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 individuals who work in product design–related and manufacturing or custom-made furniture roles in furniture or similar organisations where a combination of technical, creative, practical, research and project coordination skills is required. At this level, these individuals use knowledge of design principles and concepts in a practical way to drive design process, materials capability and production processes to develop and create product and process solutions in response to varied design briefs. Depending on the context, an individual may also use other product-specific technical production skills.
There are no specific licenses that relate to this qualification. However, depending on the jurisdiction, licensing or regulatory requirements may apply to the use of some units in this qualification. Local regulations should be checked for details.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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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.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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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.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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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 |
|---|---|
| Generate design solutions | Core |
| Interpret and respond to a design brief | Core |
| Investigate materials and technologies for design projects | Core |
| Prepare and present design and manufacturing information | Core |
| Produce manual and computer-aided drawings from design concepts | Core |
| Apply cost factors to work practices | Elective |
| Apply critical thinking skills in a team environment | Elective |
| Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice | Elective |
| Articulate, present and debate ideas | Elective |
| Assemble custom furniture | Elective |
| Assist with maintaining workplace safety | Elective |
| Build and maintain business relationships | Elective |
| Collaborate in creative processes | Elective |
| Collect and interpret information to support production processes | Elective |
| Construct and evaluate prototypes and samples | Elective |
| Construct joints for custom furniture | Elective |
| Coordinate and optimise workplace maintenance programs | Elective |
| Create 3D digital models | Elective |
| Design ancillary residential cabinetry | Elective |
| Design, construct and test jigs | Elective |
| Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | Elective |
| Experiment with moulding and casting techniques | Elective |
| Experiment with techniques to produce sculpture | Elective |
| Experiment with techniques to produce wood objects | Elective |
| Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms | Elective |
| Explore the use of colour | Elective |
| Hand carve wood to custom design | Elective |
| Identify and calculate production costs | Elective |
| Implement customer service strategies | Elective |
| Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art | Elective |
| Lead effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Make scale models | Elective |
| Manage finances for new business ventures | Elective |
| Market new business ventures | Elective |
| Match furnishing style and materials to customer requirements | Elective |
| Prepare tender submissions | Elective |
| Produce and prepare photo images | Elective |
| Produce computer-aided drawings | Elective |
| Produce computer-aided line and component production drawings | Elective |
| Produce curved and shaped components for custom furniture | Elective |
| Produce drawings to communicate ideas | Elective |
| Produce patterns and templates | Elective |
| Produce technical drawings | Elective |
| Produce timber veneered components for custom furniture | Elective |
| Purchase materials and consumables | Elective |
| Research and apply techniques in product design | Elective |
| Research and develop business plans | Elective |
| Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements | Elective |
| Research and organise product inspection and testing | Elective |
| Research and select manufacturing technologies | Elective |
| Research and select product finishes | Elective |
| Research furniture styles and movements | Elective |
| Select timbers for furniture production | Elective |
| Select, use and maintain hand tools for the creation of custom products | Elective |
| Set up, operate and maintain basic static woodworking machines for furniture designs | Elective |
| Source and apply design industry knowledge | Elective |
| Source and apply information on the history and theory of design | Elective |
| Undertake project work | Elective |
| Work safely | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Manufacturing sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Industrial Designer
ANZSCO 232312
Industrial Designers plan, design, develop and document industrial, commercial or consumer products for manufacture with particular emphasis on ergonomic (human) factors, marketing considerations and manufacturability, and prepare designs and specifications of products for mass or batch production.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Food Technologist
ANZSCO 234212
Food Technologists develop new and improve existing food products, and set standards for producing, packaging and marketing food.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Cabinetmaker
ANZSCO 394111
Fabricate and repair wooden furniture; assemble prepared wooden parts to make furniture and cabinetry.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Furniture Finisher
ANZSCO 394211
Furniture Finishers apply finishes, such as stain, lacquer, paint, oil and varnish, to furniture, and polish and wax finished furniture surfaces.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Wood Machinist
ANZSCO 394213
Wood Machinists cut, plane, turn, shape and sand wood stock to specifications.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Wood Machinist and Wood Trades Worker
ANZSCO 394299
Other Wood Machinists and Wood Trades Workers includes jobs like Cane Furniture Maker, Cooper, and Wood Model Maker.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Manufacturing
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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MELBOURNE ENGLISH COLLEGE (RTO code 32521)
Contact this provider
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Pramukh Group of Companies Pty Ltd (RTO code 22332)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
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.