Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician

Algonquin College’s Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician program trains skilled craftspeople for work in the residential and commercial furniture making industry.

  • Ontario College Diploma
  • 45 Week(s)
Program Code:
0575X04FWO
Academic Year:
2011/2012

Our Program

This condensed Ontario College Diploma program prepares students to work in the cabinetmaking and woodworking industry, producing both traditional and contemporary furniture and commercial cabinetry. Cabinet and furniture technicians design components using hand and power tools to build cabinetry to industry specifications.

We deliver this program out of our brand new Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility fully outfitted with new, up-to-date equipment and tools allowing Algonquin to teach the full range of traditional, as well as advanced technology involved in today's cabinet making and furniture industry.



This program is delivered over three consecutive levels. In Level 01 students spend some time gaining a strong foundation of essential skills that employers are looking for from their employees in the areas of ethics, mathematics and communications but the vast majority of the time is spent by students gaining knowledge in wood technology, developing skills with hand tools, and on joinery and wood machining practices.

In Level 02, these skills are applied to the construction of traditional and contemporary furniture. Students begin to use more advanced machine techniques, computers, CNC and NC machinery to design and build furniture components. Basic drafting and blueprint reading skills are developed to enable geometric layout in the shop, the making of plans and shop drawings and hand finishing techniques are introduced.

In Level 03 of the program we emphasize production and commercial millwork, as well as kitchen cabinets, the laying of veneers and advanced finishing practices.

Upon completion of this hands-on program, graduates are equipped with skills that may earn them employment locally, nationally or internationally. Graduates who are interested in working as journey-person cabinetmakers may be eligible for Advanced Standing in the Cabinetmaker apprenticeship program.

Qualified students have the opportunity to participate in a paid cooperative employment placement where invaluable experience and insight into the woodworking industry is gained before embarking on their career including apprenticeship.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the cabinetmaking and furniture industry.
  • Are attentive to detail.
  • Can work independently.

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Your Career

Graduates may find employment in furniture making and cabinetmaking, furniture repair refinishing and restoration, kitchen and commercial cabinetry, as well as boatbuilding and refitting. Other career options may include job
estimating, sales of furniture, tools, hardware and machinery. Graduates are also well equipped for future self-employment.

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Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Level: 01 Hours
ENL1813XCommunications I
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.
45.0
GED8000Is That Ethical?
What is ethical behaviour? It is demanded by consumers; it is expected by employers; and it is essential in successful personal relationships. Sometimes, however, in our complex society, competing interests create difficult choices for individuals where the right path may not be clear. In this course, students explore and define ethical behaviour, examine the consequences of unethical conduct, and apply critical-thinking techniques and decision-making tools to various ethical problems. From these activities, students develop a set of principles and guidelines that help resolve any ethical issues they may encounter.
45.0
MAT8584Mathematics
This is an introductory course in mathematics. Course topics include manipulating fractions, calculating properties of shapes and solids, using ratio, and proportion to perform calculations that relate to mechanical advantage and the use of percentages to solve base or rate type problems.
30.0
WOO8930Joinery
In this practical course, students construct projects using a wide range of hand tools, portable power tools and basic machinery. The fundamentals of layout, wood joinery, machine and shop safety and assembly procedures are covered.

Co-requisites: WOO8937 and WOO8938
180.0
WOO8937Wood Technology
This course provides details on the principles of tree growth, cell structure and species identification. Procedures in timber conversion, lumber seasoning and the grading process are explained. The manufacture, grading and ordering requirements of wood composite materials are described. Estimating material requirements and costing procedures for lumber, moulding and sheet materials are involved. Information is provided on the manufacture and ordering requirements of glass and furniture hardware.

Co-requisites: WOO8930 and WOO8938
75.0
WOO8938Hand Tools and Machine Basics
This course outlines the origins and functions of the various hand tools used in the trade. Practical demonstrations of both tools and machinery are used to present the safe and proper use of basic machinery used in the preparation of stock.

Co-requisites: WOO8930 and WOO8937
75.0
Level: 02 Hours
CAM8901Cnc for Cabinet and Furniture Manufacturing
Students are introduced to computers and their use in the design and manufacturing of furniture components and cabinetry. Students learn to program and operate a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining centre equipped with routers, horizontal and vertical boring bits and a grooving saw. Commercial cabinet design software is also covered.
60.0
DRA8909Drafting I
This course provides theoretical and practical examples of fundamental geometric layout used in the design, and drafting of cabinets and furniture.
30.0
WOO8939Furniture Making
In this practical course, students apply their theoretical knowledge through activities demonstrating skill in the layout of projects, preparing cutting lists, basic and advanced furniture construction techniques, advanced machining operations, and the creation of jigs and templates used to generate complex component parts.

