In this bulletin:
Date of effect: 28 April 2023
Updated: 28 June 2024
In this Commissioner's Information Bulletin (CIB) the licensing and regulatory arrangements have been updated.
All other Vocational Training Orders remain unchanged.
Superseded bulletin
This Commissioners Information Bulletin supersedes Bulletin 683.
David Collins
The Commissioner for Vocational Training
Vocational Training Orders
Apprenticeships
Date of effect
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Coopering)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
3 months
Date of effect
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Drafting)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds MSF20322 Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
3 months
Date of effect
27 April 2012
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30322 – Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Furniture)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds MSF20322 - Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
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 Program (EPP) ^
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
Date of effect
27 April 2012
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens and Bathrooms)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds MSF20322 Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
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 Program (EPP) ^
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
Date of effect
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Marine Cabinetry)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds MSF20322 - Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
3 months
Date of effect
4 April 2014
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
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
Date of effect
4 April 2014
Updated
23 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30822 Certificate III in Flooring Technology
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds MSF20122 Certificate II in Furnishing
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
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
Date of effect
27 April 2012
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30122 Certificate III in Furniture Finishing
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
3 months
Date of effect
27 April 2012
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
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
Date of effect
27 April 2012
Updated
23 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30518 Certificate III in Picture Framing
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds MSF20122 Certificate II in Furnishing
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
Date of effect
27 April 2012
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30722 Certificate III in Upholstery
Terms of apprenticeship
Full-time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
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
Date of effect
14 June 2019
Updated
23 April 2023
Qualification
MSF30919 Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
- 24 months or until relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds MSF20122 Certificate II in Furnishing
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF20322 Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 12 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
4 April 2014
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF20122 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
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
Date of effect
4 April 2014
Updated:
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF40222 Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Manufacturing
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds:
- MSF30122 Certificate III in Furniture Finishing, or
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology, or
- MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing, or
- MSF30518 Certificate III in Picture Framing or
- MSF30722 Certificate III in Upholstery
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
26 November 2010
Updated
28 April 2023
Qualification
MSF20313 Certificate II in Furniture Making
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
MSF20313 Certificate II in Furniture Making
- 12 months or until relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
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
Date of effect
14 June 2019
Qualification
MSF40318 - Certificate IV in Kitchen and Bathroom Design
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds MSF31018 Certificate III in Interior Decoration Retail Services or MSF33022 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (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
Job descriptions
Apprenticeships
Cabinet Making and Timber Technology Certificate III apprentices will learn specialisations dependent on their selected stream. There are six pathways offered within the Certificate III in Cabinet Making targeting the skill requirements several specialisations:
- Furniture apprentices learn the skills and knowledge at trade-level for those working in the making of free-standing furniture makers;
- Kitchen and Bathroom apprentices lean the skills and knowledge of 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.
- Marine Cabinetry apprentices lean the skills and knowledge for the manufacture and installation of fitted furniture and cabinetry on boats and yachts. Installation skills may be applied to new or renovation work.
- Wood Machining 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.
- Coopering stream is used for the making or repairing barrels, vats, casks and like articles for the processing, packaging, storage and dispatch of win, brandy and other potable spirits, and liqueurs.
- Drafting apprentices earn the skills and knowledge at trade-level which are similar to that of the Furniture and Kitchen and Bathroom streams, with a greater emphasis on drafting and CAD use.
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.
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.
Cabinet Making and Timber Technology Certificate II apprentices will learn the skills to work at a production operation or assistant level in the construction, manufacture and installation of timber and composite products, including furniture and cabinetry. Individuals may be multi-skilled or work in a single area such as furniture making or kitchen and bathroom construction and installation. This qualification is not appropriate for vocational education and training delivered to secondary students.
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.
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:
- Fine furniture making – with a focus on skills required to design and produce individual fine furniture for display or custom production
- Furniture design – with a focus on skills required to design furniture for volume production
- 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.
Kitchen and Bathroom Design 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.
More about Furnishing - apprenticeships and traineeships
The MSFr8.0 Furnishing Training Package includes the following qualifications that support apprenticeship and traineeship pathways:
Apprenticeships
- MSF30122 Certificate III in Furniture Finishing
- MSF30322 - Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
- MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
- MSF30518 Certificate III in Picture Framing
- MSF30722 Certificate III in Upholstery
- MSF30822 Certificate III in Flooring Technology
Traineeships
Apprentices employed under the following awards are able to progress through the apprenticeship on the achievement of competencies rather than time served.
- Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020
- Joinery and Building Trades Award 2020
- Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020
- Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020
The rate of progress is based on the nominal term of direct entry or advanced entry (where the apprentice holds a lower level qualification specified in the VTO) into the apprenticeship.
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.
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:
or
and
|
Progression to Stage 3 | Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to Stage 3:
or
and
|
Progression to Stage 4 | Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to Stage 4:
or
and
|
Exit |
|
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:
or
and
|
Progression to Stage 4 | Apprentices progress to Stage 4:
or
and
|
Exit |
|
On successful completion of the relevant qualification
- parties may apply to the Commissioner for Vocational Training for completion of the apprenticeship/traineeship prior to the nominal completion date of the training contract or;
- Training Services may issue letters from the Commissioner to both parties inviting them to consider competency based completion if it has received advice from the training organisation that the apprentice or trainee is eligible to receive their qualification.
Download a Request for Competency Based Completion form.
Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish an apprenticeship or traineeship, whether full-time, part-time or school based will not be approved unless the Commissioner for Vocational Training is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.
Apprentices and trainees may be employed under the following awards:
- Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020*
- Joinery and Building Trades Award 2020*
- Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020*
- Supported Employment Services Award 2020
- Timber Industry Award 2020
- Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020*
*Competency Based Progression applies to apprentices employed under this Award.
