Overview
Build the framework for a career in construction with a Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30220.
This is a trade qualification for currently employed apprentices who have a registered training contract through Australian Apprenticeships in residential and commercial workplaces. It includes setting out, manufacturing, constructing, assembling, installing and repairing products made using timber and non-timber materials.
Upon completion, you may seek employment as a:
- Carpenter - Commercial
- Carpenter - Formwork
- Carpenter – Residential.
Completion of the general construction induction training program, specified in the Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work, is required by anyone carrying out construction work. Achievement of 'CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry' meets this requirement.
This course is ideal for carpentry apprentices in both housing and commercial construction.
Multi-million dollar trades facilities
You'll learn in our multi-million dollar trades facilities at our Sunshine Campus.
Our ‘Construction Futures’ hub is a sustainable training facility with a six-Star Green rating. It provides modern high-tech labs and dynamic workshops including:
- concrete laboratory
- survey laboratory
- engine laboratory
- soldering/construction laboratories
- power systems laboratory
- computer workstations with simulation and modelling software.
Hands-on learning & industry links
Everything you learn at Victoria University Polytechnic has direct links to the real world. You’ll learn practical skills at our Construction Hub, giving you the chance to test out your theoretical knowledge. Learning a trade with us means you’ll get the hands-on learning to be job-ready when you graduate.
You’ll learn from teachers who have valuable industry contacts and the latest industry-standard skills. You’ll also develop links with industry and professional experience through:
- site visits
- industry projects
- live work
- industry endorsed workshops
- industry simulation.
Study support
Victoria University Polytechnic is a supportive place to study. We have a range of academic support programs that can help you if you're struggling with your studies.
We can help you with your assignments and assessment tasks, maths, writing skills and English-language support, as well as showing you effective ways to study and manage your time and preparation. Our study support programs include:
- workshops and study groups
- student mentors and peer learning
- maths and writing resources.
We also have disability support services and counselling services available to all students.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced Victoria University Polytechnic course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
VU Polytechnic carpentry apprentice Khamh Bik Thawng was awarded the 2020 Master Builders Association of Victoria's Building Industry Foundation Award.
Read the full article.
Careers in construction
Construction is a large employing industry and trade workers are vital to Construction.
According to Labour Market Insights, part-time jobs are rare and there is opportunity for young people with training and experience to pursue management jobs when they are older.
The Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30220 provides you with the skills and knowledge to prepare you for careers, including:
- Commercial Carpenter
- Formwork Carpenter
- Residential Carpenter.
Three VU Polytechnic carpentry apprentices from the Geelong area swept the 2021 Master Builders Victoria Apprentice of the Year southwest region awards.
VU Polytechnic carpentry apprentice Khamh Bik Thawng received the 2020 Master Builders Association of Victoria’s Building Industry Foundation Award.
VU Polytechnic carpentry apprentice Ben Taylor received the Master Builders Association of Victoria’s 2020 State Apprentice of the Year.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
The course structure comprises the following core and elective units. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback.
To be awarded the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry, a student must successfully complete a total of Thirty Four (34) units of competency, comprising of:
- Twenty Seven (27) core units, and;
- Seven (7) elective units, of which:
- a minimum of five units must be selected from Group A
- the remaining can be selected from Group A or Group B
- a maximum of two units can be selected from any group or current training package, as long as it contributes to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome and maintains the AQF level of this qualification.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
Core units
Elective units
For students - Sunshine Location
Group A - Specialist Electives
For students - Geelong Location
Group A - Specialist Electives
Group B - Specialist Electives
-
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSF2005
CREDIT TRANSFER ONLY
Group A - Specialist Electives
Imported Units
Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers
Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT), and must be approved by VU Polytechnic.
Learning outcomes
CPC30120 Certificate III in Carpentry qualification provides a trade outcome in carpentry in both housing and commercial construction.
Occupational titles may include:
- Carpenter - Commercial
- Carpenter - Formwork
- Carpenter - Residential workplaces
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
As part of the application process, applicants must complete a Pre-training Review (PTR) and undertake a literacy and numeracy (LN) assessment to determine suitability for admission.
This course has local admission requirements:
- Applicants must be employed as an apprentice. Applicants must have a training contract with their employer, this contract must be registered with the VRQA and the apprentice must have been issued with an Epsilon number.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Apply direct to VU using our admission centre, submit applications for one or more courses, track and save your progress and upload additional information.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
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Contact VU Polytechnic
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
