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Apprenticeship Training on Prince Edward Island

Wood Manufacturing - Cabinetmaking

Wood products processing is one of the fastest growing manufacturing sectors in Canada. The Wood Manufacturing Council of Canada says that the industry needs skilled and educated people for careers in furniture and cabinetmaking, product design, quality control, plant layout, computer applications, equipment sales and service, and international trade and marketing.

The advanced wood processing industry in Canada demands high quality, innovative and technically sophisticated people. There are worldwide career opportunities working with nature's most environmentally sound and renewable building material - wood.

Because of the shortage in skilled workers for this sector, wood product companies from across Canada, and around the world, are competing for skilled graduates. These companies include sawmills, re-manufacturers, panel producers, kitchen cabinet and furniture manufacturers, architectural woodwork companies, prefabricated home builders and many others.

The Wood Manufacturing - Cabinetmaking program is designed to provide learners with the working knowledge and skills necessary to enter the wood manufacturing and cabinetmaking area of the construction industry.

Students in this program will receive the technology and skills involved in the manufacture of cabinets, architectural millwork, and furniture, and training in modern manufacturing techniques. They will learn the setup and operation of woodworking machinery and equipment, breakout of lumber and panel components, laminating, veneering, machining, sanding, assembly and finishing. Significant hands-on learning takes place in the large, up-to-date shop containing most conventional machines and several computer controlled machines.

Apprenticeship note: Students who complete the Wood Manufacturing - Cabinetmaking program are credited 1000 hours towards their apprenticeship requirements, which in turn will lead them to the status of a Red Seal licensed Cabinetmaker. For additional apprenticeship information, please click here.

Program Content

• Introduction to the Program and the Industry
  Receive an introduction to the program and to the woodworking industry; learn to appreciate safety rules and regulations in a workshop environment; and apply a working method to studies.
  
• Drafting Fundamentals
  Acquire the knowledge and ability to sketch and interpret woodworking drawings; use drafting instruments and create a bill of materials from a given woodworking drawing.
  
• Computerized Numerical Control I (CNC)
  Program and operate computerized numerical control (CNC) machinery in a safe and efficient way; execute basic programs in numerical code and determine machine work cycles by way of using CAD/CAM software.
  
• Integration to the Workplace
  Career planning: write a resume, feel comfortable with the interview process and undergo a job search; students will develop a sense of teamwork.
  
• Introduction to Production Planning
  Demonstrate an understanding of the different manufacturing steps required for a product related to the woodworking industry; describe the production process within the industry; become familiar with standard dimensions as they apply to kitchens, furniture and architectural installations; and learn to plan a personal project.
  
• Introduction to Computers
  Introduction to hardware/software, document management, spreadsheets, word processors, e-mail and Internet.
  
• Computer Aided Drafting I (CAD)
  Make simple drawings using computer-aided drafting software; learn the basic principles and use of computer-aided drafting software.
  
• Introduction to Woodworking Techniques
  Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles and techniques in woodworking; use the hand tools, portable power tools and measuring tools used in secondary wood processing
  
• Materials I
  Demonstrate an understanding of the properties and uses of wood, the effects of moisture (drying) on wood, and wood composite panel products; demonstrate an understanding of the grading of wood and
  wood composite panel products; and calculate wood volumes, areas and prepare a bill of materials.
  

• Moulder I
  Operate the moulder in a safe and effective manner; demonstrate an understanding of the influence that the speed of rotation of the knives and the feed speed of the material has on the quality of the finished product; understand and make a set of knives for a moulder.
  
• Machining Tools
  Select, operate and use in a safe and efficient way wood preparation tools including the drills, the shaper, the tenoner, the mortiser and the wood lathe; receive an introduction to the fabrication of templates and jigs.
  
• Finishing Products and Equipment
  Demonstrate a basic understanding of and use finishing products and equipment.
  
• Assembling and Sanding Tools
  Operate and use in a safe manner sanding tools and assembling equipment.
  
• Shop Practice – Laboratory/Hands-on Training
  Practice elements learned in the classroom by appropriately using the equipment needed in the individual or group projects; manage the quality of projects, maximize the use of raw materials, manage time and carry out planning of personal and group projects; and use the workshop periods to complete practical apprenticeship of the workshop equipment manufacturing.
  
• On-the-Job Training
  Gain work experience within the actual industry setting; visit industries related to the manufacturing of wood products.
  
• Wood Preparation Tools
  Safely adjust and operate wood preparation tools such as the cut-off saw, straight-line ripsaw, clamp carrier and the finger jointer.
  
• Wood Composite Panel Preparation Tools and Techniques
  Select and safely operate various equipment needed for the preparation of wood composite panels; use in a safe and efficient manner, the panel saw, the multiple-spindle boring machine (32 mm system) and a drilling and hinge insertion machine for case goods; receive an introduction to lamination of panels.
  

• Stationary Power Tools
  Select, use, adjust and maintain in a safe manner, stationary power tools such as the planer, jointer, table saw, radial arm saw, band saw, drill press, overhead router, edgesander, oscillating-spindle sander and the stroke sander.
  
• Edgebander I
  Operate the edgebander in a safe and efficient manner; identify and demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of all the stations on an edgebander and do the necessary operating adjustments.
  
• Mathematics
  Review the fundamental principles of mathematics, learn to use formulas and solve mathematical calculations related to the woodworking industry
  
• General First Aid
  Acquire the knowledge and skills required to assess injury and render first aid. Upon successful complication students will earn a first aid certificate.
  
• CPR
  Acquire the knowledge and skills required to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Upon successful completion students will receive a basic CPR certificate.
  
• Occupational Health and Safety
  Learn about Prince Edward Island’s Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission objectives which will help to prevent accidents and illnesses and to improve health and safety conditions in Prince Edward Island workplaces.
  
• WHMIS
  Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to interpret and apply the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information system (WHMIS) Regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Upon successful completion students will receive a certificate.

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates may seek employment in cabinetmaking, architectural millwork, wood product manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, restoration, design operations, or may choose self employment.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
• Applicants must be physically capable of meeting the demands of this industry
• Resume including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program to which you are applying

The most suitable candidates for this program will be chosen on the basis of the above requirements.

If you have any questions concerning the Wood Manufacturing - Cabinetmaking program, please email- motivepower@hollandc.pe.ca