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Cabinet Maker (Joiner)

Description

Joiners build, repair and re-style wooden furniture, cabinets, fixtures and other products. There are many similarities with the carpentry trade, and both involve primarily working with wood. Joinery, however, tends to be more specialized. A Joiner is designated as a Cabinetmaker under the Inter-provincial Red Seal program.

Using architectural drawings, Joiners often operate woodworking machines to cut and form parts, which they then assemble into finished products. Some specialize in custom-made furniture. Preparation of costs estimates is often a key skill and responsibility.

Many Joiners work in the construction industry. Increasingly, Joiners are tasked with installing pre-manufactured cabinets and fixtures.

Admission Requirements 

  • You must be a registered apprentice within BC.

  • Persons wishing to become apprentices must be employed with a business that employs a qualified journeyperson Cabinetmaker/Joiner

    The Industry Training Authority (ITA) sets up a registration for apprenticeship between the apprentice, the employer and the ITA.

  • To view the apprenticeship schedule and apply on line visit OC Apprenticeship Programs

Program Outline

A Cabinetmaker/Joiner apprenticeship is four years in length and an apprentice will attend a 6 week block of technical training four times.

First Year - Level 1

  •  Safety Shop Practices
  •  Materials
  •  Joints
  •  Layout Techniques
  •  Hand Tools
  •  Portable Power Tools
  •  Woodworking Machines
  •  Assembly Techniques
  •  Finishing
  •  Install Millwork
  •  Final Theory Exam

Level 2

  •  Materials
  •  Layout Techniques
  •  Hand Tools
  •  Portable Power Tools
  •  Woodworking Machines
  •  Assembly Techniques
  •  Sash Door and Frame
  •  Cad Shop Drawing
  •  Final Theory Exam

Level 3

  •  Materials Layout Techniques
  •  Hand Tools
  •  Portable Power Tools
  •  Woodworking Machines
  •  Assembly Techniques
  •  Staircase
  •  Curved Casework
  •  CAD Drawing
  •  CNC Panel Saw
  •  Final Theory Exam

Level 4

  •  Layout Techniques
  •  Portable Power Tools
  •  Woodworking Machines
  •  Assembly Techniques
  •  Install Millwork
  •  CAD Drawing
  •  Veneered Panels
  •  Finish
  •  CNC Machining
  •  Final Theory Exam

Program Fees:

  • Each 6 week apprenticeship session is $676.20.
  • Students must supply approved safety boots and coveralls.
  • Income support for apprentices attending technician-training courses is provided by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) through regular employment insurance eligibility. Financial Aid

Employment Opportunities:

The Cabinet Maker apprentice will write the Interprovincial Examination on the last day of the level 4 technical training.  Successful completion grants the apprentice with the Certificate of Qualification in Cabinet Making along with the Interprovincial Endorsement (Red Seal).  The Interprovinical Endorsement is recognized across Canada.

All of the trades offered at Okanagan College lead to Journeyperson status under the Interprovincial standards (Red Seal) endorsement program. Red Seal certified workers can work anywhere in Canada where their trade is designated. Labour mobility is essential for the Canadian workforce. For skilled tradespeople, the Red Seal is the recognized passport to mobility in trades across Canada.

For complete details on apprenticeship and to schedule your technical training, visit the OC Apprenticeship Programs section of the website

Program Contact

Apprenticeship Office
250-762-5445 Local 4347  or toll free 1-800-621-3038