So, you’re thinking about becoming a carpenter. To become a qualified carpenter, you need to start somewhere. For many tradies, the first step is to undertake a carpentry apprenticeship. 

Becoming a carpentry apprentice seems pretty straightforward, but there is more to than you might initially think. There are some universal questions people often ask themselves. What is a carpentry apprenticeship exactly? What does it involve? What kind of work can you expect to do? 

To give you a better idea, we will take a look into what a carpentry apprenticeship actually is, what you’ll do on the job and in class, how best to prepare yourself for a carpentry apprenticeship and where it can lead your career. 

How to Become a Carpenter

For many who work in Building and Construction, the end goal is to become a fully qualified carpenter. Here’s how you can do it through CWBTS:

• Enrol and complete a Certificate III in Carpentry 
• Find an employer to complete your apprenticeship with 
• Complete a Certificate IV or Diploma in Building and Construction 
• Apply for your Builders Registration/Licence through your state regulation body 

In short, a carpentry apprenticeship combines hand-on training alongside a skilled professional with structured learning with a registered provider – such as CWBTS. To become an apprentice carpenter, you’ll need to undertake a course such as the CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry. This certificate will lay the foundations for your career, giving you the knowledge, carpentry skills, and technical training needed to carry out everyday carpentry tasks and processes, while teaching you how to use a range of industry standard tools and equipment.

What do Carpentry Apprentices do?

If the idea of working with your hands, building customized structures and spending time on construction sites appeals to you, then a carpentry apprenticeship ticks all the right boxes. 

During your on-the-job training, some of the tasks you’ll complete as an apprentice will include: 

• Reading blueprints
• Choosing and ordering timber and other materials
• Measuring, cutting and assembling materials together
• Creating items such as tables, chairs and cabinets
• Nailing panels together
• Fitting exterior wall claddings and window frames
• Inspecting damaged structures
• Making repairs and alterations

The Certificate III in Carpentry is a full-time course which is delivered over 3-4 years. During your apprenticeship, you’ll be trained on your worksite removing the travel and time costs of travelling to a campus every week. Throughout your course you will also be expected to complete written and practical assessments to measure your problem-solving skills and carpentry knowledge as you progress. 

Carpentry Apprenticeship Wages

One of the main perks of a carpentry apprenticeship is that you’ll be earning a wage the entire time.  According to PayScale, the average rates for a carpenter apprentice in Australia are:

• $15.01 – $21.98 per hour
• $22,665 – $47,012 per year

it is important to keep in mind that your earnings will increase throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. You’ll either move up to the next level in pay based on how long you’ve been working, or if you’ve demonstrated a certain level of competency.

Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll start earning the wages of a fully qualified carpenter. How much you get paid from there depends on a few different factors. Your salary will change depending on who you work for, if that’s a company or yourself, the kind of carpentry career you pursue and how experienced you become.

Careers in Construction 

When you become an apprentice carpenter, you’re setting yourself up for a solid career in the building and construction industry. The industry is always evolving, and there are always new opportunities opening up across a range of different areas. 

In NSW alone, 38,000 homes are built each year. It is because of this that the demand for qualified carpenters is strong. When looking towards your future, you’ll have plenty of chances to apply your carpentry skills and make a lasting impact on society. 

When it comes to career progression, the power is in your hands. You might continue working for your employer, tackling bigger and better projects. Or, you might decide to take a leap and start your own small business. Whatever it is, as long as you have the right skills all doors are open to you. 

In terms of education, it is possible for carpentry apprentices to futher their study and look into other building and construction courses. As a graduate of the CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry, you’ll be eligible to enrol in the CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building).

Armed with this qualification, you’ll have the carpentry skills and knowledge needed to become a licensed builder, start your own business, or work towards employment in more supervisory roles.

If you wanted to continue your education further still, you could enrol in  CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building). With a Diploma under your belt, there are a variety of roles available to you, including project supervisor, building manager, job site supervisor, estimator, project manager or foreperson.

Study at CWBTS

Like what you’re reading so far? When completing a carpentry apprenticeship, you can expect a great experience. Plus, if you study with us at CWBTS, we’ll make your experience even more rewarding. 

We take great pride in our commitment to our students. Because of this, you’ll learn from some of the best in the business, be nurtured every step of the way, and have access to our solid network of connections. We believe that our 1500+ successful graduates across 120 locations are a testament to the commitment we show our students and the quality of our courses. 

If you’re ready to begin your carpentry apprenticeship, or would simply like more information about our building and construction courses, get in touch with us and we’ll walk you through the details.

With completion rates well above industry averages, trainers who remain leaders of their professions and free registration mentoring sessions, it’s no wonder that CWBTS was a finalist in the 2018 NSW Small Training Provider of the Year. Let us help you build your future. Get in touch here of give us a call on 1300 4 CWBTS.