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Minor Group

394 Wood Trades Workers

ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
Reference period
2022

394 Wood Trades Workers

Wood Trades Workers fabricate, repair and finish wooden furniture and fit and assemble prepared wooden parts to make furniture, set up and operate woodworking machines and wood turning lathes to shape wood stock, and make picture frames and other wood products.

Indicative Skill Level

Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

  • examining drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications
  • selecting and working with materials such as timber, veneers, particle board, synthetic wood and other engineered wood products
  • marking out, cutting and shaping wood using tools ranging from hand tools to large timber cutting machines
  • determining tooling and machine requirements
  • assembling parts to form sections of cabinets and furniture and completed articles
  • repairing and finishing furniture
  • fitting hinges, locks, catches, drawers, shelves and associated hardware
  • making picture frames and other wood products.
Unit Group

3941 Cabinet and Furniture Makers

Cabinet and Furniture Makers fabricate and install cabinetry, and fabricate, assemble and repair wooden and cane furniture, and fit and assemble prepared wooden parts to make furniture.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

  • examining drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications
  • selecting and working with materials such as timber, veneers, particle board, synthetic wood and other engineered wood products
  • programming and controlling computer-aided design and computer numerical control machines to mark out, cut and shape components
  • working from drawings and specifications to make cabinets and furniture
  • installing cabinetry in bathrooms and kitchens and commercial fitouts
  • making fittings for boats, caravans and other items where fine detail is required
  • assembling parts to form sections of cabinets and furniture and completed articles
  • applying protective coatings to cabinets and furniture
  • fitting hinges, locks, catches, drawers, shelves and other associated hardware
  • making frames for chairs and couches
  • may make reproduction furniture
  • may repair and refurbish furniture including antiques

Occupations:

  • 394112 Cabinet Maker
  • 394113 Furniture Maker

394112 Cabinet Maker

Fabricates, assembles and installs kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, and wardrobes, counters and other fittings from wood and laminates.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisations:

  • Cabinet Installer
  • Kitchen Installer
  • Wardrobe Installer

394113 Furniture Maker

Fabricates and repairs freestanding furniture from timber, veneers, laminates and cane.

Furniture Finishers are excluded from this occupation. Furniture Finishers are included in Unit Group 3942 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers, in Occupation 394211 Furniture Finisher.

Skill Level: 3

Unit Group

3942 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers

Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers set up and operate woodworking machines and wood turning lathes to shape wood stock, finish and polish furniture, and make picture frames and frame paintings, photographs and other artwork.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

  • studying drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications
  • determining tooling and machine requirements and sequence of operations
  • setting up woodworking machines and wood stock for correct cutting, planning, turning, shaping and sanding
  • operating machines to cut, plane, turn, shape and sand work pieces
  • removing old finishes by stripping with steel wool and glasspaper, and by applying solvents and paint strippers, and removing softened finishes by scraping
  • applying varnish, shellac, lacquer, stains and paint to surfaces and polishing and waxing finished surfaces
  • fitting and fastening frame pieces
  • mounting backing materials and subjects for framing

Occupations:

  • 394211 Furniture Finisher
  • 394212 Picture Framer
  • 394213 Wood Machinist
  • 394214 Wood Turner
  • 394299 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers nec

394211 Furniture Finisher

Applies finishes, such as stain, lacquer, paint, oil and varnish, to furniture, and polishes and waxes finished furniture surfaces.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisation:

  • French Polisher

394212 Picture Framer

Cuts out and assembles mouldings to make picture frames, and frames paintings, photographs, needlework and other artwork.

Skill Level: 3

394213 Wood Machinist

Cuts, planes, turns, shapes and sands wood stock to specifications.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisations:

  • Automatic Profile Sander Operator
  • Copy Lathe Operator
  • Edge Bander Operator
  • Jigmaker (Wood)
  • Panel Saw Operator
  • Sawmill Moulder Operator
  • Woodworking Machine Setter

394214 Wood Turner

Operates wood turning lathes to turn and shape wood stock.

Skill Level: 3

394299 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers nec

This occupation group covers Wood Machinists and Wood Trades Workers not elsewhere classified.

Skill Level: 3

Occupations in this group include:

  • Cooper
  • Wood Model Maker