How to Become a Carpenter in Australia

Channel your creative instincts and build a long-term career from the ground up with a Carpentry Apprenticeship.

If you’re ready to nail down a job chock-full of opportunities and develop crucial skills in an in-demand area, learn how to become a carpenter in Australia.

Undertake a Carpentry Apprenticeship

A Carpentry Apprenticeship gives you the skills for a job where you will cut, shape and install building materials in the construction of residential, commercial and industrial buildings and infrastructure.

The best pathway to become a fully qualified carpenter is to achieve an Australian Apprenticeship. This can be either through an employer directly, or you can work with a Group Training Organisation such as MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees. A Group Training organisation matches you with a host employer and provides ongoing support throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.

What’s Involved in a Carpentry Apprenticeship

During a Carpentry Apprenticeship you may conduct most of your work in the construction industry where you will craft wood and other materials to construct and repair structures.

A typical day for a carpentry apprentice includes tasks such as:

• Utilising power and hand tools to perform cutting, shaping and crafting of various materials
• Deciphering drawings and plans to calculate specific information to prepare material and work requirements
• Constructing various frameworks ranging from house frames to furniture and skirting boards
• Troubleshooting and problem solving – a major area of development for a carpentry apprentice as manufacturing and construction processes can often prompt situational changes

Carpentry Apprenticeship Snapshot

Duration: The typical duration for a Carpentry Apprenticeship is 4 years.

• Completion is competency-based, so both practical and formal off-the-job training can be completed earlier
• Throughout your Carpentry Apprenticeship you’ll earn wages when you're on the tools and during qualification training at TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation
• A usual full-time working week is 38 hours of paid work

Qualification Outcome:

Over the course of your carpentry apprenticeship you will complete a nationally accredited qualification, such as:

• CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
• CPC31920 Certificate III in Joinery
• CPC30120 Certificate III in Shopfitting

Eligibility: Australian Apprenticeships are available for citizens and permanent residents of legal working age. If you are under 18, you will need approval from a parent or guardian to enter into your employment and training contracts.

Carpentry Apprentice Wages

Wages for a carpentry apprentice are under the Building Award and may be subject to selected factors such as your age, Modern Award inclusions and other support payments. 

Guide for wages of a carpentry apprentice from 1st to 4th year as at 1 July 2024:

• Under 17 years of age: $604.37 to $1,017.29 per week
• 17 to 20 years of age: $655.99 to $1,017.29 per week
• Over 21 years of age: $1,023.02 per week (pay rate remains the same for all year levels as an adult)

Carpentry apprenticeships are part of the Government's Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, and additional support payments for eligible apprentices are currently available. 

Get Started in a Carpentry Apprenticeship

Want to craft a career in carpentry? Keep an eye out for current opportunities on the MIGAS Jobs Board.