Occupation Description

Wood machinists set up, operate and maintain woodworking machines, such as planers, moulders, drilling machines, routers and saws in order to cut, plane, shape and sand wood to the required shape and size. These wooden items are then used to make a variety of items such as tables, desks, chairs, beds, cabinets, boxes and window frames.

Wood machinists may…

Wood machinists may specialize in timber products, panel products and solid timber products.

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Wood machinists usually work in large and well-lit workshops. The machinery used is quite noisy and the processes produce an amount of wood dust and chips. These are drawn off machines by ventilation systems. The work involves a lot of standing and bending when setting up and operating the machines.

Training

To work as a wood machining process worker you will usually need to complete a Certificate II in Furniture Making. To become a wood machinist tradesperson you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Certificate III in Furniture Making (Wood Machining).

Of course you can work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector . With experience and sometimes further training, wood machinists may be promoted to the position of workshop supervisor (Certificate IV in Furnishing Technology) or manager (Diploma of Furnishing Technology), or set up their own business.

With further training and experience you can continue to progress along a career pathway that could see you in many senior management positions.

Certificate II in Furniture Making
Certificate III in Furniture Making (Wood Machining)

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.