Trade courses for international students in Australia

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There are several trade courses for international students in Australia to choose from whether you’re interested in bricklaying or painting and decorating. 

A lot of our students work within the industry to support their studies, meet new people and gain further knowledge of the world of construction.

Whether you’re interested in working on commercial projects or you can see yourself running your very own business one day, a trade course will give you the practical and theoretical skills required. It’s an exciting way to learn too as most courses are taught in the classroom, workshop and even through an apprenticeship.

You might be wondering:

• How much does it cost to study carpentry in Australia?
• How long does it take to become a bricklayer?
• How do you become a qualified painter?
• What qualifications do I need to be a carpenter in Australia?
• Do you need a qualification to lay bricks?

Below, find out everything you need to know about trade courses in Australia from Carpentry to Building and Construction courses for international students.

What qualifications do I need to be a carpenter in Australia?

To become a fully certified carpenter in Australia, you need to complete Certificate III in Carpentry. 

Anyone who works on a construction site is also required to complete construction induction training and must obtain a white card through a registered training organisation. You can learn more about obtaining your white card on our website.        ​

How do you become a qualified painter?

To become a painter in Australia, it is advisable to complete Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.  

You will also need to complete construction induction training and must obtain a white card through a registered training organisation. 

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Entry requirements for Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)

A carpentry course for international students in Australia has no prerequisite requirements.  

To apply for Certificate III in Carpentry, you must meet the below criteria:

• You must be over the age of 18
  
• You must have completed Year 11 or equivalent
  
• Your IELTS score must be 5.5 or more with no individual band less than 5.0 ​
  

What will I learn while studying Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)?

Certificate III in Carpentry for international students is designed to teach you the skills required to become a carpenter in both residential and commercial settings. 

The course is a combination of both theoretical and practical units, which cover topics including: manufacturing, constructing, installing and repairing products.  

Below, find some of the skills you will acquire while studying Certificate III in Carpentry:

• How to carry out measurements and calculations
• How to identify construction work hazards
• How to use and handle carpentry tools and materials
• How to interpret plans, specifications and drawings for carpentry work 
• How to perform construction calculations​

How much does it cost to study carpentry in Australia?

The cost of carpentry courses in Australia vary depending upon the education provider, level of certificate or degree and location.

To find out more, contact our expert team today. 

What career pathways can I take after studying Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)?

Certificate III in Carpentry is designed to give students the practical skills required to work in the construction industry. Jobs will vary but the overall goal is to learn how to build safe, sustainable buildings for Australians to live, work and socialise in.   

Career opportunities can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Carpenter
• Stair builder
• Joiner
• Finish carpenter
• Trim carpenter

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Entry requirements for Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220) 

There are no prerequisite requirements for Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining.

To apply for Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining, you must meet the below criteria:
​

• You must be over the age of 18
• You must have completed Year 11 or equivalent
• Your IELTS score must be 5.5 or more with no individual band less than 5.0 ​

What will I learn while studying Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220)?

Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining is designed to teach students the basics. For instance, how to create, renovate and extend projects using your newfound plastering and building skills. Some students may even go on to earn their trade licence in order to found their own business.
 
Below, find some of the practical skills you will acquire while studying Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining:

• How to mix plastering compounds
• How to fix fibre cement boards
• How to carry out measurements
• How to complete levelling procedures

Alongside practical skills, the course is also designed to teach you attributes which will help you to push ahead in the building industry from effective communication to problem solving.

Entry requirements for Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020) 

Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying for international students is designed to teach you the skills required to become a bricklayer from carrying out important measurements and calculations to using industry tools safely. There are no prerequisite requirements for this qualification.

To apply for Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying, you must meet the below criteria:

• You must be over the age of 18
  
• You must have completed Year 11 or equivalent
  
• Your IELTS score must be 5.5 or more with no individual band less than 5.0 ​
  

What will I learn while studying Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020)?

Certificate III in Bricklaying is designed to equip students with the skills required to venture into the industry. Students will have the opportunity to learn the trade in workshops and through apprenticeships.

Alongside practical skills, the course is also crafted to teach students essential attributes which will come in handy regardless of the industry you choose. You will learn how to collaborate with others, how to problem solve and how to communicate effectively with clients and your team.

