If you have good communication skills and basic mathematics skills along with a desire to make things and work outdoors, a career in the building and construction industry offers excellent career prospects. Swan TAFE can also help you take a trade recognition to an academic qualification which can set you up with a building inspection, management, consultation or advisory role. All pre-apprenticeship courses include a supervised practical work placement, ensuring that, when you graduate, you are in a strong position to gain an apprenticeship in your field.
*NB: Not all modes of study will be available at all campuses. Call 9267 7500 for details.
Courses in Building and Construction are delivered at Balga, Carlisle, Midland and Thornlie campuses.
Carpentry and Joinery
Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery
1422 (51409)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga, Midland and Thornlie Campus
As a carpenter you will be required to construct, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel and other materials. Your work will vary according to the type of job you do and might include residential, commercial, industrial and other construction or maintenance.
Certificate III in Joinery (Housing)
1444 (51526)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga, Midland and Thornlie Campus
Learn how to construct and manufacture components for stairs, windows, doors and furnishings. You will be required to install handrails and special stair components, refurbish timber sashes and glaze and reglaze windows and doors.
Certificate III in Steel Framing (Housing)
1450 (51757)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga Campus
As a Steel Framing (Housing) apprentice you will be required to handle steel framing materials, use tools and equipment to fix steel structures, plan and organise your workload, conduct measurements and calculations, construct wall frames and pitched roofs, erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding, carry out general demolition to minor building structures, read and interpret plans and specifications and more!
Certificate III in Carpentry Housing (Framing)
1451 (51758)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga, Midland and Thornlie Campus
As a framing carpenter you will be required to handle carpentry material and use carpentry tools and equipment, plan and organise your workload, conduct measurements and calculations, use explosive power tools, erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding, construct wall and ceiling frames, construct pitched roofs, carry out levelling operations, carry out general demolition to minor building structures, read and interpret plans and specifications and install and replace windows and doors.
Certificate III in Carpentry Housing (Fixing)
1452 (51759)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga, Midland and Thornlie Campus
A fixing carpenter is involved in handling carpentry material and using carpentry tools and equipment, planning and organising their workload, carrying out measurements and calculations, following occupational health and safety procedures, erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding, carrying out levelling operations, installing and replacing windows and doors, using explosive power tools and reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
Certificate III in Carpentry Housing (Formworker)
1453 (51760)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga, Midland and Thornlie Campus
A formworker is involved in handling carpentry material, using carpentry tools and equipment, planning and organising their workload, carrying out leveling operations, excavations, measurements and calculations, reading and interpreting plans and specifications and erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding.
Certificate III in Carpentry (Housing)
1454 (51761)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga, Midland and Thornlie Campus
As a housing carpenter you will be required to construct wall and ceiling frames, pitched roof frames, eaves and roof trusses. You will need to demonstrate construction techniques such as installing windows and doors, flooring systems, bulkheads, stairs and ramps and you will be involved in the finish and repair of wooden and metal structures and fixtures on residential building sites.
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga, Midland and Thornlie Campus
So, you’re after an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery? Give yourself the best chance of impressing a boss with skills in joinery techniques, domestic housing fit-outs, erection, finishing and repair of wooden and metal structures and, fixtures of residential and commercial buildings. You’ll learn how to read plans, use tools and machinery and much more.
Electrical
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga and Thornlie Campus
Learn how to perform basic work activities and assist others in a variety of work tasks, depending on the specialisation selected. These include obtaining materials and tools as requested, cleaning, soldering, looming, cutting and securing equipment or materials.
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
W431 (UEE30807)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga and Thornlie Campus
Learn how to select, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in building and premises.
Security
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time, T
Balga Campus
Students will develop skills to install, assemble and/or repair equipment related to security systems.
Plumbing and Drainage
Prerequisites developed communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Midland Campus
If you’re not afraid of heights, roof plumbing could be the career for you. A day at the office will have you sitting head and shoulders above the rest. Take your first step to a career where you’ll never be short of work. Learn hand and power plumbing tool skills, how to cut and join sheet metal, and marking out materials. This course includes a work placement, an ideal opportunity to impress a potential employer.
Course in Plumbing Contractors License
1414 (51429)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Part-time options available
Balga Campus
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to satisfy the training requirements specified by the Plumbers and Drainers Board when seeking an open Plumbing Licence to undertake plumbing work related to their principal trade or daily scope of work.
Prerequisites developed communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga and Midland Campus
Aside from Kenny’s one-liners, there’s a lot to plumbing and gas fitting. If you want a career that can take you all over the world and where you’ll never be short of work, this qualification is the first step. Learn hand and power plumbing tool skills, how to cut and join sheet metal, marking out materials, oxyacetylene welding and more.
