Carpenters in Western Australia

Carpenters are crucial to Western Australia’s construction industry. Their tireless work has helped build and maintain WA dream homes and commercial buildings for decades.

Are you a carpenter considering a change of location? WA has plenty of work opportunities for you!

Opportunities range from residential, commercial, and public sector projects.

Below you can find out more about what you need to work as a carpenter in WA and what you need to move. If you’re ready to check out all the carpenter jobs available now go to Seek.

Carpenter licences in WA

You don’t need a licence to undertake work as a carpenter in WA if employed by a registered builder. 

If you wish to contract with others on building work valued over $20,000, you’ll need to register as a builder.

More information about registration is on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) website. 

If you work in construction, you’ll need a Construction Induction Card, also known as a white card. More information is available under the Construction Induction Training page on the DMIRS website.

Required registration and licences

  • Construction Induction Card

    You may also require:

  • Builder’s registration

  • Driver’s licence (C Class)

  • National Police Check

  • Drug and alcohol screening

  • Working at Heights licence

Carpenters moving to WA from overseas

You’ll need a valid visa to work in Australia. There are several different visa options available, including temporary and permanent visas. Your eligibility will depend on your situation and qualifications. More information on the types of visas available is on the Migration WA website.

If you plan to work as a carpenter in WA, you may need to have your overseas qualifications recognised. Australian employers often require you to hold a relevant Australian qualification and or evidence of the relevant occupational licence.

You can consider obtaining a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) (external link). Or once you arrive in WA, consider applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (external link).

Skilled workers seeking to connect with WA employers can do so by registering for the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (external link). If an employer wishes to contact you through the register, Migration WA will provide them with your contact details.

Carpenters moving to WA from another state or territory within Australia

You’ll need to gain mutual recognition (external link) for your registration as a building practitioner or contractor to work in WA.

Each state and territory in Australia have individual licensing requirements. Check your other relevant licences and transfer to WA or apply if required.

If you need a vehicle for your work, you’ll need to ensure your Driver’s licence/s are transferred. If you’re bringing a vehicle with you, you must transfer the registration over to WA. Learn more about licence and vehicle registration transfers via the DoT website.

How much can I earn as a carpenter in Australia?

$66,825

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Employee Earnings (May 2021 release), bricklayers earn an estimated $66,825 per year. 

What kind of work could I have as a carpenter in WA?

Some work WA carpenters can expect as part of their role includes:

  • Building and installing wooden and metal structures and fixtures for residential and commercial buildings

  • Finishing and repairing building structures, including doors, roofs, windows, walls, and foundations

  • Planning and constructing floors and frameworks which may include laying timber floors.

How to become a carpenter in WA

Interested in becoming a carpenter in WA? You’ll need to undertake a 4-year apprenticeship and complete a Certificate III in Carpentry.

You may improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship by undergoing a Certificate II in Construction Pathways course or a pre-apprenticeship in Certificate II in Building and Construction.

If you’re considering applying for apprenticeships and traineeships, you could qualify for reduced tuition fees under the State Government’s Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative.

Visit the Jobs & Skills WA website to start your carpentry journey.

Training and qualifications

  • 4-year apprenticeship

  • Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)

Ready to look for your next carpenter role in WA?

Explore WA’s exciting project pipeline

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    The WA Government’s $2.4 billion investment in social housing and homelessness.

  • Geraldton Port

    The WA Government is investing $350 million to expand the Port of Geraldton creating 2,700 jobs.

  • New Women and Babies Hospital

    This $1.8 billion WA Government project will create more than 1,400 jobs during construction.

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