Start your carpentry apprenticeship
Become a qualified carpenter in 3-4 years, earning a wage from day one. No full-time classroom. Real work, real skills, real results.
1500+ apprentices trained
Earn while you learn
Get paid from day one while gaining your qualification. No student debt, you’re an employee earning a wage while you learn.
We’ll help you find an employer
We can connect you with employers in our industry network who are looking for committed apprentices like you. We’ll help match you based on what trade you want, where you live, and what you’re after.
Earn while you learn
Get paid from day one while gaining your qualification. No student debt, you’re an employee earning a wage while you learn.
We’ll help you find an employer
We can connect you with employers in our industry network who are looking for committed apprentices like you. We’ll help match you based on what trade you want, where you live, and what you’re after.
On-site learning
You’ll learn on real construction sites, not stuck in a classroom. Work alongside qualified tradies who’ll teach you the skills you actually need. Our trainers visit you at work to check how you’re going, and you can do the theory online when it suits you.
About this apprenticeship
A carpentry apprenticeship is the best way to get your trade qualification without sitting in a classroom full-time. You’ll work alongside experienced carpenters on real job sites, and get paid to do it.
At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll hold a CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry, a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors right across Australia.
What you'll learn on the job
During your apprenticeship you’ll develop practical skills across a wide range of construction tasks, the kind of skills employers actually need on site:
- Reading and interpreting building plans
- Framing walls, floors, and roofs
- Installing doors and windows
- Laying flooring and decking
- Working with timber frames and trusses
- Scaffolding and working at heights
- Workplace health and safety (WHS)
- Measurements, calculations, and tool use
Units
The CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry is made up of core and elective units. As an apprentice you’ll work through these progressively on the job, with your Everthought trainer assessing your competency at your worksite.
| Core Units | |
| CPCCWHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry |
| CPCWHS3001 | Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies |
| CPCCOM1012 | Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry |
| CPCCOM1014 | Conduct workplace communication |
| CPCCOM1015 | Carry out measurements and calculations |
| CPCCOM3001 | Perform construction calculations to determine carpentry material requirements |
| CPCCCA3025 | Read and interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work |
| CPCCCA2002 | Use carpentry tools and equipment |
| CPCCCA2011 | Handle carpentry materials |
| CPCCCM2008 | Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding |
| CPCCCM2012 | Work safely at heights |
| CPCCCO2013 | Carry out concreting to simple forms |
| CPCCCA3001 | Carry out general demolition of minor building structures |
| CPCCCA3002 | Carry out setting out |
| CPCCCM2006 | Apply basic levelling procedures |
| CPCCOM3006 | Carry out levelling operations |
| CPCCCA3003 | Install flooring systems |
| CPCCCA3004 | Construct and erect wall frames |
| CPCCCA3005 | Construct ceiling frames |
| CPCCCA3006 | Erect roof trusses |
| CPCCCA3007 | Construct pitched roofs |
| CPCCCA3008 | Construct eaves |
| CPCCCA3028 | Erect and dismantle formwork for footings and slabs on ground |
| CPCCCA3010 | Install windows and doors |
| CPCCCA3024 | Install lining, panelling and moulding |
| CPCCCA3016 | Construct, assemble and install timber external stairs |
| CPCCCA3017 | Install exterior cladding |
| Elective Units | |
| CPCCCA3012 | Frame and fit wet area fixtures |
| CPCCCA3014 | Construct and install bulkheads |
| CPCCCM2002 | Carry out hand excavation |
| CPCCCA3027 | Set up, operate and maintain indirect action powder-actuated power tools |
| CPCCOM1013 | Plan and organise work |
| CPCCSF2004 | Place and fix reinforcement materials |
| CPCCCM3001 | Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres |
Career opportunities
Carpentry is one of the most in-demand trades in Australia. Once you’re qualified, your options are wide open:
- Work for a residential or commercial construction company
- Specialise in formwork, shopfitting, or roof carpentry
- Start your own business as a self-employed carpenter
- Move into a site supervisor or construction management role
- Work anywhere in Australia, the qualification is nationally recognised
The construction industry isn’t slowing down, and qualified carpenters are always needed.
Qualification
CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
Duration
4 years
Location
Employers worksite (Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia)
Entry Requirements
- Minimum working age
- White Card (General Construction Induction) / CPCWHS1001
- Access to tools and equipment as per FERC
- Registered apprenticeship *
From school leaver to carpentry apprentice
Rylee had just finished school and wanted to work in construction. We matched him with Rise Projects in South West Rocks, where he’s learning carpentry skills on real jobs. Our flexible training means he spends most of his time on site getting paid and learning from experienced carpenters, with online theory he can do in his own time.
Frequently asked questions
If you still have questions, our team will be happy to help. Please reach out at info@everthought.edu.au.
- Completion of Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Assessment (not necessarily a barrier to entry)
- Employed in a registered apprenticeship*
- Access to the internet
- Evidence of completion of pre-requisite units if not provided by Everthought
*A training contract is a legally binding agreement between the employer and the apprentice or trainee. In signing the training contract, both parties are bound by certain obligations expressed in the contract. The training contract sets out the terms of the apprenticeship or traineeship, which are agreed to by both the employer and the apprentice or trainee.
- QLD: Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438
- WA: Everthought College of Construction, RTO 51681
- NSW: Everthought Education Pty Ltd, RTO 32438 (This training is subsided by the NSW government).
The Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) typically takes 3-4 years to complete, depending on your progress. Our competency-based approach means you can complete units as you demonstrate proficiency, potentially finishing sooner.
Apprentice wages are set by the Building and Construction General On-site Award. Your pay increases each year as you progress. It’s not a full trade wage from the start, but you are earning while you learn, which puts you well ahead of full-time study.
Absolutely. There’s no upper age limit. We work with school leavers, career changers, and people re-entering the workforce.
Qualified carpenters can work as residential or commercial carpenters, formwork carpenters, shopfitters, or cabinetmakers. You can also start your own carpentry business, work as a site supervisor, or progress to building and construction management roles.
Become a qualified carpenter with Everthought
- info@everthought.com.au
- 1300 728 996
