Commissioner's Information Bulletin 683

Light Manufacturing

Furnishing - Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Date of effect: 14 June 2019

Updated: 13 November 2020

In this Commissioner's Information Bulletin (CIB) two additional School Based Apprenticeships (SBAs) are added for the Educational Pathways Pilot Program (EPPP) launch. The apprenticeship vocations are:

  • Furnishing - Cabinet Making (Furniture)
  • Furnishing - Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms)

The associated qualification MSF31113 is located in the MSFv4.0 Furnishing Training Package.

All other Vocational Training Orders remain unchanged.

Superseded Bulletin

This Commissioner's Information Bulletin supersedes Bulletin 617.

Qualifications, structure and packaging

Transition arrangements

Industrial arrangements

Competency based progression

Competency based completion

School based apprenticeships and traineeships

Licensing and regulatory arrangements - apprenticeships

Part-time apprenticeships

Registered training organisations

Funding arrangements

Inspecting Vocational Training Orders

Enquiries

To sign up an apprentice or trainee call 1800 020 108. To find a job in an apprenticeship or traineeship search here.

For implementation of new pathways in relation to this Training Package profile please contact this Tim Cleary NSW ITAB Mobile: 0438 252 622.

David Collins
The Commissioner for Vocational Training

Job descriptions

Apprenticeships

Cabinet Making Certificate III apprentices will learn the skills and knowledge at trade-level for those working in furniture making and those involved in the manufacture and installation of fitted furniture typically in a kitchen, bathroom and related context. Installation skills may be applied to new or renovation work. There are two pathways offered within the Certificate III in Cabinet Making targeting the skill requirements of free-standing furniture makers and kitchen and bathroom cabinet makers and installers.

Flooring Technology Certificate III apprentices will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform flooring technology tasks, including preparing flooring surfaces, including polished concrete floors; and installing and finishing carpet, resilient, vinyl and timber flooring materials and polished concrete floors.

Furniture Finishing Certificate III apprentices will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform a wide range of tasks associated with the preparation of surfaces and applying stairs, coatings and finishes to furniture in manufacture or repair. Participation in teams, including group or team coordination may be required.

Glass and Glazing Certificate III apprentices will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of glass and glazing job roles, including safely manufacturing, processing, moving and installing various types of glass and handling glazing materials and components. The vocational outcomes for those performing glass processing, glazing or architectural glass functions in residential and commercial operations and could include manufacturing, processing, installation and stained glass and lead lighting design.

Picture Framing Certificate III apprentices will learn the skills and knowledge required to prepare design requirements for framing and use mouldings and mat to frame pictures, artwork, and textiles, including use of glass and glazing materials, where required.

Timber and Composites Machining Certificate III apprentices will learn the skills and knowledge to perform timber and composites machining for the manufacture of furniture, cabinetry, windows and doors and other components utilising a range of specialist machinery and includes preparing and working from drawings and cutting lists. The skills include static and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine setup, operation maintenance and basic troubleshooting.

Upholstery Certificate III apprentices will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform upholstery including dismantling and reassembling furniture, selecting, cutting, sewing and fitting fabric and leather upholstery materials and producing bose covers. Specialisation is available in this qualification depending on electives.

Traineeships

Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles Certificate III trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to design, construct, install and repair interior and exterior blinds and awnings and security screens and grilles using a range of materials, fixtures and fittings for residential and commercial premises.

Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Interior Spaces Certificate IV trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to design kitchens, bathrooms and interior spaces to meet client requirements. It targets those designing kitchens, bathrooms and other interior spaces that typically feature built-in cabinetry and furniture. Employment outcomes include small business operators in kitchen and bathroom design or produce supply, and specialist design personnel.
This qualification is typically used to develop specialist kitchen and bathroom design skills. However, units in the qualification also support the application of design skills to other interior spaces. It is suitable for those working in the kitchens and bathroom industries or with furnishing, joinery or cabinet making skills in order to prepare them for providing a design service in the industries.

Furnishing Certificate II trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform basic finishing industry tasks used in a range of industry jobs roles.


Furniture Design and Technology Certificate IV trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform design of furniture and the application of the design into a finished furniture product. This qualification is streamed to reflect three complementary occupational outcomes in the areas of:

  1. Fine furniture making – with a focus on skills required to design and produce individual fine furniture for display or custom production
  2. Furniture design – with a focus on skills required to design furniture for volume production
  3. Furniture production – with a focus on purchasing, quality assurance and specialist techniques
    This is a senior qualification with scope for entry from relevant trade and non-trade backgrounds.

