Working as a Commercial Carpenter you will be a key player in the construction of high end complex commercial or industrial builds, and/or fit outs. You will work with non-wood materials which include steel and concrete, and have the ability to operate tools, machines and other equipment. You will read and interpret plans, and comply with local building codes and work health and safety regulations.

Summary of Training

  • Use carpentry tools and equipment
  • Handle carpentry materials
  • Carry out general demolition of minor building structures
  • Carry out setting out
  • Install flooring systems
  • Construct and erect wall frames
  • Construct ceiling frames
  • Erect roof trusses
  • Construct pitched roofs
  • Construct eaves
  • Install windows and doors
  • Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs
  • Install exterior cladding
  • Install lining, panelling and moulding
  • Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work
  • Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground
  • Apply basic levelling procedures
  • Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  • Work safely at heights
  • Carry out concreting to simple forms
  • Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • Conduct workplace communication
  • Carry out measurements and calculations
  • Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements
  • Carry out levelling operations
  • Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  • Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies
  • Set up, operate and maintain indirect action powder-actuated power tools          
  • Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
  • Construct tilt panels on site
  • Place and fix reinforcement materials
  • Install dry wall passive fire-rated systems
  • Assemble partitions       
  • Arc weld reinforcement steel

Please note that this Job & Training Description provides an example of the selection of non-core units. Alternative combinations of units may be selected and in some cases prerequisite units may need to be completed. For advice contact Apprenticeship Network providers or an approved Registered Training Organisation.

This Australian Apprenticeship occupation may attract incentives under the Australian Government Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System. For more information contact an Apprenticeship Network provider, call the Australian Apprenticeships referral line on 13 38 73, or look at the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive page

Job Pathways

Construction, Plumbing and Services

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This occupation fits generally with these groupings

Industry Group
Construction & Electrical

Work Type
Analytic & Investigative
Manual & Realistic

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Employment and wage data for this industry

Commencements Change

The change in Australian Apprenticeships commencements in this overall industry in the past two years. Commencements in 22/23: 27397

Source: VOCSTATS, extracted on 18/10/2023. AATIS analysis.

Graduate Employment

Australian Apprentice graduates from this overall industry in employment (in any industry).

Source: NCVER National Student Outcomes Survey, 2020, unpublished. AATIS analysis.

Graduate Wage

Average wage of Australian Apprentice graduates from this overall industry employed full-time after training.

Source: NCVER National Student Outcomes Survey, 2020, unpublished. AATIS analysis.

Industry Growth

Predicted growth in employment in this overall industry over the next 5 years.

Source: National Skills Commission, 2022. AATIS analysis.

Industry Size

The number of employees in this overall industry compared with other Australian industries.

Source: National Skills Commission, 2022. AATIS analysis.

Industry Wage

Average wage of employees in this overall industry.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022. AATIS analysis.

Availability Information

Commercial Carpenter - CPC30220
NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Commencements 3395 4025 2655 725 650 380 310 85
ASbA
Availability of Australian Apprenticeships and Nominal Duration (in months)

A Qualification registered by a State or Territory as available as an Australian Apprenticeship may not be eligible for public funding support, check with the relevant State or Territory Training Authority.

Nominal durations listed are for full time occupations, stated in months. In some cases nominal durations provided may not include the completion of pre-requisites. This data is sourced from State and Territory Training Authorities and is provided for information only and must be confirmed with these authorities.

Commencements

Commencement data source: National Apprentices and Trainees collection, VOCSTATS, extracted 18/10/2023, rounded estimates for April 2022 to March 2023. This data is for general information purposes only.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbA)

This information generally reflects availability of ASbAs that may contribute to study scores. In some cases full-time or part-time ASbAs allow an individual to start training in a qualification that can be completed after they leave secondary school. Please note that applicable industrial arrangements must allow for ASbAs. Visit our Australian School-based Apprenticeships page for more detailed information.

Next Steps

Who to contact next ...

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Where to ask wages questions ...

The Fair Work Ombudsman is the source of information on wages across industries and occupations. The FWO provides apprenticeship and traineeship specific information.

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Training provider and incentives information

Each state and territory lists Registered Training Organisations they approve to deliver apprenticeships and traineeships. Access these sites here, as well as information on incentives.

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