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.
Want free, on-the-spot advice about courses, careers, and applying?
Whether you're just starting your career or switching it up, our experts at the Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre are on hand to help you understand your career and study options.
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 |
CPCCWHS2001 |
|
Use carpentry tools and equipment
Core unit |
CPCCCA2002 |
|
Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
Core unit |
CPCCOM1012 |
|
Carry out measurements and calculations
Core unit |
CPCCOM1015 |
|
Conduct workplace communication
Core unit |
CPCCOM1014 |
|
Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work
Core unit |
CPCCCA3025 |
|
Work safely at heights
Core unit |
CPCCCM2012 |
|
Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
Core unit |
CPCCCM2008 |
|
Handle carpentry materials
Core unit |
CPCCCA2011 |
|
Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies
Core unit |
CPCWHS3001 |
|
Carry out setting out
Core unit |
CPCCCA3002 |
|
Apply basic levelling procedures
Core unit |
CPCCCM2006 |
|
Install flooring systems
Core unit |
CPCCCA3003 |
|
Carry out concreting to simple forms
Core unit |
CPCCCO2013 |
|
Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground
Core unit |
CPCCCA3028 |
|
Carry out levelling operations
Core unit |
CPCCOM3006 |
|
Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs
Core unit |
CPCCCA3016 |
|
Carry out general demolition of minor building structures
Core unit |
CPCCCA3001 |
|
Construct and erect wall frames
Core unit |
CPCCCA3004 |
|
Erect roof trusses
Core unit |
CPCCCA3006 |
|
Construct ceiling frames
Core unit |
CPCCCA3005 |
|
Construct pitched roofs
Core unit |
CPCCCA3007 |
|
Construct eaves
Core unit |
CPCCCA3008 |
|
Install exterior cladding
Core unit |
CPCCCA3017 |
|
Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements
Core unit |
CPCCOM3001 |
|
Install lining, panelling and moulding
Core unit |
CPCCCA3024 |
|
Install windows and doors
Core unit |
CPCCCA3010 |
| Elective units | |
|
Carry out hand excavation
Elective unit |
CPCCCM2002 |
|
Construct, erect and dismantle formwork for stairs and ramps
Elective unit |
CPCCCA3018 |
|
Set up, operate and maintain indirect action powder-actuated power tools
Elective unit |
CPCCCA3027 |
|
Frame and fit wet area fixtures
Elective unit |
CPCCCA3012 |
|
Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
Elective unit |
CPCCCM3001 |
|
Construct advanced roofs
Elective unit |
CPCCCA3009 |
|
Plan and organise work
Elective unit |
CPCCOM1013 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$13,340
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$6,190
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($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 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.
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 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
