Advice and Instructions

Apprenticeships in Cabinetmaking, Shopfitting, Joinery and Wood Machining

Issued: 23 December 2004

The Light Manufacturing Industry Training Board of NSW and the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia have raised concerns in the past regarding advice communicated to apprentices and employers with regard to enrolment in a number of apprenticeships.

In consultation with key industry groups and union representatives it was agreed that apprentices working in the kitchen industry may be enrolled in either Furniture Making (Cabinetmaking) or Off-Site Construction (Shopfitting) depending upon the requirements of the employer.

In order to determine the appropriate recognised trade vocation and qualification for the apprentice, the employer should look at the key business activities of their organisation and whether it has the ability to provide all the necessary facilities and opportunities for the apprentice to acquire the competencies contained in the relevant Certificate III Training Package qualification.

Additional qualifications which may be suitable for apprentices working in the kitchen industry include Certificate III in Off-site Construction (Joinery/Timber/Aluminium/Glass) and the Certificate III in Furniture Making (Wood Machining).

Coordinators with the New Apprenticeships Centres and Industry Training Advisors within the DET State Training Centres will be able to use the units of competency within each qualification to decide whether the apprentice will have the opportunity to acquire the on the job and off the job skills and knowledge required for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency for the selected trade.

The following information may be useful for selecting the appropriate trade and associated qualification:

Recognised Trade Vocation of Cabinetmaking
Name of Qualification: Certificate III in Furniture Making (Cabinet Making)
TAFE NSW Course No.: 7065
Training Package: Furnishing Industry
National Code: LMF30402
Normal Hours: 864Hrs

• This course is for apprentices who want to work in the cabinet making, kitchen, bathroom and built in furniture sector of the furnishing industry You will learn how to select timber; use hand and power tools; set up, operate and maintain a broad range of static wood working machinery; interpret plans; develop cutting lists and construct a range of furnishing items in solid timber and manufactured board; install furnishing items; select and apply furniture hardware; and estimate and cost
• You will also learn about occupational health and safety, communications, calculations and working with others

Recognised trade vocation of Shopfitting
Name of Qualification: Certificate III in Off-site Construction (Shopfitting)
TAFE NSW Course No.: 8121
Training Package: Off-Site Construction
National Code: BCF30100
Normal Hours: 864Hrs

• This course is for apprentice shopfitters You will gain the skills and knowledge that will enable you to work from plans and specifications to fabricate and install shopfront interior fixtures and fittings, showcases and counters, exhibition stands, office fitments, and demountable and fixed partitions
• Shopfitters work with timber, aluminum, steel, and glass using a wide range of hand and power tools and static machines in the manufacturing process

Recognised trade vocation of Joinery
Name of Qualification: Certificate III in Off-site Construction (Joinery Timber/Aluminum/Glass)
TAFE NSW Course No.: 8122
Training Package: Off-Site Construction
National Code BCF30200
Normal Hours: 864Hrs

• This course is for apprentice joiners You will gain the skills and knowledge that will enable you to work from plans and specifications to manufacture windows, doors and joinery units, and fabricate and install partitions
• You will also learn how to use a wide range of hand and power tools and a given range of static machines used in the joinery industry

Recognised Trade Vocation of Wood Machining
Name of Qualification: Certificate III in Furniture Making (Wood Machining)
TAFE NSW Course No.: 7093
Training Package: Furnishing Industry
National Code LMF30502
Normal Hours: 864Hrs

• This course is for apprentices who want to work in the furniture-making (Timber Joinery and Panel) sector of the furnishing industry You will learn how to select timber; use hand and power tools; set up, operate and maintain a broad range of manual, semi-automatic and CNC wood working machinery.; interpret plans; develop cutting lists and construct a range of furnishing items in solid timber and manufactured board; produce and maintain cutting tools; and estimate and cost
• You will also learn about occupational health and safety, communications, calculations and working with others.

Contacts for additional information on the appropriate recognised trade vocation and qualification can be found by contacting the Head Teacher at the TAFE institute delivering the qualification(s). A contact table is attached at Attachment A (PDF 64KB).

Approved by the Commissioner for Vocational Training

[Date : 23/12/2004]