Course Summary
This hands-on taster introduces students to the world of construction through two essential trades: plumbing and carpentry. Over five days, students will construct a timber-framed friendship bench and fabricate a working copper sprinkler. They'll learn to measure, cut, and assemble timber using hand and power tools, and explore plumbing techniques like pressure testing, PVC fabrication, and tap repair. This Taster builds spatial awareness, manual dexterity, and teamwork, offering a practical glimpse into careers in building, plumbing, and general construction.
Requirements - To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Entry RequirementsTo be eligible to participate in Career Tasters you must:
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with an eligible visa subclass
- Live in Queensland and be enrolled with a secondary education provider*
- Be actively completing Year 10 at the time of participation
Course Details
| Course Type | Short Course (Non-accredited) |
|---|---|
| Student Availability |
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| Fees | For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees |
| Application Mode |
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| How to Apply | Please Enquire |
| Study Area |
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| Skill Area |
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations
Students will gain hands-on experience in core construction techniques, including timber assembly, plumbing fundamentals, and the safe use of tools and materials. While these skills are directly aligned with trades such as carpentry and plumbing, they also have surprising relevance in creative and technical fields. From building stage sets for theatre productions to constructing outdoor installations, or even custom furniture, students will learn how the practical knowledge gained in this program can be applied in both traditional and unconventional ways. This Taster encourages students to see construction not just as a trade, but as a foundation for innovation, and creativity, while offering a hands-on understanding of trade environments and supports exploration of vocational pathways, apprenticeships, or work experience in the building and construction industry.
Study Mode Definitions
- Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
- On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
- Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.
*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.
Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.
5 days
- On-campus
| Units | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUCRT278A | WHS and Introduction to Building Foundations | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT278B | Timber Construction Techniques | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT278C | Pipework & Plumbing Systems | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| NUCRT278A | WHS and Introduction to Building Foundations |
| NUCRT278B | Timber Construction Techniques |
| NUCRT278C | Pipework & Plumbing Systems |
Participants will develop basic construction skills through hands-on carpentry and plumbing projects. Students will learn to safely use hand and power tools, measure and assemble timber structures, and fabricate simple plumbing systems. This training will assist students in understanding the practical tasks and safety requirements common to building and construction trades. Students will receive a Statement of Participation upon completion of this Career Taster.