Certificate II in Furniture Making

You’ll learn to build high-quality furniture in this practical pre-apprenticeship course (external link) .

 We'll ensure you're ready to enter the trades industry by introducing you to a range of basic production skills including:

use of hand and power tools making measurements and calculations timber joining furniture assembly finishing and surface coating.

You’ll also learn about workplace safety and environmentally-sustainable work practices.

When you graduate from this course, you’ll have a broad understanding of the industry and be prepared to choose your career path.

You’ll have the skills and knowledge to gain employment as an apprentice and undertake further study such as the Certificate III in Cabinet Making.

To be awarded the MSF20313 Certificate II in Furniture Making, a student must successfully complete a total of thirteen (13) units, comprising of:

• five (5) core units, and;

• eight (8) elective units, of which:
• one (1) unit must be selected from Group A;
• four (4) units must be selected from Group B, with a maximum of two (2) units coded MSS, and;
• three (3) units may be selected from the MSF Furnishing Training Package, other endorsed training packages and/or accredited courses. Units must be aligned at Certificate II level (maximum 3 units) or Certificate III level (maximum 1 unit) as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS:

• MSFFM2001 - Use furniture making sector hand and power tools
• MSFGN2001 - Make measurements and calculations
• MSMENV272 - Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
• MSMSUP102 - Communicate in the workplace
• MSMSUP106 - Work in a team

ELECTIVE UNITS:

Group A

• MSMWHS200 - Work safely

Group B

• MEM16008A - Interact with computing technology
• MSAPMSUP201A - Receive or despatch goods
• MSFFF2004 - Prepare surfaces for finishing
• MSFFF2006 - Apply surface coatings by spray gun
• MSFFM2002 - Assemble furnishing components
• MSFFM2003 - Select and apply hardware
• MSFFM2004 - Apply sheet laminates by hand
• MSFFM2005 - Join solid timber
• MSFFM2006 - Hand make timber joints
• MSFFM2007 - Follow plans to assemble production furniture
• MSFFM2010 - Set up and operate basic static machines
• MSFFM2011 - Apply manufactured board conversion techniques
• MSFFM2012 - Set up, operate and maintain pressure and clamping machines
• MSFKB2001 - Prepare for cabinet installation
• MSFKB2002 - Provide assistance in cabinet installation
• MSMSUP240 - Undertake minor maintenance
• MSMSUP273 - Handle goods
• MSS402001 - Apply competitive manufacturing practices

Group C: Certificate II Level

• CPCCOHS2001A - Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

Group C: Certificate III Level

• CPCCWP3002A - Apply waterproofing process to internal wet areas
• MSFFM3005 - Fabricate custom furniture
• MSFKB3001 - Identify processes in kitchen and bathroom projects
• MSFKB3005 - Fabricate cabinets for the built-in environment

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

• CPCCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge required to perform the manufacture of free-standing furniture or built-in cabinets, and provide on-site assistance in the installation of furniture or cabinets involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes. It reflects vocational outcomes for those performing assistant cabinet maker, assistant installer of built-in cabinets, and production operator within a cabinet making enterprise. Cabinets include free-standing and built-in furniture or fitted cabinets, such as those used in kitchens and bathrooms. Skills are also included that cover assisting in the installation or renovation of kitchens and bathrooms and other fitted cabinets, which involves collaboration with others through members of a group or team. This qualification does not cover shopfitting. Meaningful involvement of industry is essential to achieving this qualification outcome.

This qualification is suitable for persons employed in furniture making as described above. It also applies to persons who are formally engaged in a traineeship in accordance with the Australian Apprenticeships policy. The MSF20516 Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways is the appropriate qualification for VET delivered to secondary students.