Course description
Are you looking to start a cabinet making apprenticeship? This trade-level qualification designed for apprentices will give you the skills to specialise in cabinet or furniture making. You will learn measurements and calculations, environmentally sustainable work practices, to estimate and cost jobs, how to use hand and power tools, manual and computer-aided production drawings, manufacture of fitted furniture, installation of fitted furniture, manufacture of free-standing furniture, and applying stains, polishes and decorative finishes.
Possible career outcomes
- Cabinet maker - furniture
- Cabinet maker - kitchens and bathrooms
Applications & attendance
Applications for this course are not currently open.
Please contact customer service on 1300 769 279 during business hours to discuss upcoming intake dates.
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants
To become an apprentice or trainee, you will first need to find an employer willing to employ you. An Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider can assist you with this and will also start your application and enrolment process. Find a local provider here
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Full Year East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 15 Dec 2025 |
Class Day | Part Time Timetable supplied once admitted |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Year 11 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Work placement requirements
- Applicants recruited by employers must generally require year 10 or 11, however, many prefer year 12.
Apprenticeship and traineeship requirements
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communicate in the workplace | MSMSUP102 | 20 |
| Make measurements and calculations | MSFGN2001 | 30 |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | MSMENV272 | 30 |
| Prepare cutting lists from design and production documentation | MSFFM3031 | 16 |
| Produce manual and computer-aided production drawings | MSFFM3030 | 60 |
| Read and interpret work documents | MSFGN3005 | 24 |
| Use furniture making hand and power tools | MSFFM2013 | 40 |
| Work in a team | MSMSUP106 | 30 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Apply surface coatings by spray gun | MSFFF2014 | 60 |
| Assemble furnishing products | MSFFM2019 | 20 |
| Determine and document requirements for cabinetry installation | MSFFM3041 | 48 |
| Estimate and cost job | MSFGN3006 | 16 |
| Fabricate cabinetry | MSFFM3042 | 80 |
| Install cabinetry | MSFFM3043 | 50 |
| Operate basic static machines safely | MSFFM2018 | 56 |
| Prepare for cabinetry installation | MSFKB2003 | 12 |
| Produce angled and curved components using solid timber | MSFFM3027 | 64 |
| Select and apply hardware | MSFFM2014 | 16 |
| Set up, operate and maintain automated edge banding machines | MSFFM3038 | 60 |
| Set up, operate and maintain computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining and processing centres | MSFFM3045 | 80 |
| Set up, operate and maintain planing and finishing machines | MSFFM3035 | 40 |
| Set up, operate and maintain routing and shaping machines | MSFFM3037 | 60 |
| Set up, operate and maintain sawing machines | MSFFM3032 | 24 |
| Store and handle dangerous goods and hazardous substances | TLID0021 | 40 |
| Work safely | MSMWHS200 | 30 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Hands-on projects
- Written assignments
- Exam
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.68 | per hour | 1006 | AUD $684.00 | AUD $15,732.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $3.40 | per hour | 1006 | AUD $3,420.00 | AUD $15,732.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $18.88 | per hour | 1006 | AUD $18,993.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | AUD $875.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $150.90 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Resource Fee | AUD $60.00 | Once per year | charged at enrolment | ||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.