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.

Get a copy of our course guide

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

Further education

Certificate III in Carpentry

Location options

Croydon

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.

Book your Pearson Test of English

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.

Learn more about credit

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.

Learn more about RPL

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.

Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying

Discover more (Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying)
Certificate III in Carpentry

Discover more (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.

Core units

Elective units

Certificate II

Indicative nominal course hours: 561.

Your units

Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship-Carpentry

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

Carpentry

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.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

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.

Find out more about fees

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.

Learn more about paying your fees

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.

Learn more about concession rates

Study this course for free in 2025

You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.

Free TAFE 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!

Check your eligibility (Study this course for free in 2025)

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Representatives and agents

22614VIC

Search for agents

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.

Course code

22614VIC

Apply directly

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

VET Apr Intake

Croydon

07-April-2025

VET Jul Intake

Croydon

07-July-2025

VET Oct Intake

Croydon

06-October-2025

Start dates

Location

Start dates

VET Apr Intake

Croydon

07-April-2025

VET Jul Intake

Croydon

07-July-2025

VET Oct Intake

Croydon

06-October-2025

Upcoming events

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Creative

08-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | STEM, Aviation & Health

09-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Social Impact and Innovation

10-April-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Location options

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship-Carpentry

Carpentry

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only