Become a Qualified Carpenter in Australia
Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220), Your pathway to a rewarding career and permanent residency
- Fast Track: Complete in just 52 weeks
- Long Track: Comprehensive 104-week program
- Earn $65,000–$100,000+ as a qualified carpenter
- Listed on MLTSSL for skilled migration visas
* PR outcomes depend on individual eligibility and current migration policy
52
Weeks Fast Track
104
Weeks Long Track
$100K+
Qualified Salary
MLTSSL
Listed Occupation
High
Demand Australia
What is Certificate III in Carpentry?
Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) is Australia’s nationally recognized trade qualification for carpenters. This comprehensive course trains you to construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials in residential and commercial settings.
As a qualified carpenter, you’ll work across diverse projects including house framing, roof construction, formwork, fitting doors and windows, building stairs, and installing timber flooring. Carpenters are essential to Australia’s booming construction industry.
Key Course Details:
- Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)
- ANZSCO Code: 331212 (Carpenter)
- Fast Track: 52 weeks (1 year accelerated)
- Long Track: 104 weeks (2 years comprehensive)
- Delivery: Practical training + classroom learning
Choose Your Carpentry Course Track
We offer two flexible pathways to suit your timeline, budget, and career goals
Fast Track Course
Complete in 52 Weeks (1 Year)
52
Weeks Duration
Ideal For:
- Students wanting faster qualification
- Those with limited visa time remaining
- Career changers seeking quick entry
- Students with prior construction experience
Course Features:
- Intensive practical training schedule
- Accelerated theory modules
- Same nationally recognized qualification
- Full PR pathway eligibility
LongTrack Course
Complete in 104 Weeks (2 Years)
104
Weeks Duration
Ideal For:
- Students preferring a relaxed study pace
- Those wanting extended visa stay in Australia
- Students balancing work and study
- Complete beginners to construction
Course Features:
- More time for practical skill development
- Extended industry placement hours
- Same nationally recognized qualification
- Full PR pathway eligibility
Is Your Current Pathway Leading to PR?
Many international students struggle with expensive courses that don’t guarantee employment or permanent residency. A carpentry qualification solves these common challenges:
Struggling to Find Sponsored Work?
Carpenters are in critical shortage across Australia. Employers actively seek qualified carpenters for sponsorship opportunities on 482 and 186 visas.
Running Out of Visa Time?
A carpentry apprenticeship extends your stay while you earn income and build skills that directly qualify for multiple PR pathways including 189 and 190 visas.
University Degree Not Working?
Trade qualifications cost less than university degrees and offer better employment outcomes. Earn $25,000-$55,000 during training while building your PR pathway.
Why Choose a Carpentry Course in Australia?
Carpentry offers unmatched advantages for international students seeking permanent residency
MLTSSL Listed Occupation
Carpenter (331212) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, giving you access to 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186 visa pathways.
Job Security
Australia faces a critical shortage of carpenters with over 18,000 positions unfilled. High demand ensures long-term employment security.
MLTSSL Listed Occupation
Carpenter (331212) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, giving you access to 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186 visa pathways.
Regional Opportunities
Carpenters are highly sought in regional Australia, making you eligible for 491/494 regional visas with easier PR conversion.
Employer Sponsorship
Qualified carpenters are prime candidates for employer-sponsored visas (482 TSS and 186 ENS) leading directly to permanent residency.
Skills Assessment Ready
Certificate III + work experience qualifies you for TRA skills assessment, a key requirement for skilled migration applications.
Business Opportunities
Start your own carpentry business after gaining experience. Many carpenters earn $150,000+ as independent contractors.
Hands-On Training
Learn practical skills through real construction projects. Gain experience in residential, commercial, and specialized carpentry work.