Certificate III in General Plumbing and Gas Fitting
1416 (51543)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga and Midland Campus
A plumber and gasfitter is involved in planning, installing and servicing plumbing systems (including fixtures, piping equipment and controls in commercial, institutional, industrial or public buildings), renovating, maintaining and repairing existing plumbing, sizing, installing, testing, adjusting and servicing natural gas and propane equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers and installing, maintaining and repairing hot water systems and water conditioners.
Certificate II in Drainage
W067 (BCP20103)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
This course provides students with the skills and knowledge required to set out, install, change and service underground waste-water pipes. Students may also learn about timbering trenches.
Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
W072 (BCP30303)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Midland Campus
As a roof tiler you will be required to fabricate and install guttering and downpipes on residential building roofs in accordance with blueprints and specifications, design and install roof drainage systems for specified roof types and select the appropriate stormwater disposal systems for use on residential buildings and install them.
Timber Trades
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga and Thornlie Campus
Love your lounges, cherish your chairs, like kitchens with Karma or beautiful bathrooms? If you want a career making furniture, this qualification will make you competitive in seeking an apprenticeship. Learn practical skills in cabinet making and machine woodworking as well as how to produce domestic and commercial furniture and fixtures. Learn to manufacture kitchens and bathroom cabinets, about safety in the workplace, how to use and maintain tools and much more.
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time semester
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to perform a range of overall tasks in the furnishing industries, prior to gaining full time employment.
Certificate II in Furniture Making
W023 (LMF20302)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga and Thornlie Campus
This qualification is gained on-the-job over approximately 12months and, once complete, will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to perform a range of overall tasks in the furnishing industries.
Certificate III in Furniture Making
W031 (LMF30302)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga and Thornlie Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform a range of tasks that would be expected by a full-time qualified tradesperson in this industry. Good opportunities for employment are available to apprentices who are working with solid timber products associated with domestic and commercial furniture making.
Certificate III in Furniture Making (Cabinet Making)
W032 (LMF30402)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga and Thornlie Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform a range of tasks that would be expected by a full-time qualified tradesperson in this industry. Good opportunities for employment are available to apprentices who are working with flat panel products like kitchen fitting and commercial cabinets.
Certificate III in Furniture Making (Wood Machining)
W033 (LMF30502)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform a range of tasks that would be expected by a full-time qualified tradesperson in this industry. Good opportunities for employment are available to apprentices who are working with flat panel and solid timber products associated with domestic and commercial furniture making.
Certificate II in Floor Covering and Finishing
W021 (LMF20102)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with skills and knowledge to operate in one of two distinct fields. In this diversified area you may learn to install either Timber Floor coverings or Carpet and Vinyl Floor coverings. You will acquire skills and knowledge that is expected of a qualified tradesperson in order to function effectively in this industry. Good opportunities for employment are available in this lucrative industry.
Certificate III in Floor Covering and Finishing
W029 (LMF30102)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with skills and knowledge to operate in one of two distinct fields. In this diversified area you may learn to install either Timber Floor coverings or Carpet and Vinyl Floor coverings. You will acquire skills and knowledge that is expected of a qualified tradesperson in order to function effectively in this industry. Good opportunities for employment are available in this lucrative industry.
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to perform a range of tasks in the furnishing industry. Depending on the pathway you have chosen you will learn about safety in the workplace, using and maintaining tools, effective communication, calculations and team work. You will also learn skills ranging from cabinet making to glazing. As part of this qualification you will undertake a supervised work placement where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.
Certificate II in Glass and Glazing
W024 (LMF20402)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
This qualification provides students with a broad range of skills that may assist them in the Glass and Glazing industry. Glass and Glazing is a nationally recognised trade opening up exciting doors for young people in commercial and domestic glazing. Glass workers carry out various interesting tasks with flat or sheet glass in a wide range of industries such as construction, automotive and furnishing.
Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
W034 (LMF30602)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga Campus
This course offers you the practical skills and knowledge you need to become a qualified tradesperson glazier. You will learn about safety with glass, how to read plans, how to cut glass and calculation skills. This course covers both domestic and commercial applications.
Certificate II in Glass and Glazing (Aluminium Windows and Frames)
1438 (51823)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
Learn how to make, repair and install aluminium windows and frames. Use skills like quoting, calculating and safety in the installation and repair of windows.
Certificate II in Glass Processing
1439 (51824)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
This course offers you an opportunity to develop the skills you’ll need to gain a position within the glass industry. Learn cutting and machinery skills, how to do calculations and about safety with glass. This could be the start you’ve been looking for to join an industry seeking employees
Certificate II in Furniture Finishing (Polishing)
W022 (LMF20202)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
Learn how to prepare surfaces, mix and apply stains, apply finishing material by hand and spray gun, restore furnishing items, and operate a range of furniture finishing equipment.
