Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies

Program Overview

Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies at Cerritos College

Associate of Science

The goal of the Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies Department is to provide students with high quality woodworking education programs leading to certificates, degrees and jobs; provide industry with highly capable cabinet and furniture makers; provide the community with high quality avocational woodworking education programs, provide industry with material, process, and equipment training programs; and support other schools in the promotion and delivery of woodworking education.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $32,000 to $84,000 with an average salary of $54,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -1%
  • Average Salary: $44,000
  • Salary Range: $37,000 - $47,000
• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -1.9%
  • Average Salary: $50,000
  • Salary Range: $39,000 - $57,000
• Carpenters
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +0.9%
  • Average Salary: $73,000
  • Salary Range: $51,000 - $84,000
• Furniture Finishers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -0.7%
  • Average Salary: $49,000
  • Salary Range: $39,000 - $54,000
• Model Makers, Wood
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +38.6%
  • Average Salary: $67,000
  • Salary Range: $50,000 - $83,000
• Patternmakers, Wood
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +24.7%
  • Average Salary: $65,000
  • Salary Range: $32,000 - $83,000
• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +0.1%
  • Average Salary: $44,000
  • Salary Range: $36,000 - $48,000
• Woodworkers, All Other
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -3.6%
  • Average Salary: $43,000
  • Salary Range: $37,000 - $46,000

Program Map

Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies - Associate of Science

• 58.5 - 68.0 units

Pathway: to Degree

• Fall 2024, 1st Term: 13.5 - 14.0 units
  • MAJ WMT 101: Introduction to Woodworking (3.0 units)
  • MAJ WMT 118: Introduction to Woodturning (2.0 units)
  • GEN English Composition (4.0 - 4.5 units)
  • ELEC Elective (3.0 units)
  • ELEC Elective (1.5 units)
  • MILE Department Information
• Spring 2025, 2nd Term: 14.0 units
  • MAJ WMT 151 or WMT 153 (4.0 units)
  • MAJ WMT 102: Introduction to Solid Wood Casegoods (4.0 units)
  • MAJ WMT 107: Wood Finishing (3.0 units)
  • ELEC Elective (3.0 units)
• Fall 2025, 3rd Term: 16.0 - 19.0 units
  • MAJ WMT 103: Introduction to Tables (4.0 units)
  • MAJ WMT 154 or WMT 155 (4.0 units)
  • GEN Proficiency: Mathematics (4.0 - 5.0 units)
  • GEN U.S. History or Government (3.0 units)
  • GEN Proficiency: Health & Wellness (1.0 - 3.0 units)
• Spring 2026, 4th Term: 15.0 - 21.0 units
  • GEN Communication and Analytical Thinking (3.0 - 5.0 units)
  • GEN Humanities (3.0 - 5.0 units)
  • GEN Natural Sciences (3.0 - 5.0 units)
  • GEN GE or Elective (3.0 units)
  • ELEC Elective (3.0 units)

Program Outline

• Equip students with high-quality woodworking education.
• Offer certificates, degrees, and job opportunities.
• Fulfill industry needs for skilled cabinet and furniture makers.
• Provide avocational woodworking education for the community.
• Support other schools in woodworking education delivery.
• Introduction to Woodturning: Students learn the fundamentals of woodturning, including lathe operation, tool selection, and shaping techniques.
• Introduction to Solid Wood Casegoods: This course delves into the design and construction of furniture and cabinetry.
• Introduction to Tables: Students gain expertise in building various table styles, including their design and construction methods.
• Wood Finishing: This course covers different wood finishing techniques, including staining, painting, and applying protective coatings.
• Proficiency in Mathematics, U.S. History or Government, and Health & Wellness: These general education courses provide essential knowledge and skills.
• Communication and Analytical Thinking, Humanities, and Natural Sciences: These general education courses broaden students' understanding and critical thinking skills.
• Electives: Students can choose electives to personalize their learning experience and explore specific areas of interest.

However, they can tailor their schedule based on their individual needs and course availability.

Assessment:

Assessment methods used in the program likely include:

• Formative assessment: Ongoing feedback and evaluation throughout the learning process, such as quizzes, assignments, and class participation.
• Summative assessment: Evaluation at the end of a course or module to gauge student learning outcomes, such as exams, projects, and presentations.

Assessment criteria may consider:

• Technical skills and knowledge in woodworking techniques and processes.
• Design and problem-solving abilities.
• Safety practices and adherence to industry standards.
• Quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail in projects.

Teaching:

Teaching methods likely include:

• Hands-on instruction: Students actively engage with woodworking tools, equipment, and materials in a dedicated workshop environment.
• Lecture and demonstrations: Instructors provide theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations of woodworking techniques.
• Individualized instruction: Instructors offer personalized guidance and support to students based on their needs and learning pace.
• Collaborative learning: Students work together on projects, fostering teamwork and communication skills.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for various careers in the woodworking industry, including:

• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: This role involves operating and maintaining woodworking machinery.
• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters: These professionals specialize in building cabinets, furniture, and other wooden structures.
• Carpenters: Carpenters construct and repair buildings, including framing, roofing, and finish carpentry.
• Furniture Finishers: They apply finishes to furniture, cabinetry, and other wooden products.
• Patternmakers, Wood: They create patterns used to cast or mold metal, plastic, or other materials.
• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood: They operate sawing machines to cut and shape wood.
• Woodworkers, All Other: This broad category encompasses various woodworking occupations not classified elsewhere.

• Students may have opportunities to participate in internships or apprenticeships to gain practical experience.
• The program may offer scholarships or financial aid to eligible students.
• Graduates can join professional organizations or attend industry events to network and continue their professional development.