Do you have a keen interest in woodwork or the building industry and a passion for the perfect finish of a job? Complete this pre-apprenticeship and you’ll gain the skills that employers are searching for in an Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner.
Carpentry is fundamental to the construction industry and one of the most in-demand trades. A carpenter specialises in working with wood, metal and other materials to assemble, install and repair foundations.
Working both outdoors and indoors, the career of a carpenter can bring you a diverse range of jobs and there’s various specialities to choose from - you can see your work come to life in real houses and buildings, adding your own creative flair.
The skills of the carpenter are needed for the foundations and walls of our houses, through to the construction of offices, restaurants and retail developments, as well as on projects such as mining operations. This pre-apprenticeship will give you a taste of what it’s like to be a carpenter and put the foundations in place for your future.
Learn in specialist facilities
The Mandurah, Rockingham and Thornlie campuses feature modern workshops with tools and equipment you will find on any work site. Students complete this pre-apprenticeship in an environment that reflects current industry practices and simulates a real-life workplace. The timber workshops include multiple lathes and saws for large scale construction.
- manual and power tool use
- construction of wall frames
- installing flooring
- interpreting plans
- measuring
- calculating the right amount of materials for the job
- working with scaffolding safely at heights and
- workplace health and safety
In order to make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, you must take into account the essential skills and knowledge required to undertake this study.
- good communication, team work skills, and the ability to work independently
- enjoyment of practical work
- an eye for detail and good hand-eye coordination
- high stamina and fitness levels
- ability to accurately follow plans, instructions and work to deadlines
- good problem solving skills
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped for each year at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
Attendance in class
This course is equivalent to 3 days per week when studied full time across one semester.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 4 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
Please be aware that industries and employers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which has meant that in some cases it may not be currently possible to place students in a prospective employment opportunity. If that occurs, students will be able to complete training in a simulated workplace on campus.
Uniforms and workwear requirements: Full PPE is required for the work placement (Hi-vis drill shirt and trousers, approved safety boots). Must have Construction White Card to enter any construction worksite. This accreditation will be achieved in the course.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pen, pencil, exercise book, eraser, ruler and calculator) and wear enclosed footwear.
In addition, the following uniform is required to be worn at all classes:
- PPE/Uniform – steel cap boots (no volleys permitted) and a T-shirt (singlets and thongs are not permissible).
Students will be required to work with timber and engineered timber products which may cause health issues for people with sensitive skin, allergies or respiratory issues. Dust masks are available during the course and the workshops are fully dust extracted.
One of the units of this course will be to obtain a white card which is a requirement to work onsite in the construction industry.
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
Work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you which will involve your attendance at a workplace.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2023
Thornlie - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Thornlie |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2023
Thornlie - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Thornlie |
| How | On Campus |