This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of people who work as timber systems designers, estimators or detailers in the timber truss and frame industry. In these roles they are required to read architectural plans to calculate material quantities and costs, and produce building code compliant timber system wall and/or truss fabrication plans and documents.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
3 years - Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Interpret and quote from manufactured timber product plans | Core |
| Prepare sketches and drawings | Core |
| Read plans, drawings and specifications for residential buildings | Core |
| Take off material quantities | Core |
| Work effectively in the timber systems design industry | Core |
| Work in a team | Core |
| Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings | Elective |
| Apply quality systems | Elective |
| Carry out measurements and calculations | Elective |
| Create drawings using computer aided design software | Elective |
| Design timber structures | Elective |
| Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations | Elective |
| Implement customer service strategies | Elective |
| Interpret details of timber floor systems to inform design of plans and production documents | Elective |
| Interpret details of timber roof trusses to inform design of plans and production documents | Elective |
| Interpret details of timber wall frames to inform design of plans and production documents | Elective |
| Produce complex truss and frame plans and details using computers | Elective |
| Produce standard truss or frame plans and details using computers | Elective |
| Provide specialist advice to clients | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Resolve business disputes | Elective |
| Use structured problem-solving tools | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Timber Systems Design sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Construction Estimator
ANZSCO 312114
Construction Estimators prepare and deliver estimates and cost plans for construction projects up to the tender settlement stage.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Carpenter and Joiner
ANZSCO 331211
Carpenters and Joiners construct, erect, install, renovate and repair structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, wallboard and other materials, and cut, shape and fit timber parts to form structures and fittings.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Carpenter
ANZSCO 331212
Work with wood and other materials to repair or install foundations, walls, roofs, windows and doors in buildings.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Joiner
ANZSCO 331213
Joiners cut, shape and fit timber parts in workshops to form structures and fittings, ready for installation.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Wood Processing Machine Operator
ANZSCO 711314
Other Wood Processing Machine Operators operate machines that strip and prepare logs, remove bark, cut logs and timber, create wood chips, and cut, glue, press, trim, sand, splice, mould and repair wooden boards of various grades, forms and combinations.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Timber Systems Design
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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NTHA Training (RTO code 5343)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.