Introduction

Construction is one of the most important blue-collar industries not only in Australia but also in the world. Carpentry and Cabinet Making are very popular within Australia and the industry is in high demand. Land and property development have been expanding rapidly across Australia, so highly trained, professional carpenters are essential. As for Cabinet Making, it might be unfamiliar to you but like carpenters, cabinet makers are also sought after across Australia. Construction work is often highly paid in Australia and that is why some of the best trade courses are offered here. Moreover, the skills and qualifications gained in Australia are all transferable if you’d rather work overseas. 

Contact our team at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form to learn more. We will offer you free consultation and free application process.  

What does a Carpenter, Joiner and Cabinet Maker do?

  • Carpenters construct, erect, install, renovate, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, wallboard, and other materials, and cut, shape and fit timber parts to form structures and fittings. Carpenters often work for large construction companies, and it is mainly project-based work at a residential or commercial building site.  
  • In contrast, cabinet makers are often hired by furniture companies and work within a factory. Cabinet makers fabricate and repair wooden furniture, and fit and assemble prepared wooden parts to make furniture which is mainly used for the kitchen or bathroom. Cabinet makers are required to show strong attention to detail. 
  •  Joiner: A joiner is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in creating and assembling wooden components, particularly in interior and finish carpentry. Joiners work with a wide range of wood products, such as timber, plywood, and veneers, to construct items like doors, windows, staircases, and custom cabinetry. Joiners focus on the finer details of woodworking and are known for their precision and craftsmanship. 

The table below will provide you with a deeper understanding of the differences between carpenter, Cabinet Maker and Joiner.  

Carpenter  Joiner  Cabinet maker 
Working on larger elements of construction like floors, wall framing and roofs etc. 

 

 Making doors/window frames,  

Creating fitted furniture,  

Building stairs,  

Joining the pieces of wood together. 

 

 Focusing on detail work, more complex building materials and the construction of furniture pieces and cabinets used within a house. 

 
 

 

Contact us at 07 3003 1899 or fill out the enquiry form. We will offer you free consultation and free admission process!  

Why study Carpentry/Cabinet Making in Australia?

  • Hands-on training  

Carpentry and Cabinet making courses are both types of “Trade courses”. They are delivered with both theory and practical units so that students not only learn theoretical aspects but also practise skills to prepare to become a qualified tradesperson.   

  • Vocational Placement 

Many Australian institutions provide at least 360 hours of vocational placement in the program. This means that students will be able to gain practical knowledge and skills as they work on real projects as an apprentice.  

  • Salary  

According to the website Indeed.com (2023), the average salary for a carpenter is AU$97,518 per year, and for a cabinet maker, it is AU$90,618 per year in Australia.   

  • Graduate Visa  

After completing at least 2 years of Carpentry or Cabinet making studies in college or TAFE in Australia, students will be eligible to apply for a 485 Graduate Work Visa, providing they also pass the provisional skills assessment (STEP 1 by the TRA) and meet the English requirements to apply for this visa.  

While you hold a 485 Visa (Graduate Work), you will have time to prepare to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. There are several visa options in the field of carpentry that can lead to Permanent Residency in Australia.  

What career outcomes after graduation from a carpentry or cabinet making course?

  • Carpenter 
  • Joiner 
  • Cabinet maker 
  • Furniture maker 

What are carpentry and cabinet making courses for international students in Australia?

Carpentry  

  • Certificate III in Carpentry – 2 years  

The Certificate III in Carpentry is designed to teach students the fundamental skills and knowledge required to work as a carpenter. This includes aspects like constructing and installing building framework, interpreting plans and specifications, using hand and power tools, and adhering to safety standards. 

After completing this course, you are eligible to become a carpenter or joiner in Australia.  

  • Certificate III in Carpentry + Certificate IV in Building and Construction – 2 years  

Some colleges offer a package that combine both Certificate III in Carpentry and Certificate IV in Building and Construction. One advantage of this package is that after finishing the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, you can be able to become a builder in Australia.  

Cabinet Making  

  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making – 2 years  

The Certificate III in Cabinet Making is designed to prepare students for a career in cabinet making and joinery. It covers the skills needed to manufacture and install a range of cabinets and furniture. 

