Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A joiner cuts, shapes and fits timber parts in a workshop. The finished parts are installed in homes and commercial buildings. Common products include doors, window frames, staircases and custom cabinetry.
Joiners read detailed drawings before choosing timber, laminates or other materials. They run machines such as jointers, planers and routers to hit tight tolerances. Most joinery happens in a workshop, which makes it different from on-site carpentry.
Core tasks include cutting and shaping parts, forming wood joints, building products and applying finishes. Joiners check each piece meets specs before it leaves the workshop. They may also work with plastic laminates, perspex and aluminium.
The trade is classed as medium skill. Around 83% of joiners work full-time, with a median age of 36 years (Your Career, 2025). Future demand is moderate, driven by steady home and commercial building activity.
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