321 Perform basic setting out 24 Elective
VU23313 Interpret and apply basic plans and drawings 25 Compulsory
HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support 12 Compulsory
  Total nominal hours 275  
Unit code Unit name Nominal hours Compulsory/Elective
VU23322 Construct Basic Subfloor 48 Elective
VU23323 Construct Basic Wall Frames 48 Elective
VU23326 Install Basic Window and Door Frames 24 Elective
VU23325 Install Basic External Cladding 24 Elective
VU23312 Prepare for Work in the Building and Construction Industry 18 Compulsory
VU23329 Construct Basic Formwork for Concreting 40 Elective
VU23324 Construct a Basic Roof Frame 40 Elective
VU23314 Erect and Safely use Working Platforms 24 Compulsory
VU23328 Dismantle Basic Timber Structures 20 Elective
  Total nominal hours 286  

Outcomes

On successful completion of this program, students will:

VCE: refer to the VCAA VCE Building and Construction Program Booklet for information about VCE VET unit credits.

VCE VM: meets the requirement for the Industry Specific Skills strand and may also contribute to the Work-Related Skills Strand of VCE VM

Qualification: Be eligible for the award of 22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Carpentry).

Career opportunities include builder, cabinetmaker, joiner and carpenter.

Pathways and further study

Start with...

22614VIC
Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship – Carpentry

progress to...
Certificate III in Carpentry
progress to...
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

How to apply for VET Delivered to Secondary Students

Essentially, we’re in partnership with you and your school. You speak to your school and they coordinate your application with Swinburne. Seek out your school’s VET or careers coordinator for course recommendations and discuss your options. Then, when you’ve decided on a VDSS course that fits, your school will forward your application directly to us.

To be eligible for consideration for a VDSS program you must be currently enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12.

You’ll receive notification from your school about the outcome of your application. Successful? More information about enrolment will follow.

If there is greater demand than course places available, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. So, take note of our key application dates to allow time for your school-endorsed application to get to us.

Please refer to Swinburne's policies and regulations for student rights and responsibilities while on campus.

Course costs

The costs associated with Swinburne VDSS programs is invoiced directly to schools. For more information on course costs, it’s best to contact your school’s VET or careers coordinator.

2026 key dates

Applications
First round applications open Monday 18 August 2025
First round applications close

Friday 12 September 2025
Schools notified Monday 6 October 2025
Late applications open Monday 13 October 2025
Late applications close Friday 7 November 2025


Note: These dates are indicative only.

Enrolment and Orientation

Orientation for courses at Wantirna campus and Croydon campus is scheduled for Wednesday 26 November 2025.

When you’ve completed your enrolment and we’ve seen you on campus for orientation, you’ll attend Swinburne one day per week for training while continuing at your secondary school.

Courses commence Wednesday 4 February 2026.

Explore other VET courses Delivered to Secondary Students

Contact the VET Delivered to Secondary Students team

Have questions? If you would like more information about Swinburne's Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students, please email VETDSS@swinburne.edu.au

Email us