After completing this course, you can become a cabinet maker or a joiner in Australia.  

  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making + Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Technology – 2 years   

Some colleges offer a package that combine both Certificate III in Cabinet Making + Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Technology. After completing 2 years of study, you can earn both qualifications to become a cabinet maker or furniture designer or craftsmen.  

Carpentry and Cabinet Making courses are delivered by TAFE and private colleges in Australia.  

What are the entry requirements for international students to study carpentry and cabinet making courses in Australia?

  • Academic requirement – Completion of Year 10   
  • English requirement – IELTS Academic Overall 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or PTE Academic Overall 42 with no band less than 36.  

If you do not have the English score required, the English pathway program or the is an option for you. Many schools offer English programs together with the carpentry/cabinet making courses. If you pass these English programs, you will be eligible for carpentry/cabinet making study.  

Some schools also offer their own English entrance test for international. If you pass this test, then you are considered to meet the English requirement.  

Contact our team at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form to get free consultation and advice! 

What units might you study for your course in Australia?

Carpentry   

  • Install flooring systems  
  • Install exterior cladding  
  • Construct wall frames  
  • Construct ceiling frames  
  • Construct eaves  
  • Erect roof trusses  
  • Use explosive power tools   
  • Calculate costs of construction work   

Cabinet making   

  • Use furniture making sector hand and power tools   
  • Construct furniture using leg and rail method  
  • Assemble furnishing components   
  • Hand-make timber joints  
  • Join solid timber   
  • Produce manual and computer-aided production drawing   
  • Plan kitchen and bathroom projects  
  • Set up, operate and maintain sawing/joining/drilling machines   

How much does it cost to study carpentry and cabinet making courses in Australia?

The cost of studying carpentry and cabinet making courses in Australia can vary significantly based on several factors, including the level of the course and the institution you choose.  

The average tuition fee for Certificate III in Carpentry is around 26,000 (2 years), which means you only need to pay 13,000 per year to get the qualifications for a carpenter.  

The average tuition fee to study cabinet making course is around 25,000 (2 years), which is quite similar to the Carpentry course.  

If you wish to know exactly how much it costs to study the course of your choice, Contact us today! 

Where can you study aged care courses in Australia?

Certificate III in Carpentry  

Certificate III in Cabinet making  

Each institution has different tuition fees and intake, contact our team at [email protected] or +61 3003 1899 to learn more. 

How to pass skill assessments for a Carpenter/Cabinet Maker in Australia?

There are 4 steps to pass the skill assessment:  

Step 1 – Job Ready Program Registration and Eligibility (JRPRE) 

You must:  

  • have a qualification directly related to your nominated occupation that was awarded by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) as a result of studies in Australia  
  • From 15 July 2022: JRPRE will no longer require for carpentry/cabinet making students to be eligible to apply Graduation Visa (subclass 485) Post-Study Work Stream. However, this stage is still required if you would like to apply for skill nomination visas (subclass 190, 189, 491) or Employer sponsored visa (subclass 482, 494). This regulation is a temporary change, and it will be eligible for students who graduate before 30 June 2023. 

Step 2 – Job Ready Employment (JRE)  

You must:  

  • complete at least 1725 hours of paid employment over a minimum of 12 months from your JRE start date.  
  • find suitable employment that is approved by Trades Recognition Australia 
  • have completed a Skills Progress Report (self-assessment record of the skills and activities you have undertaken in your workplace as you develop your skills in your occupation) six months after your JRE start date or when you are deemed eligible for Step 3 (see below for details)  

Step 3 – Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)  

You must:   

  • provide evidence of paid employment in your occupation for at least 863 hours over a minimum of 6 months from your JRE start date.  
  • provide an acceptable Skills Progress Report (SPR), Employment Verification Report (EVR) and any other required evidence confirming you are performing the expected tasks and duties to a suitable standard for your occupation.  
  • have your employer sign your EVR and confirm they agree to the assessment being conducted at your workplace.  

 Step 4 – Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)  

You must:  

  • have a successful Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA) outcome.  
  • have completed the employment requirements of Job Ready Employment (JRE) by providing evidence of paid employment in your occupation of at least 1725 hours over a minimum of 12 months from your JRE start date. 