Furniture Making Certificate II trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform the manufacture of free-standing or built-in cabinets, and provide on-site assistance in the installation of furniture or cabinets. 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.

Furniture Making Certificate III trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of skills at trade-level for those working in furniture making and those involved in the manufacture and installation of fitted furniture typically in a kitchen, bathroom and related context. Installation skills may be applied to new or renovation work.

Soft Furnishings Certificate III trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform soft furnishing sewing, selection, manufacture and installation of curtains and drapes and/or blinds with required fittings and may include production administration, quality assurance and manufacture of bedspreads, linen and soft furnishing accessories.

Competency Based Progression

Note: Competency based progression applies to apprentices employed under some awards. For more information see Industrial arrangements or part-time nominal terms.

Apprenticeships with a full-time nominal term of 48 months or part-time nominal term of 72 months - direct entry.
The rate of progress will be determined as follows:

Stage of apprenticeship

Entry, progression and exit requirements

Stage 1

Nil entry requirements.

Progression to Stage 2

Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to stage 2:

  • on attainment of 25% of the total units of competency for the relevant qualification as specified in the training plan

or

  • 12 months after commencing Stage 1 (full-time apprentices)

and

  • 18 months after commencing Stage 1 (part-time apprentices) whichever is earlier

Progression to Stage 3

Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to Stage 3:

  • On attainment of 50% of the total units of competency for the relevant qualification as specified in the training plan

or

  • 12 months after commencing Stage 2 (full-time apprentices)

and

  • 18 months after commencing Stage 2 (part-time apprentices) whichever is earlier

Progression to Stage 4

Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to Stage 4:

  • on attainment of 75% of the total units of competency for the relevant qualification as specified in the training plan

or

  • 12 months after commencing Stage 3 (full-time apprentices)

and

  • 18 months after commencing Stage 3 (part-time apprentices) whichever is earlier

Exit
  • Upon attainment of 100% of the units of competency for the relevant qualification as specified in the training plan.
  • On successful completion of the qualification, the parties may apply to the Commissioner for Vocational Training for completion of the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships with a full-time nominal term of 36 months or part-time nominal term of 54 months - reduced from full-time nominal term of 48 months where the apprentice holds the lower level qualification specified in the VTO.

The rate of progress will be determined as follows:

Stage of apprenticeship

Entry, progression and exit requirements

Apprentices enter Stage 2

Progression to Stage 3

Apprentices progress to Stage 3:

  • on attainment of 50% of the total units of competency for the relevant qualification as specified in the training plan

or

  • 12 months after commencing Stage 2 (full-time apprentices)

and

  • 18 months after commencing Stage 2 (part-time apprentices) whichever is earlier

Progression to Stage 4

Apprentices progress to Stage 4:

  • on attainment of 75 % of the total units of competency for the relevant qualification as specified in the training plan

or

  • 12 months after commencing Stage 3 (full-time apprentices)

and

  • 18 months after commencing Stage 2 (part-time apprentices) whichever is earlier

Exit
  • Upon attainment of 100% of the units of competency for the relevant qualification as specified in the training plan.
  • On successful completion of the qualification, the parties may apply to the Commissioner for Vocational Training for completion of the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Furnishing - Cabinet Making (Furniture) - Apprenticeship ^

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 13 November 2020
Qualification MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Furniture)

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Furniture) by direct entry
    • 48 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Furniture) where the apprentice holds MSF20313 Certificate II in Cabinet Making
    • 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Furniture)

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.


Educational Pathways Pilot Program (EPPP) ^

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 42 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 50 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

3 months

Furnishing - Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms) - Apprenticeship ^

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 13 November 2020
Qualification MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms)

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms) by direct entry
    • 48 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms) where the apprentice holds MSF20313 Certificate II in Cabinet Making
    • 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms)

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.