Prerequisites: WOO8930
180.0
WOO8940Advanced Machining
This course provides a theoretical introduction to advanced machine functions, specialized features and joinery practices. Related topics including compressed air systems, dust collection and machine maintenance are explored.

Prerequisites: WOO8930

Co-requisites: WOO8939
60.0
WOO8941Furniture History and Construction
This theoretical course introduces traditional methods of constructing furniture using solid and wood veneered materials. Construction joinery as it relates to custom and production applications are identified. The identification of furniture styles, traditional woods, and construction methods associated with the period are detailed, including the design and application of hardware.

Prerequisites: WOO8930

Co-requisites: WOO8939
60.0
WOO8944Furniture Finishing Fundamentals
In this practical course, students learn the fundamentals of proper surface preparation before the application of the various stains and finishes commonly applied in industry.

Prerequisites: WOO8930
30.0
Choose one from equivalencies:Hours
GED0575General Education Elective
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.

Equivalencies: DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED6022 or GED5005 or GED5002 or GED5006 or GED5004 or GED1896 or ENL7643 or GED5009 or PSI0003
45.0
Level: 03 Hours
DRA8912Drafting and Plan Reading
This course teaches students how to prepare drawings and layouts, and how to read and interpret plans and specifications. It introduces orthographic projection, detail views, hidden surface representation, section views, dimensioning practices, drafting terms and symbols and material specifications.

Prerequisites: DRA8909
30.0
ENL2003Communications II for Technicians
This course introduces realistic workplace scenarios that help students solve communication problems typically found on the job. These include analyzing and interpreting contracts and warranties, writing progress reports and summaries. They learn how to handle difficult customers, as well as handle conflicts within the workplace. Students research the current job market in their industry and present data to support their findings about the types of work and working conditions that exist in their chosen field. They also discuss networking techniques. In addition, students prepare targeted resumes, and cover letters and participate in simulated job interviews.

Prerequisites: ENL1813X
45.0
HIS8482History of Architecture I
This course surveys the history of western architecture from pre-history to the present. The aim of this course is to develop a general understanding of the origins of architectural styles while looking at the evolution of building technology.
45.0
WKT2012Cooperative Education Work Term Preparation Building Trades Programs
Prior to their co-op work term, students study cooperative education and work term objectives, policies and procedures, strategies for employability and on-the-job protocols. Students participating in co-op must complete the co-op preparation modules which are offered in an online delivery mode. The course is marked as pass/fail. Two face-to-face one hour sessions are held with co-op staff to prepare students to compete for jobs, to discuss co-op evaluations, work report guidelines and to practise interview skills.
15.0
WOO8900Applied Business Practices
This course examines the factors involved in starting a furniture manufacturing business. Topics include estimating, shop layout, overhead costs, labour costs, applicable government regulations, marketing and the creation of a sound business plan.
30.0
WOO8910Furniture Finishing and Touch-Up
This course gives students a working knowledge of the materials, applications and equipment necessary to apply surface coatings to furniture according to trade specifications.

Prerequisites: WOO8939 and WOO8944

Co-requisites: WOO8942
45.0
WOO8942Furniture, Kitchens and Millwork
An overview of kitchen cabinet construction and commercial millwork is provided while students learn about veneers, modern materials, techniques, and machinery, as well as hardware, standard sizing and industry standards. The practical portion of the course consists of applying advanced skills to complete case goods started in the Level 02. The laying of veneers, marquetry and the construction of individual and group projects using kitchen cabinet, and commercial materials and techniques are also covered. This course consists of both classroom and practical components.

Prerequisites: WOO8939
240.0

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Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs
Tuition/Fees: $ 5,852
Books/Supplies: $ 450
Incidental Fees: $ 584
Total: $ 6,886



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,612.40 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Incidental Fee: $235 in Level 01, $125 in Level 02 and $224 in Level 03.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $450 per year and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. Students are required to supply their own safety footwear.

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Admission Requirements  

College Eligibility
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their
    eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).


Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.

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Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com

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Additional Information

For more information, please contact Hugh Smith, at 613-727-4723 ext. 2958 or hugh.smith@algonquincollege.com.

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Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time