Migration to Australia after graduation – what is the PR pathway for a carpenter/cabinet maker?

Carpentry and cabinet making are on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSL), so there are many visa options for you to migrate to Australia.  

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing a carpentry or cabinet making course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post Graduate Work Stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2 years depending on your degree. Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR 

There are plenty of pathways that can help you migrate to Australia after you get the skill assessment for a carpenter/cabinet maker. Below are the common options:  

Skilled visas    

  • 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65.  
  • 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.   
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.    

Employer Sponsored visas   

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa option is best for you! 

FAQs

Interested in studying Carpentry or Cabinet Making in Australia?

Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies today for free counselling, and a free application process!  

How long is a carpentry apprenticeship in Australia?

Normally, you may need to spend up to 4 years (48 months) to become a carpenter, from taking a carpentry course to complete the apprenticeship to be an independent carpenter in Australia. 

How long does a carpentry course take in Australia?

The duration of carpentry courses can vary, but most commonly, they range from 1.5 years to 2 years. Shorter programs may provide basic carpentry skills, while longer programs offer more comprehensive training and may lead to higher qualifications. 

What will I learn in a carpentry course?

Carpentry courses cover a wide range of topics, including construction techniques, woodworking, building codes and regulations, safety procedures, and the use of carpentry tools and equipment. 

How can I find a placement for a carpentry/cabinet making course?

Normally, the institution will help you find a placement for you as placement is compulsory for this course. Alternatively, you can find and choose a placement yourself if you want.  

How can I find a placement for a carpentry/cabinet making course?

Normally, the institution will help you find a placement for you as placement is compulsory for this course. Alternatively, you can find and choose a placement yourself if you want.  

How much can a Carpenter or Cabinet maker earn in Australia?

According to the website Indeed.com (2023), the average salary for a carpenter is AU$97,518 per year.  

According to the website Indeed.com (2023), the average salary for a carpenter is AU$90,618 per year in Australia. 

What are differences between carpentry and cabinet making courses in Australia?

Carpentry and cabinet making courses are related fields within the woodworking and construction industry, but they have distinct differences in terms of their focus, skills, and the type of work they prepare students for. Here are the key differences between carpentry and cabinet making courses: 

Scope and Focus: 

Carpentry Courses: 

  • Carpentry courses focus on the broader aspects of construction and woodworking. They cover a wide range of skills related to constructing and repairing structures, such as houses, buildings, and infrastructure. 
  • Carpenters work on tasks like framing, installing doors and windows, building walls, roofs, and floors, and may also work with concrete and other construction materials. 
  • Carpentry courses prepare students for jobs in residential and commercial construction, renovation, and general carpentry work. 

Cabinet Making Courses: 

  • Cabinet making courses are more specialized and focus on the construction of furniture and cabinetry, including kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and custom furniture pieces. 
  • Cabinet makers work with fine woodworking techniques, precision joinery, and may specialize in crafting intricate, custom designs. 
  • Cabinet making courses prepare students for careers in furniture manufacturing, custom woodworking shops, and interior design projects. 

Skills and Techniques: 

Carpentry Courses: 

  • Carpentry courses emphasize skills related to structural construction, including framing, concrete work, roofing, and exterior finishing. 
  • Carpentry students learn to work with a variety of tools and equipment for cutting, measuring, and fastening materials, as well as construction methods and building codes. 

Cabinet Making Courses: 

  • Cabinet making courses focus on precision woodworking skills, such as joinery, finishing, and fine detailing. 
  • Cabinet making students become experts in crafting furniture and cabinetry, working with specialty tools like routers, chisels, and veneering techniques. 

Career Opportunities: 

Carpentry: 

  • Carpentry courses prepare individuals for careers as carpenters. They can be involved in a wide range of construction projects. 
  • Carpenters may also choose to specialize in areas like formwork, framing, or finishing carpentry. 
  • Cabinet Making: 
  • Cabinet making courses prepare students for careers as cabinet makers, custom furniture makers, or woodworkers in the furniture industry. 
  • Cabinet makers may work on custom pieces, production lines, or restoration projects.