All private sector employers and employees in New South Wales are covered by the national industrial relations system administered by the Fair Work Commission (the Commission). The industrial instrument that applies is a national (modern) award or a current enterprise agreement registered with the Commission. Further information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman by telephoning 13 13 94 or via their website.
Educational Pathways Program (EPP) ^
This model is only available to those students participating in the School Based Apprenticeship (SBA) Educational Pathways Program (EPP). This program allows students at participating public schools to commence a SBA between Term 4, Year 11 and the first week of Term 1, Year 12. Participants are required to undertake 50% of the normal SBA Stage 1 requirements, and in return, are able to accrue two units of credit to the HSC and 6 months credit to their apprenticeship. See Guidelines for further information and pilot eligibility. The following apprenticeship pathways are available for this program:
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Furniture)
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens and Bathrooms)
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining)
The following qualifications are suitable for delivery in schools.
School Based Apprenticeships
- MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
- MSF30722 Certificate III in Upholstery
- MSF30822 Certificate III in Flooring Technology
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Furniture)
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens and Bathrooms)
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Wood Machining)
School Based Traineeships
- MSF20122 Certificate II in Furnishing
The school-based traineeship pathways are endorsed subject to the following units of competency not being delivered at school for licensing, safety and insurance reasons:
- MSFFF3010 Match and make up colours
- MSFFDT4023 Setup, operate & maintain basic static woodworking machines for furniture designs
- MSFFM2016 Join solid timber
- MSFFM3034 Set up, operate & maintain joining machines
- MSFFM3035 Set up, operate & maintain planning & finishing machines
- MSFFM3036 Set up, operate & maintain multi-head planning & moulding machines
- MSFFM3037 Set up, operate & maintain routing & shaping machines
In NSW, a licence or certificate is required to do any residential building work (including joinery, glazing and kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation) valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials (including GST). Apprentices and trainees cannot apply for a licence or certificate, but they may apply as soon as they finish their apprenticeship or traineeship to be able to keep working.
If an apprentice/trainee is to be engaged in work that is valued at more than $5,000, they must be supervised by an employer/supervisor who have the correct licence to do the work described on the certificate. The employer/supervisor will be responsible for all work carried out under their supervision, and for ensuring:
- the work is done with due care and skill
- the relevant regulations, ordinances, codes are complied with
- that suitable materials are used.
For more information go to the NSW Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Apprenticeships
NSW Fair Trading licenses all builders and tradespeople who carry out work in the residential building industry in New South Wales.
NSW licensing information is available at NSW Fair Trading for:
- Building and trade licenses
- Glass and glazing contractors
- Joinery
Traineeships
Building and trade licences
NSW Fair Trading licenses all builders and tradespeople who carry out work in the residential building industry in New South Wales. Further information is available at NSW Fair Trading.
On-site and design work
Any furnishing job role, such as cabinetry/soft furnishing installation, glazing and interior design, that involves access to construction sites will require verified construction induction training and site induction. The training requirement is met by achievement of the construction unit of competency CPCWHS1001 Work safely in the construction industry which is an elective in relevant furnishing qualifications.
Security licences
To install security doors, grilles and equipment in any building, a traineemust hold a Security Industry Act licence (Class 2C or 2E or 2F). If the building they are doing work in is a home, and they are only doing work authorised by the employer’s licence (that is, installing security doors, grilles and equipment) the requirements in the Home Building Act 1989 won't apply to this trainee. However they will need to ensure that the trainee is complying with the requirements of the Security Industry Act 1997. When applying for a Class 2c license, a trainee will be expected to have the necessary skills and relevant qualifications to enable them to carry their work safely and in accordance with other relevant industry guidelines. Further information on competency requirements can be obtained from NSW Police.
However, this exemption does not apply if the trainee concerned would be refused a license because of a criminal or other related history (under section 16 of the Security Industry Act 1997. The exemption only applies while the trainee is directly supervised by the holder of a license that authorises the carrying on of those activities.
Shade Sails, Awnings and Security Grilles
The NSW Licence for Minor Trade Work, includes shade sails and shade systems installation. The NSW Fair Trading website specifies the completion of qualification MSF30919 Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles including mandated electives
- MSFGN2002 Move and store materials and products, and
- MSFGN3006 Estimate and cost job
For registered training providers which can deliver the apprenticeship qualifications go to training.gov.au.
A list of training organisations which are in contract with the NSW Department of Education to be paid for the delivery of the training is here.
When developing Training Plans, registered training providers should ensure that the training program satisfies the qualification packaging requirements and at the same time, reflects the nature of the business. Training Plans should be customised so that workplace activities support and align with the qualification units of competency.
From 1 January 2015 the NSW Government introduced new fee arrangements for government subsidised vocational education and training (VET). Under Smart and Skilled, all apprenticeship and most traineeship qualifications are subsidised. For a full list of all the qualifications refer to the current NSW Skills List. Information on the types and levels of subsidies can be found in the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy. Training for existing-worker trainees is not subsidised.
Under Training Services transition arrangements, a superseded qualification can be specified on apprenticeship and traineeship applications for up to six months after new or updated Vocational Training Orders come into effect.
Registered training organisations (RTOs) may commence training in either the new or superseded qualification but must meet the requirements of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to update the enrolment of their students to the current qualification before the qualification expiry date, generally 12 months after the current qualification has been added to the national register. For more information refer to the revised Standards for RTOs 2015 as specified by ASQA.
A copy of each Vocational Training Order is available for inspection on this internet site below or at any Training Services centre of the NSW Department of Education.
Contacts and 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 Tim Cleary of the NSW ITAB for Furnishing on 03 9321 3518.
For additional questions contact us.
Email: Online enquiry form
Phone: 13 28 11