Study Carpentry In Australia

There are a few pathways to becoming a carpenter in Australia. Unfortunately, international students are unable to complete apprenticeships under the Australian Government’s Australian Apprenticeship program. The courses the qualify you as a carpenter in Australia require a long term work placement as part of the qualification.

However, you may also be able to complete one of the introductory or subject-adjacent courses listed below, then gain employment and complete the apprenticeship-based course while on a work visa or training visa.

Certificate III Carpentry Course

This is a comprehensive two year course that provides you with all the basics skills you need to become a carpenter. It covers installation, construction, and repairing a range of structures, and the tools and materials needed to do so.

You’ll need an IELTS score of 5.5 Overall with minimum of 5.0 in all bands. It costs AU$34,600 at TAFE South Australia.

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)

TAFE WA offers this one year course. The benefit of this one is that there’s no work placement, but it sets you up as a pathway to a higher degree, or to move into a joinery or carpentry role. This degree gives you the skills to plan, supervise, and schedule a site. You’ll gain an understanding on building codes and standards, and how to read plans and contracts.

It costs AU$14,260 and you’ll need an IELTS score of 5.5 Overall with minimum of 5.0 in all bands.

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

This two year certificate with TAFE Queensland sets you up to start work as a joiner. You’ll learn about working with timber, develop skills repairing and creating timber products, and learn about how to design and make everything using power tools and wood machines.

It costs AU$25,200 in total and you’ll need an IELTS score of 5.5 Overall with minimum of 5.0 in all bands. - Click here to get IELTS help for carpentry studies in Australia

Once you have done your introductory course, you’ll need to do an apprenticeship in order to be qualified. As mentioned above, that’s not possible on a student visa. Added to this, unlike other degrees where you’d get your post-study visa, that’s not applicable here.

There are two roles that are on the medium to long term skills shortage list, and multiple visa options you can apply for. The roles are carpenter 331212 or carpenter and joiner 331211.

Visa options for both roles include:

• 407 - Training visa: This could be the temporary visa you need to complete an apprenticeship while studying

If this is not possible, you’ll need to get a work visa. This could be:

• 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme visa:

  This permanent visa requires being nominated by an Australian employer.

• 189 - Skilled Independent:

  This permanent points-tested visa could be an option once you’re qualified after your apprenticeship

• 190 - Skilled Nominated

  : This is a permanent visa which you must be nominated for

• 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage

  Medium Term Stream. This is for up to four years

• 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Employer sponsored stream

  . This provisional visa lets you apply for PR after three years

• 491 - Skilled Work Regional visa State

  or Territory nominated. This provisional visa lets you stay for up to five years in a regional area of Australia.

If you’re wanting to make a career that gives you the ability to work with your hands and create things, then carpentry is a good option. Contact us at IDP if you want to chat about the options for you, and if carpentry is the best option.