Improve your chances of gaining an apprenticeship with a pre-apprenticeship course in building and construction.
Not applicable
The Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pre-apprenticeship) is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for a carpentry apprenticeship.
This is a pre-apprenticeship course.
It is designed to provide you with basic skills and training in the carpentry and construction field, and can be an important first step to your career as a carpenter. Studying full-time at RMIT, you’ll undertake practical workshops to give you hands-on experience, as well as important theory classes that provide a solid understanding of the industry.
In addition, you can seek work experience opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of the carpentry and construction industry, which will better prepare you for a full-time apprenticeship.
When you’re finished, you’ll have the skills and knowledge that an employer looks for when hiring an apprentice. These include an understanding of:
This course is designed to provide skills that employers are looking for, and you’ll hear from industry guest speakers.
Attend practical workshops that give you first-hand experience of what you’ll be doing in the real world after graduation.
Highly regarded by the Master Builders Association as a suitable entrance requirement into a carpentry apprenticeship.
RMIT’s Trades Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge facility offering the latest in skills training and technology for students and industry.
The 1,700 square metre modular design features adaptable spaces, including a 2.5-metre-deep sand pit, double-height workshop ceilings, and a three-storey training rig that mimics building construction for real-world experience.
Divided into ‘trade zones’, this allows students to gain hands-on experience while observing other trades, fostering a deeper understanding of how different trades intersect and work together.
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
You will be taught in a combination of workshop and theory classes, with an emphasis on practical skills. RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
Guest speakers from industry will enhance your learning experiences.
An industry engagement day is organised near the end of your course to provide you with relevant information on regulations, key employers and employment opportunities.
Students are also connected through industry associations and the RMIT Skills and Jobs Centre to assist with securing a full-time apprenticeship.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree/diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
Through this certificate, you’ll gain insight into the carpentry and construction industry, understand its expectations and how you can progress.
You’ll gain basic knowledge and skills through workshop classes, which will develop your understanding of:
This course will teach you the fundamentals of practical construction projects, which include:
These projects will be practised in simulated workshops.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Carpenters continue to be in high demand in Australia, and the current job outlook is very strong. Carpenters may be self-employed, employed in small firms or employed in large construction firms.
On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to receive the Victorian-endorsed Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pre-Apprenticeship) Code 26614VIC. This qualification is highly regarded by the Master Builders Association as a suitable entrance requirement into a carpentry apprenticeship.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic requirements. All applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Currently there are no formal or direct pathways to other qualifications.
Many students choose to continue their studies in RMIT’s Certificate III in Carpentry apprenticeship program.
The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
