Program Highlights
The Joinery/Cabinetmaking Foundation program is well-suited to anyone starting their first career, those who are changing careers, or those who simply want to pursue their interest and build their skills in this fine woodworking program. Some woodworking experience is an asset but there is no previous experience required to take this program.
Detailed below are just a few of the highlights students can expect throughout the program:
Design. Students learn the principles and elements of design as well as how to apply this knowledge by designing all of their own shop projects.
Shop drawing. Each project design requires a shop drawing. Students begin with free-hand sketching and progress to drawing by hand and then advance to computer drawing programs.
Technical woodworking skills. Students develop skills with hand tools, power tool,s and larger woodworking machines. This prepares students for work both in small shops with limited tools or in shops with high-end industrial machines.
Best in world safety. Our program covers not only Canadian standard safety practices, but also provides the opportunity to study many of the higher safety practices that are in place around the world.
Sustainable approach. This program is committed to the sustainable use of building materials and practices. In projects, preference is given first to wood products from local island markets then to woods that are indigenous to North America. Sheet goods are selected for low emissions, and the primary focus of wood finishing is with natural oils and water-born technologies.
Four-day school week. The program, which starts in September and ends in early June, is full time. Classes are Monday to Thursday, enabling students to seek part time work. Students will spend one third of their time in lectures and demonstrations and two thirds of their time in the joinery shop. Field trips to a variety of woodworking businesses and guest speakers are also scheduled.
During the program, students also complete the training requirements for the first year of the four-year Joiner apprenticeship to the Interprovincial (Red Seal) standard. On successful completion of this program and upon entering into an apprenticeship, students are eligible to receive technical training credit for level one and 475 hours of work based credit towards their apprenticeship hours requirement.
Graduates also earn both a certificate in Furniture Design/Construction as well as a certificate in Joinery/Cabinetmaking.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Joinery/Cabinetmaking Foundation program, you will be eligible for employment in millwork, building furniture, cabinet making, and marine joinery. The placement rate for program graduates in the joinery industry is high. Job titles can range from residential finishing carpenter to salesperson or woodworking business owner.
Supply List
Materials: Students are responsible for the material costs of their projects. These costs will vary based on the projects selected.
Texts: Visit the NIC bookstore for a current list
Stationery: Available at the NIC Bookstore
- Three ring binder with punched, lined and unlined paper; pencil and pen
- Sharp TI-30Xa (recommended)
- Clipboard for letter size paper
- Graduated T-Square (stainless steel 30” Alvin AST30) – speak to instructor prior to purchasing.
Drafting Equipment: Available at the NIC bookstore in a set
- Set square – 30/60/90 degree, Staedtler 964 16-60
- Set square – 45/45/90 degree, Staedtler 964 14-45
- Scale ruler, Metric, Staedtler 987 18-SI
- Drawing compass, 559-02
- Good quality white eraser
- Mechanical pencils in: .3mm lead in 6H lead; .5mm in 2H & 4H lead; .9mm in 2H lead
Optional
- Eraser shield, Staedtler 529 50
- Ames Lettering Guide, Staedtler 974 98
Safety Equipment:
- WCB approved safety glasses
- WCB approved hearing protection
- Closed toe leather boots or shoes
Tools: all tools are supplied except a tape measure
- tape measure, metric, 5 meter, good quality