Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

Cabinet making is the trade of creating and installing cabinets, furniture, joinery and timber fixtures for homes and commercial spaces. Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (MSF30322) is the nationally recognised qualification, completed as an apprenticeship. 1300apprentice employs you, places you with a host employer and pays you to learn on the job. Explore building and construction apprenticeships.

Units of competency

• Read and interpret work documents, specifications, plans and production drawings
• Carry out measurements and calculations and prepare cutting lists
• Select and prepare materials for furniture and cabinetry production
• Fabricate and assemble furniture and cabinetry relevant to the selected specialisation
• Install cabinetry, fixtures and fittings where included in the selected units
• Prepare surfaces, fit hardware and apply finishes where included in the selected units
• Use furniture-making hand tools, power tools and selected machining equipment safely

What You’ll Learn

In a cabinet making apprenticeship, you can expect to learn a variety of skills essential to the trade. These include:

Woodworking and Carpentry

• Fabricate, repair and refurbish wooden furniture
• Marking out, cutting and shaping wood
• Make frames for chairs
• Mark out, cut and shape timber products
• Fit hinges, locks, catches, drawers and shelves
• Install furniture.

Design and Engineering

• Work from drawings to make furniture to specifications
• Use computer-aided drawing (CAD) and computer-aided machining (CAM)
• Operate computer numerical control (CNC) technology

Material Handling and Processing

Work with timber, veneers, particle boards and synthetic woods

Tooling and Machining

Produce machine tooling such as cutters and knives

Entry requirements

• No formal prerequisites; an eye for detail and finished work helps
• Employment as an apprentice (1300apprentice can employ and place you)
• A Unique Student Identifier (USI); a White Card where site work is involved
• Open to school leavers, mature-age career changers and school-based apprentices

Cabinet making vs carpentry

Cabinetmakers craft furniture, cabinets, kitchens and joinery in a workshop; carpenters build the structure of buildings on site. If you enjoy precise, finished timber work, cabinetmaking is the fit. Compare the Certificate III in Carpentry, or read how to become a carpenter.

The Cabinetmaker Apprentice

If you’re considering starting a career as a cabinetmaking apprentice, here are some skills that apprentices usually have:

• Practical and manual work: Cabinetmaking apprentices should have the physical strength to lift and maneuver materials and the manual skills to craft precise components by hand.
• Interest in woodworking and machinery: An interest in the craft of woodworking and machinery can help students thrive in this role.
• Collaboration and adaptability: Cabinetmaking often involves teamwork and adapting to changing project requirements, so apprentices should be capable of coordinating with others and adjusting to different situations.
• Maths and communication skills: Proficiency in basic mathematics is important for accurate measurements and calculations, while effective communication skills help to collaborate with colleagues and understand project requirements.
• Precision and craftsmanship: A keen eye for detail and the ability to produce high-quality, precise workmanship are essential traits for apprentices.

Strengthen career outcomes

• Cabinet maker (furniture)
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinetmaker
• Joiner and shopfitter (with further training)
• Pathway to running your own cabinet making business

For experienced workers, note that recognition of prior learning (RPL) may apply. See indicative pay on explore salaries.

What Do We Help You With at 1300apprentice?

If you’re looking to learn cabinet making, 1300apprentice supports you with:

• Wages: Weekly wages for hours worked
• Allowances: Payment of allowances if applicable
• Annual leave & loading: Paid time off and leave loading during holidays
• TAFE/RTO fees: Payment of RTO/TAFE fees if applicable
• Mentoring & support: Guidance and assistance throughout the apprenticeship
• Workplace health & safety/personal protective equipment (WHS/PPE): Ensuring a safe working environment and providing necessary safety gear.

Explore Our Building Construction Apprenticeships

If you’re looking to complete a building construction apprenticeship, 1300apprentice provides the opportunities.

Certificate III in Carpentry

Learn the skills required to become a qualified carpenter, including framing, roofing, and finishing work.

Certificate III in Civil Construction

Gain expertise in civil construction projects such as roadworks, drainage systems, and earthmoving.

Certificate III in Plumbing

Master the trade of plumbing, including installation, maintenance, and repair of water and drainage systems.

Certificate III in Shopfitting

Specialise in fitting out retail and commercial spaces with fixtures, displays, and furnishings.

Certificate III in Signs and Graphics

Learn the art of sign making, including design, fabrication, and installation of signs and graphics.

Certificate III in Spatial Information Services

Explore the field of spatial information technology, including geographic information systems (GIS) and surveying.

Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining

Develop skills in installing and finishing wall and ceiling linings using a variety of materials.

The 1300apprentice difference

Since 1985, we’ve helped companies connect with different apprentices across 40 industries. We offer mentoring and comprehensive support to ensure a rewarding apprenticeship experience.

Read more: How 1300apprentice supports you

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a cabinet making apprenticeship in Australia?

A cabinet making apprenticeship usually takes 3 to 4 years, combining paid on-the-job work with off-the-job training. The exact length depends on your progress and competency.

What is the difference between cabinet making and carpentry?

The difference between cabinet making and carpentry is that cabinetmakers craft furniture, cabinets and joinery, usually in a workshop, while carpenters build the structure of buildings on site. The trades share timber skills but differ in focus.

What does Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (MSF30322) cover?

A Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology MSF30322 covers reading plans, machining timber, constructing furniture and cabinets, installing joinery, and applying finishes and hardware, completed as a nationally recognised apprenticeship.

Do you need qualifications to start a cabinet making apprenticeship?

There are no formal prerequisites to start a cabinet making apprenticeship. 1300apprentice can employ you and place you with a host employer.

How much do cabinet making apprentices get paid?

Cabinet making apprentices are paid award wages that increase each year of the apprenticeship, so you earn while you learn. See our explore salaries page for indicative rates.

Can I get my cabinet making Certificate III through RPL?

If you already have significant industry experience, recognition of prior learning may apply. Talk to our team about whether an apprenticeship or an RPL pathway suits your situation.