Course Overview

About This Course

Kick-start your career in furniture finishing with this entry-level qualification. Complete this course as an apprenticeship so you can work and train at the same time. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as wood trades workers (including furniture finishers) is expected to see stable future growth. Opportunities are available in manufacturing, retail trade and construction with employers looking for workers who are reliable, work well in a team, and have a strong work ethic. In this course you will gain skills in making and repairing fine timber products using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based materials. You will learn processes from design through to production including producing manual and computer-aided drawings, using power tools and wood machines, and undertaking jobs within cost and time constraints. Within this course you may specialise in producing free-standing furniture such as dining and bedroom suites, antiques and office furniture; or you may learn the skills required for the manufacture and installation of kitchen and bathroom fittings. Successful completion of either the furniture or kitchen and bathroom pathway will qualify you as a cabinetmaker so you can continue to progress your trade career.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Acacia Ridge, Greater Brisbane QLDBracken Ridge, Greater Brisbane QLDAshmore, Gold Coast QLDNambour, Sunshine Coast QLDToowoomba, Darling Downs and South West QLDBundaberg, Wide Bay Burnett QLDCairns, North Queensland QLDTownsville - Trade Training Centre Bohle, North Queensland QLDACACIA RIDGEASHMORE

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students – Apprenticeship: To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer. Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.
Skills Check (Domestic): You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission. The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.
International – English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
International – Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion.
International – Age: Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.
International – Vocational Placement: You will be required to undertake 400 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
Resources – Personal Protective Equipment (to be provided by the student unless otherwise advised): Safety glasses, protective footwear (safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210), ear protection (ear muffs or ear plugs conforming to AS 1269 or 1270), hair protection (long hair must be restrained), protective clothing (100% cotton drill – sleeved cotton work wear or employer supplied uniform).
Resources – Materials list (to be provided by the student unless otherwise advised): Training record book (provided by TAFE Queensland), scale rule (metric 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:10), set square: 60°, 30°, 45° (size 8 or 10), folding meter rule (carpenters), metre scale 8 m tape, pens, pencil HB, 2H and 4H, eraser, pencil sharpener, calculator (non-scientific is fine).
Technology: It is recommended that students have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Solid Timber Machinist, Machining Technician, Wood Machinist, Wood Trades Worker, Cabinetmaker (Furniture), Cabinetmaker (Kitchens and Bathrooms). Opportunities are available in manufacturing, retail trade and construction.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

MSFFM2013

Use furniture making hand and power tools

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use hand and power tools to perform common furniture making tasks such as cutting, joining, planning and sanding wood and other materials.

MSFFM3030

Produce manual and computer-aided production drawings

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make manual and computer-aided drawings to support manufacture and assembly in cabinet and furniture making, wood machining and other industries.

MSFFM3031

Prepare cutting lists from design and production documentation

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret various types of design and production documentation to prepare cutting lists and other information for subsequent processing operations.

MSFGN2001

Make measurements and calculations

This unit of competency covers taking measurements and making calculations for furnishing tasks undertaken in a variety of sites and locations.

MSFGN3005

Read and interpret work documents

This unit of competency is applied in industries where workers interpret and apply information from documents such as standards, codes, specifications, instructions, and work plans and procedures.

MSMENV272

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with environmental regulations, identify environment issues and minimise the risks of negative impact on work and carry out improvements in own work area.

MSMSUP102

Communicate in the workplace

This unit applies to personnel who are required to communicate clearly and accurately to record messages, seek clarification, access needed information, relay information to other people and complete workplace documentation.

MSMSUP106

Work in a team

This unit applies to team members who are required to use interpersonal and communication skills to plan, organise and complete their work activities according to instructions and with limited discretionary powers.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different specialisations available within this course?

Depending on the elective units you complete, you can achieve one of three outcomes: Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Furniture), Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens and Bathrooms), or Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining). The Furniture pathway focuses on producing free-standing furniture such as dining and bedroom suites, antiques and office furniture, while the Kitchens and Bathrooms pathway covers the manufacture and installation of kitchen and bathroom fittings.

How much does the course cost for international students?

The total course fee for international students is $26,800. TAFE Queensland's preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal, which allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.

Do I need to be employed to study this course as an apprenticeship?

Yes, you must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. You will need to speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO), and your employer must be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

Are there any government subsidies or funding options available for this course?

Yes, the Queensland Government is providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications. Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour, calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

What are the study locations and how is the course delivered for international students?

International students can study at Acacia Ridge (Greater Brisbane) or Ashmore (Gold Coast), with the next intake starting 13 July 2026. The course runs for 2 years full time (3 days per week) and is delivered 100% on campus. International students will also be required to undertake 400 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting, which TAFE Queensland will coordinate and source for you.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level / Apprentice (0-2 years)AUD $38,000 to $55,000 per year

Early Career / Newly Qualified (2-5 years)AUD $55,000 to $75,000 per year

Mid-Level / Experienced Tradesperson (5-10 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Career Paths

Residential CarpenterCommercial CarpenterFormwork CarpenterFraming CarpenterFinish / Joinery Carpenter

Key Skills

Reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and building plansTimber framing, wall construction, and structural assemblyRoof framing, truss erection, and cladding installationFlooring, staircase, and door and window installationUse and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and equipment

Full Course Overview

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