Below, find some of the practical skills you will acquire while studying Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying:

• How to use industry tools safely 
  
• How to read and interpret specifications
  
• How to carry out measurements and calculations
  

Do you need a qualification to lay bricks?

Bricklayers are usually required to complete formal training usually alongside an apprenticeship. You also need a White Card to work in construction in Australia. 

Additional requirements vary between states so it’s important to check with the relevant authority in the state in which you work.

How long does it take to become a bricklayer?

The average length of course ranges from 52 weeks to 102 weeks. 

However, the length of Certificate III in Bricklaying will depend on location, level of certificate/degree and the education provider. Get in touch with our expert team for further information.

What career pathways can I take after studying Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020)?

Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying will provide you with the skills required to carve a career in the industry through lectures, workshops and an apprenticeship. You will forge the foundation required to continue your studies or even start your own business one day. 

Career opportunities can include but are not limited to, the following:

• Bricklayer
• Heritage bricklayer
• Paver

What are the entry requirements for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30611)? 

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is designed to teach you the skills required to become a painter and decorator. There are no prerequisite requirements for this qualification.

To apply for Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, you must meet the below criteria:

• You must be over the age of 18
  
• You must have completed Year 11 or equivalent
  
• Your IELTS score must be 5.5 or more with no individual band less than 5.0 ​
  

What will I learn while studying Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30611)?

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is designed to teach students the skills required to become a licensed painter and decorator. 

Below, find some of the practical skills you will acquire while studying Certificate III in Painting and Decorating:

• How to achieve your client’s vision
• How to apply paint using various tools
• How to apply wallpaper 
• How to create textured surfaces 

Alongside these practical skills, you will also be encouraged to develop attributes which will prove invaluable regardless of the career you choose from the ability to collaborate with others to working independently when necessary. 

What career pathways can I take after studying Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30611)?

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is crafted to give students the skills required to become a painter and decorator. 

Even if you decide to pursue a different career path, you will have gained invaluable life skills such as workplace communication, how to carry out measurements and calculations and how to work safely. 

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What are the entry requirements for Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)?

Certificate IV in Building and Construction for international students is a nationally recognised qualification that you can utilise across Australia. There are no prerequisite requirements for this qualification.

To apply for Certificate IV in Building and Construction, you must meet the below criteria:

• You must be over the age of 18
  
• You must have completed Year 11 or equivalent
  
• Your IELTS score must be 5.5 or more with no individual band less than 5.0 ​
  

What will I learn while studying Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)?

Certificate IV in Building and Construction is designed for students who would like to further their career in the industry either as a builder or construction manager. The course will teach you how to operate your own business using your newfound skills and knowledge.

Alongside these practical abilities, students will also be encouraged to learn how to effectively work in a team, strengthen communication skills and develop a strong work ethic.  

Below, find some of the practical skills you will acquire while studying Certificate IV in Building and Construction:

• How to follow building codes for residential and commercial projects
• How to create construction contracts and follow legal requirements to projects
• How to manage small business finances 
• How to implement environmentally sustainable work practices 
• How to estimate building costs
• How to supervise projects

What career pathways can I take after studying Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)?

A step up from Certificate III, the course is designed to enable students to progress their career within the building industry so that you can manage your own construction business and/or projects.

Career opportunities can include but are not limited to, the following:

• Construction manager
• Builder
• Business manager
• Business owner
• Site supervisor​
  ​

This course may give you the technical qualification you need to apply for a Low Rise Builders
Licence. You will need to check with the relevant authority in the state in which you work.

To learn more about what it’s like to work in the Australian construction industry, head over to our student blog for a diary by Labour Revolution.

Can I package my trade course with another course?

Yes! Depending on your choice, you can apply for one student visa with multiple courses. 

Remember, that course lengths will vary slightly depending upon the college so make sure you carefully check them before applying.

Some of the possible course packages: 

• Certificate III in Painting and Decorating + Certificate III in Carpentry + Diploma of Building & Construction (Building). 
• Certificate III in Carpentry + Diploma of Building & Construction (Building). 

The Study Online Australia team were all international students once too so we know what we’re talking about! If you are interested in studying a trade course, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for free advice and information.