Educational Pathways Pilot Program (EPPP) ^

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 42 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 50 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

3 months

Furnishing - Flooring Technology - Apprenticeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 4 April 2014
Updated 11 January 2019
Qualification MSF30818 Certificate III in Flooring Technology

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF30818 Certificate III in Flooring Technology by direct entry
    • 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF30818 Certificate III in Flooring Technology where the apprentice holds MSF20113 Certificate II in Furnishing
    • 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF30818 Certificate III in Flooring Technology

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

3 months

Furnishing - Furniture Finishing - Apprenticeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 4 April 2014
Qualification MSF30113 Certificate III in Furniture Finishing

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF30113 Certificate III in Furniture Finishing
    • 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

3 months

Furnishing - Glass and Glazing - Apprenticeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 30 January 2019
Qualification MSF30418 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF30418 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
    • 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF30418 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

3 months

Furnishing - Picture Framing - Apprenticeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 11 January 2019
Qualification MSF30518 Certificate III in Picture Framing

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF30518 Certificate III in Picture Framing by direct entry
    • 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF30518 Certificate III in Picture Framing where the apprentice holds MSF20113 Certificate II in Furnishing
    • 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

  • up to and including 24 months - 2 months
  • greater than 24 months - 3 months

Furnishing - Timber and Composites Machining - Apprenticeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 4 April 2014
Qualification MSF30313 Certificate III in Timber & Composites Machining

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF30313 Certificate III in Timber & Composites Machining
    • 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF30313 Certificate III in Timber & Composites Machining

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

3 months

Furnishing - Upholstery - Apprenticeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 4 April 2014
Qualification MSF30713 Certificate III in Upholstery

Terms of apprenticeship

Full-time:

  • MSF30713 Certificate III in Upholstery
    • 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF30713 Certificate III in Upholstery

The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

3 months

Traineeships

Furnishing - Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles - Traineeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 14 June 2019
Qualifications MSF30913 Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles

Terms of traineeships

Full-time:

  • MSF30913 Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles
    • 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF30913 Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles where the trainee holds MSF20113 Certificate II in Furnishing
    • 24 months or until relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

2 months

Furnishing - Kitchen and Bathroom Design - Traineeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 14 June 2019
Qualification MSF40318 - Certificate IV in Kitchen and Bathroom Design

Terms of traineeship

Full-time:

  • MSF40318 - Certificate IV in Kitchen and Bathroom Design by direct entry
    • 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF40318 - Certificate IV in Kitchen and Bathroom Design - 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds one of the following qualifications:
    • MSF31013 Certificate III in Interior Decoration Retail Services
    • MSF31113 Certificate in Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms)

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is

  • up to and including 24 months - 2 months
  • greater than 24 months - 3 months

Furnishing - Furnishing - Traineeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 4 April 2014
Qualification MSF20113 Certificate II in Furnishing

Terms of traineeship

Full-time:

  • 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF20113 Certificate II in Furnishing

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

2 months

Furnishing - Furniture Design and Technology - Traineeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 4 April 2014
Qualification MSF40213 Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Technology

Terms of traineeship

Full-time:

  • MSF40213 Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Technology by direct entry
    • 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF40213 Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Technology - 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds:
    • MSF30113 Certificate III in Furniture Finishing or
    • MSF30213 Certificate III in Furniture Making or
    • MSF30313 Certificate III in Timber and Composites Machining or
    • MSF30143 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing or
    • MSF30518 Certificate III in Picture Framing or
    • MSF30613 Certificate III in Soft Furnishing or
    • MSF30713 Certificate III in Upholstery

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

2 months

Furniture - Furniture Finishing - Traineeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 4 April 2014
Qualifications MSF20213 Certificate II in Furniture Furnishing

Terms of traineeships

Full-time:

  • 12 months or until relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

MSF20213 Certificate II in Furniture Furnishing

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

2 months

Furniture - Furniture Making - Traineeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 26 November 2010
Updated 4 April 2014
Qualification

Terms of traineeship

Full-time:

  • MSF20313 Certificate II in Furniture Making by direct entry
    • 12 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF30213 Certificate III in Furniture Making by direct entry
    • 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF30213 Certificate III in Furniture Making where the trainee holds MSF20313 Certificate II in Furniture Making
    • 24 months or until relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based

MSF20313 Certificate II in Furniture Making

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

2 months

Furnishing - Soft Furnishing - Traineeship

Vocational Training Order

Date of effect 27 April 2012
Updated 4 April 2014
Qualification MSF30613 Certificate III in Soft Furnishing

Terms of traineeship

Full-time:

  • MSF30613 Certificate III in Soft Furnishing by direct entry
    • 24 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
  • MSF30613 Certificate III in Soft Furnishing where the trainee holds MSF20113 Certificate II in Furnishing
    • 12 months or until relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

2 months
Page last updated: 13 November 2020