11–12Industrial Technology 11–12 Syllabus (2026)

Describe the structure, growth and processing of timber, including tree development, harvesting, milling and seasoning

Describe timber properties, including grain direction, density, strength, hardness, moisture content, shrinkage, swelling and durability

Compare the properties and performance of hardwoods, softwoods and engineered timber products, including strength, durability, weight, appearance and machining behaviour

Describe how timber responds to environmental conditions and biological factors, including moisture, weathering, insect attack and decay

Describe the visual and aesthetic characteristics of timber used in product design, including grain pattern, texture, figure, colour and natural variation

Describe the structural characteristics and forms of timber, including rough sawn, dressed, seasoned timber and manufactured boards

Explain how timber defects affect material performance and product quality, including knots, checks, splits, warping and twisting

Set up and operate hand tools, power tools and woodworking machinery for measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping, joinery and finishing processes

Use jigs, fixtures, clamps and templates for accuracy, consistency and production efficiency during construction

Describe maintenance procedures and schedules for tools and equipment to maintain safety, accuracy and calibration, and to extend service life

Perform routine care of tools and equipment to support safe operation, including cleaning, lubrication, basic inspection and adjustment

Apply timber construction techniques, including cutting, drilling, shaping, fastening and surface preparation

Handle and process timber materials in project production, considering material properties, machining requirements and production constraints

Apply strategies for material efficiency and waste reduction during timber production

Implement sustainable practices in timber production, including recycling, responsible sourcing, waste management and material reuse

Explore the integration of complementary materials in timber-based projects, including composite materials, glass, metal, polymers and upholstery materials, considering compatibility, function and visual outcomes

Use drawings, templates and prototypes to guide production

Document project planning using materials lists, cutting lists, joinery layouts, calculations and costing

Sequence woodworking processes and operations for production

Investigate woodworking machinery and equipment used for cutting, shaping, drilling, sanding and surface preparation

Prepare timber for production, including dressing, thicknessing, and face and edge preparation

Apply timber machining, forming and finishing techniques for structural performance and visual quality considering grain direction, moisture content and dimensional movement

Manufacture individual components and assemblies, including legs, rails, drawers, doors, tops and panels

Assemble timber components using joints, adhesives, mechanical fastening systems and fittings

Identify timber joints used in production, including widening, framing and carcase joints, and associated joint types

Identify fastening systems and adhesives used in timber production, including screws, nails, nuts, bolts, knockdown fasteners and structural and non-structural adhesives

Identify surface preparation and finishing systems used in timber production, including sanding, staining, filling, oils, shellac, French polish and spray finishes

Apply surface preparation and finishing systems to achieve the required surface quality, durability and appearance

Apply measurement, tolerance checks and inspection processes during and after construction for quality control

Apply test fitting, dry clamping and checks for square and flatness for accuracy and structural integrity

Refine production processes and resolve construction challenges by modifying processes, sequences or techniques in response to design, material or workshop constraints

Investigate manufacturing systems in relation to precision, repeatability and production efficiency

Identify industrial woodworking processes and automated systems, including computer numerical control (CNC) routing, automated sanding, edge banding and batch production methods

Explain how industrial timber manufacturing systems achieve precision, repeatability and production efficiency through automated and computer-controlled processes

Describe industrial cutting, forming, machining and joining practices used in timber manufacturing

Explain the role of automated and computer-controlled technologies in timber industries, including CNC routing, robotic panel processing and automated sanding