Fine Woodworking

Program at a Glance

Length

9 months

Accreditation

Certificate

School

Industry & Trades Training

Delivery Mode

On Campus

Campus

Silver King

Intake Dates

Fall

Contacts

Rob Schwarzer

School Chair

Phone

1 (250) 352-6601

13212

Direct

1 (250) 354-3212

Contact by email

Have Questions?

Student Recruiters

Direct

1 (250) 304-5071

Contact by email

Program Overview

In our supportive and creative environment, you’ll have unique opportunities to gain a solid foundation in this refined profession. We’ll teach you woodworking-operations basics and technological advancements to develop your personal areas of interest and perfect your craft.

This nine-month program prepares students for apprenticeship positions in the cabinet makers (joiners) trade or for careers as fine furniture builders.

Students engage in a variety of classroom and shop activities. They learn theoretical principles, concepts and theories of furniture and cabinet design in the classroom. They apply their knowledge in the shop where they engage in the construction of cabinets and fine furniture.

Practical Skills Training

Appreciate balanced design
Consistently strive for originality and quality
Draft in Computer Automated Design (CAD)
Exhibit product value and pride
Photograph your work
Plan and setup a professional show
Wood carving (optional and at an additional tuition fee through Continuing Education)

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.

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 $1,000.

Graduates of the Fine Woodworking Program at Selkirk College earn credit for Level 1 and Level 2 of the cabinet maker (joiner) trade technical training component of their apprenticeships. Additionally, graduates receive 475 hours advance credit toward the on-the-job component of an apprenticeship.

Youth Train in Trades

Youth Train in Trades is a program designed to help secondary school students get a head start on careers in the trades while earning credit toward their high school graduation. Learn more online at Skilled Trades BC.

For more information, speak with your high school guidance counsellor or get in touch with Selkirk College’s Industry and Trades administrative assistant.

Program Outcomes

Cabinet Maker (Joiner) Level 1

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:

Use safe work practices.
Apply standard drafting practices.
Apply layout techniques.
Use quality standards.
Communicate with others.
Select materials.
Use basic hand tools.
Use portable power tools.
Use woodworking machines.
Assemble products.
Prepare wood surfaces for finishing.

Cabinet Maker (Joiner) Level 2

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:

Apply layout techniques.
Use quality standards.
Read blueprints and specifications.
Apply computer skills.
Select materials.
Use basic hand tools.
Use woodworking machines.
Use assembly techniques.
Construct sashes, doors and frames.

Fine Woodworking

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:

Demonstrate safe work habits.
Describe WHMIS and WCB regulations concerning the handling, storage, and use of wood finishing products.
Safely use and maintain hand tools and woodworking machines.
Plan and complete a variety of woodworking projects using various pieces of equipment.
Organize the woodworking process efficiently and effectively.
Design and make jigs.
Use a variety of wood bending processes.
Outline the advantages and disadvantages of using veneering techniques.
Describe and explain the major components of wood.
Finish wood and make minor repairs to wood finishes.
Outline and explain the furniture design process.
Develop manual and computer-generated drafts of furniture designs.
Construct and install kitchen cabinets and countertops.
Properly install cabinet hardware.

Admission Requirements

Graduation from a British Columbia Senior Secondary School or equivalent.
Workplace Math 11, or Selkirk AUD Math 46, with a minimum of 60% or better.
Consideration will be given to mature individuals (19 years or older) who are not senior secondary school graduates, provided they are working to complete the recommended education:
- Grade 10 or equivalent including English 10, Mathematics 10
- Grade 12 preferred
All applicants are required to complete a computerized placement test in reading, writing and mathematics once they have submitted their application.
Employers may require higher level of Math as part of their hiring policies.

Additional Requirements