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Fine Woodworking

9-Month Certificate at Silver King, Nelson

Program Calendar

2012

  • January 3 - Program continues.
  • April 20 - Graduation ceremonies.
  • May 24 - Program ends.
  • May 25-27 - Year End Show.
  • September 4 - Orientation Day.
  • September 4 - Program Begins
  • December 20 - Winter break.

2013

  • January 2 - Program continues.
  • April 19 - Graduation ceremonies.
  • May 23 - Program ends.
  • May 24-26 - Year End Show.

Note: Applicants are advised that this is a popular program. Prospective students should apply well in advance.

Program Objectives

The working environment in the nine-month Fine Woodworking Program at Selkirk College is a very supportive and creative one, and provides a unique opportunity to acquire a sound foundation in professional woodworking. The curriculum encompasses a broad overview of woodworking operations and technology while allowing the student time to explore areas of personal interest. This demanding program is designed to prepare students to pursue a career in professional woodwork as a skilled employee or a self-employed entrepreneur. Upon completion of the program, the flexible and portable skills you possess are an excellent head start in the fields of furniture or cabinet making, designing of wood products, or in the pursuit of goals in related fields. This experience will better equip you to meet the rapidly changing needs of our modern world.

There is discussion on how each course relates to making a living as a professional woodworker. Topics that are discussed and practised include: photographing your work, and the planning and setup of a professional show, CAD drafting, wood carving (optional). The program is broad in scope and encourages students to strive for quality design, originality, and enhanced workmanship skills, to improve chances of success in the marketplace.

If successful in the first year of the Fine Woodwork program, students will receive credit for Level 1 and Level 2 technical training of their Joinery Apprenticeship.

Students are responsible to pay for materials used in constructing their projects. Depending on the size and scope of their project this cost could be up to $1000.00.

Admission Requirements

  • graduation from a British Columbia Senior Secondary School or equivalent,* with
  • Principles of Math 11, Applications of Math 11, Essentials of Math 11 or equivalent with a "C" grade or better.
  • the probability of succeeding in this program improves if candidates possess strong reading and comprehension skills.
  • all applicants are required to complete a computerized placement test in reading, writing and mathematics once they have submitted their application.
  • basic computer skills highly recommended.

* Consideration will be given to mature individuals (19 years or older) who are not Senior Secondary School graduates provided they have completed or are in the process of obtaining Principles of Math 11 or equivalent with a “C” grade or better.  (This course must be completed prior to the program entry date.)

Math Requirements

Important Math Requirements  for students graduating from High School in 2013.

Career Potential

Graduates of these programs are found throughout North America. They are often self-employed, or may be employed in cabinet or furniture shops. There remains a demand for the woodworker who exhibits pride in his/her work and who strives for quality, balanced design and honest value in his/her product. These traits, when combined with a sound technical background, greatly enhance your chance of success.

Approximate Expenses

Total program expenses are comprised of both College Fees and Program Specific Fees.

Program Courses

Course of Studies

Translation key:

  • Crd = Credits
  • Ttl = Total course hours

Courses marked as (D) are available via Distance Education.

Course of Studies
Course Name Cred Ttl
Term 1
CRWW 160 Woodshop Tools and Techniques 6 190
CRWW 161 Joinery Principles and Practices 15.4 460
CRWW 162 Specialized Techniques 2 70
CRWW 164 Materials Technology 2 50
CRWW 165 Wood Finishing 2 70
CRWW 175 Furniture Design 2 70
CRWW 176
Drafting for Furniture 4 120
CRWW 179 Kitchen Design and Construction 2 50
  Total: 35.4 1080

CRWW 160 Woodshop Tools and Techniques

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to woodworking tools and equipment by examining the safe and skillful use of both hand and power tools, including their selection, purpose and maintenance. Techniques for small production runs, including jig and fixture design are also examined.

CRWW 161 Joinery Principles and Practices

You will study the principles of joinery as applied to furniture and cabinet construction. As this is primarily a practical course, you will experience joint selection, joinery by both hand and machine tool processes, and the organization of the process while engaged in construction of furniture pieces, preferably to your own design.

CRWW 162 Specialized Techniques

The utilization of specialized woodworking techniques enables you to enhance both the design and execution of your product. Wood bending (steam and lamination), curved panels, veneering, turning, carving and inlay work all provide an opportunity to design and create objects that stand apart in the market place.

CRWW 164 Materials Technology

This in-depth look at wood, and how and why it behaves in the manner it does, provides the necessary background to understand the principles of joinery.

CRWW 165 Wood Finishing

A comprehensive study of the methods and materials used to finish wood. This course includes both a technical explanation of, and practical experience in, the applications of stains and dyes, fillers, penetrating finishes and top coats.

CRWW 175 Furniture Design

An examination of basic design theory provides the foundation for successful furniture design. A review of the history of furniture creates an awareness of the design continuum, while practical experience in sketching, drafting, model-making and mock-up prepares your ideas for construction.

CRWW 176 Drafting for Furniture

This course is a comprehensive experience in the drafting of furniture. After an introduction to the drafting process the student is expected to produce detailed construction drawings of each of their projects prior to construction. The first project will be drawn using pencil and drafting boards. Student's will learn CAD drafting early in the year so they will be able to draft their remaining projects on the computer.

CRWW 179 Kitchen Design and Construction

How one functions within a kitchen, the space requirements and space utilization are discussed. The use of the 32 mm cabinet construction system is examined, with particular emphasis on methods appropriate to the small shop. A set of kitchen cabinets is constructed in this course.

Staff

The following staff are associated with this program:

David Fraser

Instructional Assistant/Relief Instructor
Direct: 250.354.3286
Tel: 250.352.6601 Ext. 3286
Room Woodshop
Email | More information

Michael Grace

Instructor
Direct: 250.354.3265
Tel: 250.352.6601 Ext. 3265
Room Woodshop
Email | More information

Contacts

Program Contact:

Industry and Trades Contact
Direct: 250.354.3221
Tel: 1.866.301.6601 Ext. 3221
Email

School Chair:

Dan Obradovic
Direct: 250.352.6601

Email

at a glance

Length:
9-Month
Accreditation:
Certificate
Campus:
Silver King, Nelson
Details on Year 1 : Fees

Fee Information

Non-Canadian students please follow this link to International Fees.

Castlegar 1.888.953.1133
Nelson 1.866.301.6601

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