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MSF30322 | CRICOS: 114314A

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

Gain the entry-level skills required to kick start you career in cabinet making and timber technology. Complete this course as an apprenticeship so you can work and train at the same time to become a qualified solid timber or wood machinist or cabinet maker.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Darling Downs and South West Wide Bay Burnett North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY Apprenticeships and traineeships International
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 2 years View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
International

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

$25,200

Course overview

Kick start your career in furniture finishing with this entry-level qualification. Complete this course as an apprenticeship so you can work and train at the same time.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as wood trades workers (including furniture finishers) is expected to see stable future growth. Opportunities are available in manufacturing, retail trade and construction with employers looking for workers who are reliable, work well in a team, and have a strong work ethic. 

In this course you will gain skills in making and repairing fine timber products using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based materials. You will learn processes from design through to production including producing manual and computer-aided drawings, using power tools and wood machines, and undertaking jobs within cost and time constraints. Within this course you may specialise in producing free-standing furniture such as dining and bedroom suites, antiques and office furniture; or you may learn the skills required for the manufacture and installation of kitchen and bathroom fittings.

Successful completion of either the furniture or kitchen and bathroom pathway will qualify you as a cabinet maker so you can continue to progress your trade career.

What can I do?

  • Solid Timber Machinist
  • Machining Technician
  • Wood Machinist
  • Wood Trades Worker
  • Cabinet Maker (Furniture)
  • Cabinet Maker (Kitchens and Bathrooms)

Course outcome:

Depending on elective units completed you will achieve:

 

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Furniture) or

 

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens and Bathrooms) or

 

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Marine Cabinetry) or

 

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining)

Free apprenticeships

The Queensland Government is providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications to support Queenslanders. Eligible qualifications have been chosen based on skills demand and advice from industry. If you’re eligible for funding, your course costs will be covered by the state government. Learn more> 

World-class facilities

At TAFE Queensland you’ll learn all the hands-on skills you need to thrive in your studies and career, in world-class training facilities fitted with the latest industry tools and equipment.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 17 elective units from the list below. 

Elective units will be selected in consultation with your employer and included on your training plan.

Course outcome will be dependant on elective units completed:

  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Furniture)
    • 5 units from list below
  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens and Bathrooms)
    • 5 units from list below
  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Marine Cabinetry)
    • 5 units from list below
  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining)
    • 7 units from list below

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFFM2013
    Use furniture making hand and power tools
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFFM2013
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use hand and power tools to perform common furniture making tasks such as cutting, joining, planning and sanding wood and other materials
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use furniture making hand and power tools

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFFM3030
    Produce manual and computer-aided production drawings
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFFM3030
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make manual and computer-aided drawings to support manufacture and assembly in cabinet and furniture making, wood machining and other industries. Workers with this competency use discretion, judgement and problem solving to apply their knowledge of manufacture and assembly to the drawing process.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Produce manual and computer-aided production drawings

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFFM3031
    Prepare cutting lists from design and production documentation
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFFM3031
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret various types of design and production documentation to prepare cutting lists and other information for subsequent processing operations in industries such as cabinet and furniture making and wood machining. Workers with this competency follow established procedures using discretion, judgement and problem solving.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare cutting lists from design and production documentation

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFGN2001
    Make measurements and calculations
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFGN2001
    Unit description :

    This unit of competency covers taking measurements and making calculations for furnishing tasks undertaken in a variety of sites and locations.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Make measurements and calculations

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFGN3005
    Read and interpret work documents
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFGN3005
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency is applied in industries where workers interpret and apply information from documents such as standards, codes, specifications, instructions, and work plans and procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Read and interpret work documents

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSMENV272
    Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    MSMENV272
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with environmental regulations, identify environment issues and minimise the risks of negative impact on work and carry out improvements in own work area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSMSUP102
    Communicate in the workplace
    UNIT CODE :
    MSMSUP102
    Unit description :
    This unit applies to personnel who are required to communicate clearly and accurately to record messages, seek clarification, access needed information, relay information to other people and complete workplace documentation.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate in the workplace

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSMSUP106
    Work in a team
    UNIT CODE :
    MSMSUP106
    Unit description :
    This unit applies to team members who are required to use interpersonal and communication skills to plan, organise and complete their work activities according to instructions and with limited discretionary powers.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work in a team

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Acacia Ridge
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Bracken Ridge
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Ashmore
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Nambour
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Toowoomba
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Bundaberg
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Cairns
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Townsville - Trade Training Centre Bohle
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Acacia Ridge
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
2 years
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Acacia Ridge

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Acacia Ridge
On Campus
14 Jul 2025
2 years
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Acacia Ridge

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ashmore
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
2 years
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Ashmore

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ashmore
On Campus
14 Jul 2025
2 years
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Ashmore

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $25,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to domestic students:

To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. View more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that students have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for students to use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Personal protective equipment:

  • safety glasses - students must wear these at all times in the workshop, or any eye hazard area as specified by the teacher
  • protective footwear - safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
  • ear protection - ear muffs or ear plugs that conform to the Australian Standard AS 1269 or 1270.
  • hair protection - long hair (i.e. hair below collar length) must be restrained (hat, headband, or hair tie)
  • protective clothing (100% cotton drill) - sleeved cotton work wear or employer supplied uniform must be worn at all times

Students failing to meet these minimum standards of dress will not be permitted entry in to practical classes.

Materials list:

  • training record book
  • scale rule: metric 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:10
  • set square:  60°, 30°, 45° (size 8 or 10)
  • folding meter rule (carpenters)
  • metre scale 8 m tape
  • pens
  • pencil HB, 2H and 4H
  • eraser
  • pencil sharpener
  • calculator (non-scientific is fine)

Courses may require different resources, depending on your study location.

Placement

International students
Some qualifications require students to participate in vocational placement to successfully complete and achieve their TAFE Queensland award. If vocational placement is a course requirement it will be organised by your School/Faculty and you will be provided with all the information you need to prepare. Remember you are responsible for ensuring you have met all the requirements to participate in vocational placement.

Confidentiality
During these placements, you may become familiar with information that is confidential to that workplace (for example financial or business affairs, personal affairs and family background of staff and clients, technical information, trade secrets, know-how, formulae, processes, ideas, and inventions). You must not divulge any confidential information that you become aware of during a placement. Breaches of confidentiality will be considered to be acts of behavioural misconduct and may result in disciplinary action.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more