Carpentry is a critical component of Australia's thriving and rapidly growing building and construction industry. It serves both the commercial and residential markets, and enjoys a positive outlook over the next few years across the country.
About the Carpentry Licence
Carpentry is a specialist industry which requires extensive training in various fields. The hands-on practical experience can be acquired through both formal education from accredited training institutions, as well as practical experience and skills building. The latter can be converted into a nationally recognised qualification through a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway.
Skilled carpenters work directly with clients, or may be subcontracted to building contractors. Each state and territory has its own licensing and registration requirements. Some may issue carpentry licences while others require registration with accredited building practitioners and work under licensed builder supervision.
Competency and aptitude are crucial skills in the highly specialised carpentry trade. A career in carpentry typically starts with an apprenticeship before the individual becomes a journeyman. The ultimate goal is to reach the level of master carpenter.
Your registration or carpentry licence gives clients the guarantee that you have the required experience and qualifications to bid on larger contracts, carry out this specific area of building work, and to generally build your reputation as a professional carpenter.
Any carpenter who fails to operate under a proper licence may be sanctioned through penalties or fines, depending on the territory or state. Penalisation will result in difficulty obtaining a carpentry licence in future.
How to Apply
While each state and territory has its own compliance requirements and qualifications for a carpentry licence, the Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery or Certificate III in Carpentry are typically required. If you have not obtained these qualifications through the typical TAFE certificate or an equivalent diploma, you may obtain the qualification through recognition of prior learning. RPL recognises the experience and skills you developed while learning the trade.
Sufficient evidence of years of hands-on practical training and experience will go a long way towards proving your competency in the carpentry trade.
Assessment of your skills via RPL enables you to save time and money, as you don't have to take up a course from start to finish. By proving that you have met the outcomes of the qualification, you could become qualified in a matter of weeks. RPL is a legitimate pathway that allows you to achieve your qualification based on experience gained already, thus saving on study time.
Please contact your state’s licensing body for up to date information as requirements do change. Skills Certified Australia is not an RTO or licensing body
