Australia is known for its wide-open spaces, stunning landscapes, and booming construction industry. Studying carpentry in Australia might be the perfect path if you have a knack for working with wood and a desire to build a solid future. Let's explore why:
Is Australia in Need of Carpenters?
YES! Australia is short on skilled carpenters. The growing population, new infrastructure projects, and a strong housing market have increased the need for qualified carpenters nationwide. The industry has a solid apprenticeship program and recognised qualifications, ensuring carpenters have the skills and knowledge to meet high standards. Reference: The Guardian
Why Consider Carpentry?
- High Demand: Australia's construction industry is growing, creating a strong demand for skilled carpenters, which ensures excellent job prospects and security for those qualified.
- Great Earning Potential: Carpenters in Australia earn competitive salaries. With experience and specialisation, you can significantly increase your earning power.
- Hands-On Learning: Australian carpentry programs emphasise practical skills and hands-on experience. You'll learn by doing, gaining valuable skills directly applicable to the job market.
Course Package and Fees to Become a Carpenter
What Qualifications Should You Study?
The Carpentry Program consists of two nationally recognised qualifications that must be completed over a two-year period of study.
The qualifications that should be included in the package are listed below:
Certificate III in Carpentry -This qualification results in a trade credential covering work in residential and commercial settings.
- Duration: It takes 1.3 years to complete
Diploma of Building & Construction - This qualification reflects the role of building professionals who apply structural principles, financial management, and contract administration knowledge while overseeing quality and managing residential and commercial construction projects.
- Duration: It takes 1.2 years to complete
View our course page: Carpentry, Building & Construction
How Much Does it Cost to Study Carpentry in Australia?
The costs of studying Carpentry Building and Construction courses in Australia can vary depending on the qualification, training provider, and location. Studyaway offers the cheapest fee at $28,000 to $45,000
View our course page: Carpentry, Building & Construction
Entry Requirements for International Students Studying Carpentry in Australia
Entry into the carpentry package is relatively low, as the initial course is a Certificate III and accessible to most people. Entry requirements are listed below. However, opportunities for those with relevant work experience also exist.
1. Course Requirements (refer to the course package above)
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Secondary School Year 11 (pass) transcripts
- English Language Proficiency - IELTS (5.5 to 6.0), TOEFL, PTE Academic)
2. Student Visa (subclass 500) Requirements
- Provide evidence of enrollment in an RTO offering the required course packaged for Carpentry, Building, & Construction.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Evidence of financial capacity to support your stay in Australia (tuition, living expenses).
- You must not have a history of visa refusals or overstays in Australia or other countries.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students.
- You must meet Australia’s character requirements, including a police clearance from your home country.
Carpentry Job Prospects
Graduates can find employment in the following roles by completing the Automotive package:
Carpenter - Carpenters construct, install, repair, and erect wooden frames, foundations, walls, and fixtures for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, primarily using wood, plywood, and wallboard.
- Average annual salary: $75,000 - $90,000
Joiner - Measure, construct, install and repair wooden structures and fittings in residential and commercial buildings.
- Average annual salary: $75,000 - $ 85,000
These salary ranges are approximations based on current data and can fluctuate depending on factors like experience, qualifications, and specific locations in Australia.
Career Progression Opportunities
- Construction Manager - They are involved in all aspects of a building site’s operations and must thoroughly understand the building and construction industry.
- Building Surveyors - Ensure buildings are constructed safely and meet legislative requirements.
Challenges and Rewards of Studying Carpentry Course in Australia
While studying carpentry in Australia offers numerous benefits, there are also challenges that students may face:
Rewards
- There is a high demand for skilled carpenters, especially for construction and renovation projects.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): As a qualified carpenter, you may be eligible for a skilled migration visa, making applying for PR in Australia easier.
- Good Salary: Carpenters can earn with the potential for more as you gain experience.
- Hands-On Work: Carpentry allows you to create tangible results, whether building homes or crafting furniture.
- Self-Employment Opportunities: After gaining experience, you can start a carpentry business, offering flexibility and independence.
Challenges
- Financial Cost - international students pay higher fees.
- Language Barriers - it can be challenging to understand technical terms and communicate effectively with beginners
- Physical Demands - Carpentry involves manual, hands-on work, which can be physically tiring and challenging, especially for beginners.
- Tool and Materials Costs - Some programs may require students to buy tools and materials, which can increase the overall cost.
- Competition - The job market can be competitive in larger cities, so finding employment immediately after your studies may be harder.
Post-Study Visas for Carpentry Graduates
There have always been stable pathways for Carpenter graduates to stay in Australia. However, you must work as a “Carpenter or Joiner” and undergo a skills assessment to possess adequate skills and knowledge of the following:
- studying drawings and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures
- ordering and selecting timbers and materials, and preparing layouts
- cutting materials, and assembling and nailing cut and shaped parts
- erecting framework and roof framing, laying sub-flooring and floorboards and verifying the trueness of structures
- nailing fascia panels, sheathing roofs, and fitting exterior wall cladding and door and window frames
- assembling prepared wood to form structures and fittings ready to install
- cutting wood joints
- may construct concrete formwork
- may repair existing fittings
- may work with plastic laminates, perspex and metals
Trades Recognition Authority is the skills assessment body that verifies the standing of those skills for all visa purposes
Here are the common visa pathways that Carpenter graduates can pursue.
1. Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
- Stay in Australia for 18 months.
- Travel, work or study during your stay in Australia
- Include members of your family
- Become eligible for skilled visas and pathways to permanent residency
To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:
- be 35 years of age or under when you apply. *Exceptions apply
- be in Australia when you apply for this visa
- hold an eligible visa or have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
- qualify relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
- have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
- provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when you apply
- provide evidence you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check when you apply.
- provide evidence of the required level of English with your application.
2. Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills Stream
The visa includes the Core Skills Stream, Specialist Skill Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream. With this visa, you can:
- work in Australia for up to 4 years
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence
To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:
Those who successfully acquire further stay visas can be eligible for Skilled Migration. This allows for Permanent Stay in Australia through the following visas:
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
- workers with skills can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia
- You don’t need sponsors or nominators
- MUST be invited to apply
- MUST be under 45 years of age
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
- You must be nominated by the state or territory
- Must live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years
- Study, work, and stay in Australia permanently
- enrol in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare
- sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- if eligible, become an Australian citizen
Check specific requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. This page provides the latest details and eligibility criteria for all relevant visas.
Studyaway is your partner throughout your stay in Australia, and we will guide you every step of the way, from student visas to graduate, work, and permanent residency, through our team of experts.
Start Your Carpentry Journey with Studyaway!
Studying Carpentry, Building, and Construction in Australia offers strong job prospects and the opportunity to make a real difference.
At Studyaway, we provide expert support to help you choose the right course, manage visa options, and navigate your career path. With our affordable packages, we can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality.
Here are some further readings to support you: