Completing a Certificate III in Carpentry equips you with essential skills for successful careers in building and construction, both in Australia and internationally. The trade offers excellent job security, with 93.2% of carpenters working full-time and earning an average of $1,358 per week. Employment has grown steadily over recent years, with positive long-term projections driven by Australia's ongoing construction boom.
Course Overview
Course Fees:
AUD $13,500 - $35,000
Duration:
12 - 24 months
Intakes:
Quarterly
Locations:
Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sunshine Coast, Sydney
Related Disciplines: Building Construction, Joinery, Boat Building, Building Design
1 Certificate III in Carpentry
Duration: 2 years | Entry: Year 10 + IELTS 5.5 (5.0 each band)
This comprehensive qualification develops fundamental carpentry skills through theory and extensive hands-on training. You'll learn carpentry mathematics, construction layouts, wall and roof framing, staircase building, and interior/exterior finishing techniques.
Key Skills: Planning work, building frames, using hand and power tools, reading blueprints, shaping materials, operating leveling instruments, and constructing various structures.
Example: TAFE South Australia offers a 2-year program at approximately AUD $34,600 with industry-standard facilities.
2 Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Duration: 1 year | Entry: Certificate III or equivalent + IELTS 5.5
Advance into supervisory roles with skills in site planning, work supervision, and project scheduling. Learn building codes and standards, contract interpretation, and team management.
Example: TAFE WA provides a 1-year program at approximately AUD $14,260, serving as a pathway to carpentry or joinery careers.
3 Career Outcomes
Employment Statistics:
- Average earnings: $1,358 per week ($70,616 annually)
- Average work hours: 44 hours per week
- Full-time employment: 93.2% (well above industry average)
- Moderate employment growth over past 5 years
- Positive long-term outlook with stable projections
Career Pathways: Qualified Carpenter ($55k-$75k), Leading Hand ($70k-$90k), Site Supervisor ($80k-$110k), Construction Manager ($90k-$130k+), Self-Employed Contractor (variable).
Carpenters can work independently or with construction companies across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The trade offers excellent job security and opportunities for career advancement into management or self-employment.