What You'll Learn in Certificate III Carpentry
This comprehensive course covers all aspects of residential and commercial carpentry:
Floor Systems
Construct floor frames and sub-floors
Floor Systems
Construct floor frames and sub-floors
Floor Systems
Construct floor frames and sub-floors
Floor Systems
Construct floor frames and sub-floors
Entry Requirements for Carpentry Course
Requirements for onshore international students seeking to enrol in Certificate III in Carpentry
Employer Sponsorship
- Year 10 or equivalent completed
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Pre-apprenticeship may be required
English Requirements
- IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent)
- PTE Academic 42+ overall
- Cambridge English FCE
Visa & Other Requirements
- Valid Australian visa with work rights
- Physical fitness for construction work
- White Card (Construction Induction)
Carpentry PR Pathway Options
Multiple visa pathways available for qualified carpenters in Australia
* Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and current migration policy
- Most Popular
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa
- No sponsorship required
- Points-based selection (65+ points)
- Direct permanent residency
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
Subclass 190
State Nominated Visa
- State/territory nomination required
- 60+ points (plus 5 nomination bonus)
- Direct permanent residency
- 2-year commitment to nominating state
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional
- Regional sponsorship
- 50+ points (plus 15 bonus)
- 5-year provisional visa
- Pathway to 191 PR after 3 years
Subclass 482
Employer Sponsored TSS
- Employer sponsorship required
- No points test
- Up to 4-year visa
- Pathway to 186 PR visa
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
- Direct employer nomination
- Direct permanent residency
- No points test required
- 3+ years experience or TRT stream
Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate Visa
- For recent graduates
- 18 months to 4 years
- Full work rights
- Gain Australian work experiencet
How The Migration Helps You Succeed
Our comprehensive support from course enrolment to PR application
1
Free Assessment
We evaluate your background, visa status, and goals to recommend the best pathway
2
Course Enrolment
We connect you with reputable training providers and assist with enrolment
3
Visa Support
Student visa, extensions, and post-study visa applications handled professionally
4
PR Application
Skills assessment and skilled migration application support when you're ready
Student Success Stories
Real students who built successful careers through carpentry
“I was on a student visa with an IT degree but couldn’t find sponsored work. The Migration helped me switch to carpentry. After completing my apprenticeship, I got employer sponsorship and am now a permanent resident working as a site carpenter.”
Raj S.
Former IT Graduate → Qualified Carpenter
“I was on a student visa with an IT degree but couldn’t find sponsored work. The Migration helped me switch to carpentry. After completing my apprenticeship, I got employer sponsorship and am now a permanent resident working as a site carpenter.”
Ahmed K.
Visa Extension Student → Carpenter
“Coming from a non-construction background, I was unsure if carpentry was right for me. The Migration assessed my situation and connected me with the right training provider. Best decision I’ve made for my Australian future.”
Wei L.
Hospitality → Carpentry Apprentice
Carpentry Career Progression in Australia
From apprentice to business owner — carpentry offers excellent career growth opportunities:
1. Apprentice Carpenter
$25,000 - $55,000 | 3-4 years training
2. Qualified Carpenter
$65,000 - $85,000 | Full trade certificate
3. Senior Carpenter / Foreman
$85,000 - $110,000 | 5+ years experience
4. Contractor / Business Owner
$120,000 - $200,000+ | Own your business
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Certificate III in Carpentry and PR pathways
Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) is Australia's nationally recognized trade qualification for carpenters. It trains you to construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials in residential and commercial settings. We offer two pathways: a 52-week Fast Track course and a 104-week Long Track course.
The 52-week Fast Track is an intensive program designed for students who want to complete their qualification quickly — ideal for those with limited visa time or prior construction experience. The 104-week Long Track offers a more relaxed study pace with extended practical training hours — perfect for students balancing work and study or those seeking a longer visa stay in Australia. Both tracks lead to the same nationally recognized Certificate III qualification and are eligible for PR pathways.
Choose the 52-week Fast Track if you: want to qualify quickly, have limited visa time remaining, are a career changer seeking quick entry, or have prior construction experience. Choose the 104-week Long Track if you: prefer a relaxed study pace, want extended visa stay in Australia, need to balance part-time work with study, or are completely new to construction. Our consultants can help you decide based on your specific situation.
Yes, international students with valid Australian visas that include work rights can undertake a carpentry course. You'll need a student visa (subclass 500) or other visa with work rights. Both our 52-week and 104-week courses are designed for onshore international students. The Migration can assess your visa situation and recommend the best pathway for your circumstances.
Yes, Carpenter (ANZSCO 331212) is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This means qualified carpenters may be eligible for skilled migration visas including Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (State Nominated), 491 (Skilled Work Regional), 482 (Employer Sponsored), and 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas. Eligibility depends on meeting individual requirements and current migration policy.
Carpentry salaries vary by experience level. Qualified carpenters earn $65,000-$85,000, while experienced senior carpenters and foremen can earn $85,000-$110,000+. Independent contractors and business owners often earn $120,000-$200,000+ depending on their workload and specialty.
Entry requirements include: Year 10 or equivalent education, English proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent), valid Australian visa with work rights, physical fitness for construction work, and a White Card (Construction Induction Card). Requirements are the same for both the 52-week and 104-week courses. The Migration can help assess your eligibility and guide you through the enrolment process.
Carpentry focuses on structural work — framing, roofing, formwork, and building structures on construction sites. Joinery involves precision woodwork — making doors, windows, stairs, cabinets, and furniture, typically in a workshop setting. Both are separate trade qualifications, though there is some overlap. Carpentry is generally more in-demand for skilled migration purposes.