National code: MSF30322

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

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Overview About this course

Carve out your dream career as a tech-savvy wood machinist. Learn to use computer numerical control (CNC) technology and craft beautiful timber furniture for a range of industries.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Use computer aided drawing (CAD) and computer aided machining (CAM)

  • Operate computer numerical control (CNC) technology

  • Work with timber, veneers, particle boards and synthetic woods

  • Mark out, cut and shape timber products

  • Fit hinges, locks, catches, drawers and shelves

  • Produce machine tooling such as cutters and knives

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at certificate III level

  • The skills to work from detailed drawings and specifications to make furniture

  • Experience using machinery to make a range of quality products such as window frames, stepladders, coffee tables, magazine racks and mouldings

  • Strong pathways to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

Apprenticeship

  • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

  • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

Non-apprenticeship

  • Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification

  • Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers

  • Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer

  • This course may be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Check your preferred campus page for more information.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • A genuine interest in woodworking and machinery

  • Some experience handling tools and equipment

  • An intermediate level of fitness to manage the physical demands of the role

  • Good computer and tech skills

  • Basic maths and communication skills

  • The ability to work as part of a team

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: woodmachinist in the furniture, forestry, kitchens and bathroom, flat panel and windows and joinery industries.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining) does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 25 units of competency, including 8 core and 17 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Use furniture making hand and power tools MSFFM2013

  • Produce manual and computer-aided production drawings MSFFM3030

  • Prepare cutting lists from design and production documentation MSFFM3031

  • Make measurements and calculations MSFGN2001

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

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