Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship

Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship - 22614VIC

VOCATIONAL

Improve your chances of gaining an apprenticeship with a pre-apprenticeship course in building and construction. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 18 weeks
Fees:

Fee finder
*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Bundoora
Trades Innovation Centre
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
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:

  • the fundamentals of practical construction projects such as floor, wall, door and window frames
  • how to interpret basic plans and drawings
  • how to apply basic levelling procedures 
  • communication in the workplace
  • workplace safety practices.

Why study building and construction at RMIT?

Industry focus

This course is designed to provide skills that employers are looking for, and you’ll hear from industry guest speakers.

Hands-on learning

Attend practical workshops that give you first-hand experience of what you’ll be doing in the real world after graduation.

Professional recognition

Highly regarded by the Master Builders Association as a suitable entrance requirement into a carpentry apprenticeship.

trades-innovation-centre-1220x732.jpg

State-of-the-art facilities

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 training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

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.

Details

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Learning and teaching

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. 

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments. 

Learning at RMIT

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.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

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.

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

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:

  • applying basic levelling procedures 
  • carrying out basic measurements and calculations 
  • communicating in the workplace 
  • erecting and safely using working platforms 
  • interpreting basic plans and drawings 
  • preparing and applying for work in the construction industry 
  • working effectively and sustainably in the construction industry 
  • workplace safety practices onsite.

This course will teach you the fundamentals of practical construction projects, which include:

  • floor frames 
  • wall frames
  • pitched roofs 
  • window and door frames 
  • formwork.

These projects will be practised in simulated workshops.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Important information about available plans

  • New applicants: All new applicants must apply for plan C2228BU (Bundoora campus).
  • Plan C2228 (City campus) is currently unavailable.

Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship
Program code: C2228
National curriculum code: 22614VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship
Bundoora Campus
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
C2228BU
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
Plan code
C2228BU
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship
City Campus
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
C2228
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 6 Years, Part Time 1 Years
Plan code
C2228
CRICOS
View plan

Career

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. 

Expand all sections

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.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. 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 course.

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 course 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:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

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).

Pathways and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Further study

When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.

When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse TAFE courses below.

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Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

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.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

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.

Which fees are covered by Free TAFE?

If you are eligible, Free TAFE for priority courses pays the tuition fees for your whole course. However there are still some additional expenses that you will be required to pay including the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF), any material fees and any other non-tuition costs associated with your course.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

Tuition fees

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.

  • 2026 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$570*
  • 2026 government subsidised place (without concession): AU$2,850*
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$10,850*

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Payments and refunds

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 2026 is $373.

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).

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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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.

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