Overview
Enter a sought-after trade with the Certificate III in Carpentry. Gain experience as an apprentice along with the knowledge and skills to work across residential and commercial construction jobs. Upon graduation, you’ll be part of an in-demand occupation, ready to work as a carpenter, joiner, supervisor or site manager.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training
Interested in this course?
Find out more about this course and other TAFE courses at one of our on-campus Try TAFE events. Get all the information you need to kickstart your career.
Skills you’ll learn
- Read plans
- Comply with building regulations
Your career opportunities
- Carpenter
- Self-employed contractor
- Supervisor
- Leading hand
- Manager
Cutting Through: Why Two Students Chose Carpentry
Find out why current students Saara and Robin chose to carve out a career in the trade. Robin also discusses his favourite part of the Swinburne course and Saara shares some advice for women considering the traditionally male-dominated industry.
Admissions
Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and employed as a carpentry apprentice.
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.
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 II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
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Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
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Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Course structure
Apprentices are employed fulltime and attend campus 7 or 8 block weeks per year (over three years) for a mixture of practical assessment tasks and theory. To achieve this qualification you must demonstrate competency in a total of 34 units of competency: 27 core and 7 electives.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCWHS2001 |
|
Use carpentry tools and equipment
Core unit, 96.0 credit points |
CPCCCA2002 |
|
Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCOM1012 |
|
Carry out measurements and calculations
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCOM1015 |
|
Conduct workplace communication
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCOM1014 |
|
Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work
Core unit, 36.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3025 |
|
Work safely at heights
Core unit, 8.0 credit points |
CPCCCM2012 |
|
Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
CPCCCM2008 |
|
Handle carpentry materials
Core unit, 16.0 credit points |
CPCCCA2011 |
|
Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies
Core unit, 30.0 credit points |
CPCWHS3001 |
|
Carry out setting out
Core unit, 24.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3002 |
|
Apply basic levelling procedures
Core unit, 8.0 credit points |
CPCCCM2006 |
|
Install flooring systems
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3003 |
|
Carry out concreting to simple forms
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCCO2013 |
|
Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground
Core unit, 24.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3028 |
|
Carry out levelling operations
Core unit, 24.0 credit points |
CPCCOM3006 |
|
Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3016 |
|
Carry out general demolition of minor building structures
Core unit, 32.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3001 |
|
Construct and erect wall frames
Core unit, 60.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3004 |
|
Erect roof trusses
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3006 |
|
Construct ceiling frames
Core unit, 32.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3005 |
|
Construct pitched roofs
Core unit, 60.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3007 |
|
Construct eaves
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3008 |
|
Install exterior cladding
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3017 |
|
Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
CPCCOM3001 |
|
Install lining, panelling and moulding
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3024 |
|
Install windows and doors
Core unit, 70.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3010 |
| Elective units | |
|
Carry out hand excavation
Elective unit, 16.0 credit points |
CPCCCM2002 |
|
Construct, erect and dismantle formwork for stairs and ramps
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3018 |
|
Set up, operate and maintain indirect action powder-actuated power tools
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3027 |
|
Frame and fit wet area fixtures
Elective unit, 24.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3012 |
|
Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
Elective unit, 32.0 credit points |
CPCCCM3001 |
|
Construct advanced roofs
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points |
CPCCCA3009 |
|
Plan and organise work
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points |
CPCCOM1013 |
2024 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$12,820
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,950
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
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 2024 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 only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
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.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2024 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 for apprenticeship or traineeship
Before enrolling in one of our courses, you’ll need to find an employer willing to offer you an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Your employer will need to register you through an Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) by calling 1800 639 629 or going to the Australian Apprenticeship Centre website.
If you need help with your CV, or finding the right employer, our team is here to help. You can contact them at the Swinburne Skills & Jobs Centre.
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"I chose to study at Swinburne because it’s got a good reputation as an education provider. I really like the instructors at Swinburne as they’re professional carpenters and they’ve got years of experience in building and construction. They teach with a hands-on approach and advise us on how to approach construction the right way."
Robin , Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship - Carpentry
