Joinery/Cabinetmaking Foundation

Why Choose North Island College?

• Great facilities and small class size. The Joinery/Cabinetmaking Foundation program is well equipped with a wide range of modern woodworking equipment, including kitchen cabinet machinery, spray finishing equipment, computer controlled (CNC) router, and a computer aided design lab.
• Economical education. The program is located in Port Alberni, on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, where the cost of living is less than in larger centres. Program costs are low and, because the curriculum is accepted by many funding agencies, retraining subsidies may be available through those agencies.
• Award-winning students. The Joinery/Cabinetmaking Foundation program may enter eligible students in the BC Skills competition, where NIC entrants have consistently placed in the top ranks. Four times our student competitors have won gold medals in the BC Skills competition and advanced to the Skills Candada National Competition. In 2009, one of our students won the gold medal in cabinetmaking in the Skills Canada competition.

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

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum C in English 10, NIC ENG 034, or equivalent; and
2. Minimum C in Principles of Math 10, Applications of Math 11, A&W 11, Foundations 11, NIC MAT 034, or equivalent; or
3. Successful NIC assessment testing in English and Math.

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in science, physics, and drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.

Program Requirements

1. Joinery/Cabinetmaking Foundation (26 weeks)

• JNY-100 Introduction to the Joinery Trade and Safety
• JNY-105 Identify Materials
• JNY-110 Identify Woodworking Joints
• JNY-115 Apply Layout Techniques
• JNY-120 Use Hand Tools
• JNY-125 Use Portable Power Tools
• JNY-130 Use Woodworking Machines
• JNY-135 Use Assembly Techniques
• JNY-140 Apply a Finish
• JNY-145 Install Millwork

2. Furniture Design & Construction Certificate (13 weeks)

• WJC-100 Drafting for Joinery/Cabinetmaking
• WJC-120 Wood Products Design for Joinery/Cabinetmaking
• WJC-130 Wood Finishing for Joinery/Cabinetmaking
• WJC-150 Marine Joinery
• OFA-001* WHMIS General
• OFA-010* Occupational First Aid Level 1

*Note: Students not having current, valid First Aid and WHMIS certification are required to take these courses to meet program requirements. Separate fees will be charged for First Aid and WHMIS.

Completion Requirements

A minimum average of 70% for each course is required to pass the program. Successful completion of all courses in the program is necessary to receive the Furniture Design/Construction and the Joinery/Cabinetmaking certificates.