Furniture Design and Technology

Today the School of Design (TAFE) offers a full range of programs unparalleled by any other institution in Australia. We offer VCAL, Vet in Schools, Certificate II in Furnishing (Pre-Apprenticeship), Apprentice training in Cabinet Making and Furniture making, Diploma of Furnishing Technology, Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design) and the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture), as well as short courses in CAD and CNC.

The depth and breadth of the knowledge in the staff enable students to experience a greater understanding of all aspects of the Furnishing Industry. Most of the studies are completed in project form allowing students hands on experience of professional practice.

Program Description – Certificate II in Furnishing (Cabinet Making) (Pre-Apprenticeship)

Students are required to complete units of competency that make up the 21278VIC Certificate II in Furnishing (Pre Apprenticeship Cabinet Making) program. This consists of written question / answer activities from resource books, practical tasks, four practical furniture projects, Occupational Health and Safety tasks, and working effectively with others

Mode and Duration

The program runs from February through to mid-June in Semester 1 and from July through to early December in Semester 2. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) from 8:30 am to 4.30 pm except for Easter/Semester term breaks.

The Furniture Programs Gallery

Study Pathways

Students can progress via a number of pathways from the Certificate II through to apprenticeships and Diplomas:

Certificate III in Furniture Making
Certificate III in Furniture Making (Cabinet Making)
Certificate III in Furniture Making (Wood Machining)
Certificate III Upholstery
Certificate III Polishing
Certificate IV Furnishing Technology
Diploma of Furnishing Technology
Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design)

Career Prospects

This program has been developed to provide participants with the necessary skills to work either as a:

Furniture Production Worker II

Or to pursue employment and further studies at Certificate III Apprentice as a:

Furniture Maker
Cabinet Maker
Polisher / Wood Finisher
Upholster

Further information about apprenticeships and traineeships can be found here:

http://www.rmit.edu.au/designtafe/preapps
http://www.rmit.edu.au/apps-trainees

Program Description – Certificate III in Furniture Making / Cabinet Making

The Certificate III in Furniture Making is aimed at producing workers for the stand alone furniture industry. The Certificate III in Furniture Making (Cabinet Making ) is aimed at producing workers for the kitchen/built-in and shop fitting industry.

These programs cover a range of job-specific and broad-based skills designed to equip a student for a rewarding career in the furniture/furnishing industry.

Students will gain valuable skills in a range of areas including Occupational Health and Safety, Communications, Introduction to CAD, CNC, Workplace Environment, Information Technology, Calculations, Customer Relations, and a broad range of practical competencies. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

The School of Design (TAFE) has teaching staff with industry experience, and a proud record of training to suit the needs of the industry, community and individuals. The training facility includes state of the art computer aided machines forming an integrated manufacturing cell. All phases of training are based around a simulated furniture factory model.

Mode and Duration

Three years (each program). Day release on Mondays with rolling enrolments throughout the year.

Program Description –Diploma of Furnishing Technology

The Certificate IV program is completed as the first year of the diploma program. The certificate level develops knowledge and skills in the supervision of work teams, planning, costing and quality control of the production of furniture.

The Diploma program develops students’ knowledge and skills related to aspects of furniture production, from development and management of prototypes through to final manufacture. During the two year program, students study presentation of concepts, computer aided drafting through to computer numerically controlled production.

The program also gives students the experience of working in simulated furniture factory environment where quality control, process planning, costing and supervision skills are continually practiced.

Mode and Duration

Diploma: 2 years Full-Time or 5 years Part-Time (approximately nine hours per week part-time, or 19 hours per week full-time) incorporating

Certificate IV: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (approximately nine hours per week and may involve day or evening classes). Most classes commence mid-February.

Program Description – Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design)

This program develops students’ skills and knowledge in the design, making and marketing of primarily timber based furniture products for the commission, gallery and retail markets.

Students attend a three-day camp in the first week of semester one as part of the introduction to materials usage.

Second year students participate in an industry-based Mentor Program and are partnered with a practicing designer to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the design and making industry. A final year show is produced and promoted by students.

Mode and Duration

2 years Full-Time or 4 years Part-Time.

Weekly class attendance is approximately 20 hours per week full-time. Part-time studies may be undertaken by special arrangement with the school as the practical components must be completed sequentially with each other and concurrently with some other courses. Please contact the school to discuss part-time study prior to lodging an application. Classes are held in a combination of day and some evening classes. Most classes commence in February.

Program Description – Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)

One of the newest qualifications offered in Australia, the Associate Degree combines theoretical content with employment-related skills to enable graduates to gain employment in the global furniture industry. The Associate Degree in Design (Furniture) brings together elements of the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) and the Diploma of Furniture Technology to deliver design-focused learning with underpinning production and craft knowledge. A broad range of topics are covered within the program to enable graduates to design with deep understanding of the many aspects of modern furniture making and enables students to investigate contemporary, cultural and environmental aspects of the professional practice of furniture design.

The Associate Degree is particularly suited to students who are genuinely curious, want to be challenged and are keen to explore professional opportunities either in a major production company or as independent designers. Teaching staff are drawn from professional design and production backgrounds and are extremely experienced in the development of furniture for industrial production.

Visit the Associate Degree website for more information.

Mode and Duration

Two years full time. Courses are held during the day, on campus.

Study Pathways

From the Associate Degree

Graduates of the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture) who have been successful in gaining a place in the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) will be eligible to continue their studies into the program’s third year. This enables student to gain two qualifications in four years on a two plus two model.

To the Associate Degree

Graduates of Diploma of Furnishing Technology and Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design) who have been successful in gaining a place in the program will be eligible to apply for exemptions.

Career Prospects

Manufacturing companies in Australia and overseas employ furniture designers as consultants or employees in their product development teams. Many manufacturers employ furniture technologists/developers create or improve product ranges with their production departments. Graduates who have continued on through the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) are employed as designers in design studios and design consultancy firms or set themselves up as entrepreneurs making products or servicing other design related areas. Research institutions like environmental agencies and universities also employ designers to work on many aspects of products and services.

Download the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture) Brochure [PDF, 751KB]

For more information regarding the programs, click on the links below:

Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)

Diploma of Furniture Technology

Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design)

Certificate III Furniture Making (Cabinet Making)

Certificate III Furniture Making

Certificate II Furnishing (Pre-Apprenticeship Cabinet Making)

Contact the School of Design (TAFE) (+61 3) 9925 4819