Trade Programs: Cabinetmaker

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Cabinetmaker do?

A cabinetmaker produces furniture, cabinetry and architectural millwork from a variety of natural and manufactured materials for both the commercial and residential markets. Cabinetmakers specialize in working with wood and other construction materials to fabricate useful and decorative items. They must master a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques using hand tools such as chisels and mallets and modern tools such as electronic and even computerized woodworking equipment. A certified cabinetmaker has been trained to:

• identify various types of wood and composite materials
• safely operate hand and power tools
• use woodworking machines and perform detailed milling
• perform material breakouts, case work assembly, gluing and laminating
• construct staircases, sashes, doors, moulding, furniture and cabinets
• execute specialty work involving bends and curves

What skills/abilities are required?

Cabinetmakers must enjoy building things, visualize a finished product from an idea or drawing, and take pride in doing work to precise specifications. Cabinetmaking also demands exacting mathematical, manual and conceptual skills. Creativity and craft are especially prized in this trade because many cabinetmakers produce objects of their own original design.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years consisting of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1600 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Apprentices must take some technical training during each level of their apprenticeship. Subjects include:

• Trade-related Mathematics, Science and Communications
• Blueprint Reading, Technical Drawing and Shop Layout
• Materials Estimating, Purchasing and Layout
• Industrial Finishing
• Safe Use of Hand and Portable Shop Tools and Machinery
• Packing, Shipping, Assembly and Installation Procedures
• Materials Technology
  

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required, including recommended courses in Math. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Cabinetmaker Trade Regulation states that when an apprentice is not taking technical training, an employer must pay the apprentice at least the provincial minimum wage plus:

• 45 per cent during level one
• 75 per cent during level two
• 100 per cent during level three
• 125 per cent during level four

Apprentices who work for a unionized employer are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate is more than the pay rate specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

Many cabinetmakers work on residential, commercial, institutional and industrial construction projects as well as at renovation jobsites. Others work in custom or production shops that supply cabinetry, furniture and architectural millwork to a varied client base that includes private individuals as well as large institutions. With further training, cabinetmakers can transfer their skills to become certified carpenters.