Certificate III in Furniture Finishing (Polishing)
W030 (LMF30202)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform a range of tasks that would be expected by a full-time qualified tradesperson in this industry. Good opportunities for employment are available to apprentices who are working with flat panel, solid timber and furniture restoration. You will become a skilled tradesperson in furniture finishing and may move into senior management or operate your own business.
Certificate II in Upholstery
W028 (LMF20802)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with the skills and knowledge they need to recover furniture as well as upholster new furniture. Opportunities for employment are reasonable and the potential for self employment is high.
Certificate III in Upholstery
W038 (LMF31002)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide apprentices with the skills and knowledge they need to recover furniture as well as upholster new furniture. Opportunities for employment are reasonable and the potential for self employment is high.
Certificate III in Automotive Vehicle Body (Vehicle Trimming)
W218 (AUR30805)
Prerequisites: basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga Campus
Learn how to restore the interior seating and linings of vintage or custom cars. Develop skills in upholstery service and repair for aircraft and all types of boats using a mix of new technology, industrial sewing and material welding techniques. Apprentices within this field enjoy a wide range of skills development and a vast array of work opportunities within the automotive, marine, aviation, transport and mining industries throughout Australia.
Certificate III in Textile Fabrication – Canvas and Sail Making
W287 (LMT30406)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
If you enjoy sailing, camping, working in transport or, if you just like producing products using a mix of hand skills and the latest in technology, then the canvas and sail making course is ideal for you! Trainees will learn how to manufacture products from canvas, PVC fabrics and sail materials for yachts, caravans, campers, four wheel drives, trucks and boats. You will also learn how to use the latest technology to produce tensile structures, membranes or pneumatics for the mining and leisure industry as well as café blinds and shade sails for the building industry.
Certificate I in Furnishing – Soft Furnishing
WS36 (LMF10102)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge you need to safely and effectively use industrial sewing machines. You will learn how to make a range of cushions and various small fabric items. You will also gain limited experience in the use of hand and power tools. Good opportunities for employment are available in this industry, either in a workroom or retail sectors.
Certificate III in Soft Furnishing
WS37 (LMF30902)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
2 semesters full-time
Balga Campus
This qualification will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to perform a range of tasks in the soft furnishings industry. You will learn how to make curtains, construct pelmets, cushions and much more. You will also gain experience in the use of hand and power tools and learn of various installation techniques for pelmets and curtains. Good opportunities for employment are available in this Industry either in a workroom, retail or you may even start your own business.
General Construction
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga and Thornlie Campus
Want to get in on WA’s building boom? Brick and blocklayers are in great demand, with industry requirements projected to increase. Give yourself your best chance of gaining an apprenticeship with this qualification. You’ll learn how to lay bricks and pre-cut stone, construction and repair of walls, foundations, partitions, arches and much more.
Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying
W135 (BCG30103)
Prerequisites: basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga and Thornlie Campus
Want to get in on WA’s building boom? Brick and blocklayers are in great demand, with industry requirements projected to increase. You’ll learn how to lay bricks and pre-cut stone, construction and repair of walls, foundations, partitions, arches and much more.
Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (Housing)
1443 (51525)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Apprenticeship only
Balga and Thornlie Campus
As a housing brick/blocklayer you will learn skills that will enable you to build houses of all types. Upon completion you will have a great opportunity to build a career path in building industry.
Certificate III in Concreting
W137 (BCG30303)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga and Thornlie Campus
A trainee concrete worker pours and lays concrete for driveways, house slabs, footings for high rise buildings and, tilt up panels. Concrete surface finishes can be texture coloured or stencil finished and of any shape, size or dimension.
Certificate II in Paving
0338 (51359)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga Campus
Concreters are in big demand in the building industry. This course will enable you to develop the skills required to lay paving and build small masonry walls which can lead into a career in the housing and landscaping industry.
Certificate II in General Construction
W134 (BCG20103)
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
Traineeship
Balga and Thornlie Campus
General Construction employees assist tradespeople on building and construction sites undertaking work in semi-skilled manual jobs.
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Thornlie Campus
Get your practical skills up to give you the best chance of getting an apprenticeship in painting and decorating. This qualification covers units in reading plans, take measurements, prepare surfaces, different paint techniques, how to use scaffolding, workplace safety, how to organise your work and much more.
Prerequisites basic communication skills, see
http://swan.tafe.wa.edu.au/requirements
1 semester full-time
Balga Campus
Give yourself your best ch