Program Overview

Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate

Overview

The Furniture Design and Joinery program teaches students to design, construct, finish, and repair high-quality wood products such as kitchen cabinets, furniture, and fixtures. Students earn Level 1 technical training credit and work-based training hours toward their Interprovincial (Red Seal) certification when they register as an apprentice. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in millwork, furniture building, cabinet making, marine joinery, residential finishing carpentry, sales, or as self-employed artisans.

Location

• Port Alberni

Length

• 36 weeks

Delivery

• In-person
• Full-time

Admission Requirements

• C in English 10 or equivalent or successful English assessment
• C in Math 10 or equivalent or successful Math assessment for Trades
• High school graduation is preferred, provided the applicant meets or exceeds the stated prerequisite
• Or successful completion of FSK 030 if the above requirements are not met

Course Requirements

• FJF - 100 Safe Practices in Cabinetmaking/Joinery
• FJF - 101 Shop Drawings And Layouts
• FJF - 102 Material Selection
• FJF - 103 Hand Tools in Woodworking
• FJF - 104 Portable Power Tools in Woodworking
• FJF - 105 Stationary Woodworking Machines
• FJF - 106 Product Assembly
• FJF - 107 Wood Finishing - Surface Preparation
• FJF - 108 Furniture Design And Advanced Joinery Techniques
• FJF - 109 Marine Joinery
• FJF - 110 Woodshop Business Operations
• FJF - 111 Computer Aided Design And Drafting
• FJF - 112 Advanced Stationary Woodworking Machines
• FJF - 113 Kitchen Cabinets, Casework, And Millwork
• FJF - 114 Wood Finishing - Hand and Spray
• WSF - 019 Orientation to WHMIS Online
• FAC - 020 Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C

Completion Requirements

• Students will be required to achieve a minimum C (Letter Grade Scale 2) in each course to pass the program
• Students will be required to pass all industry certificate courses to achieve program completion requirements

Schedule

• This program is scheduled four days per week, Monday through Thursday

Supplies

• Materials: Students are responsible for the material costs of their projects, estimated to be $500 to $1000
• Texts: Available at the NIC bookstore
• Stationery:
  • Pencil and pen
  • Sharp TI-30Xa (recommended)
• Safety Equipment:
  • WorkSafe-approved safety glasses (clear and non-tinted)
  • WorkSafe-approved hearing protection
  • Closed-toe heavy leather boots
• Tools: All tools are supplied

Careers

• This education pathway will help students get ready to become a Red Seal certified Cabinetmaker (Joiner)
• Annual median estimated earnings for cabinetmakers in BC: $51,097

Costs

• Domestic:
  • Tuition: $3,340
  • Lab: $135
  • Student Union: $205
  • Learner Resource: $180
  • Health and Dental: $285
  • Total: $4,145
• International:
  • Tuition: $15,660
  • Lab: $135
  • Student Union: $205
  • Learner Resource: $180
  • Health and Dental: $285
  • Student Services Fee: $920
  • Total: $17,385

Your Path to Red Seal Certification

• Foundation: NIC’s trades foundation programs equip students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to enter a trade without requiring an employer sponsor
• Apprenticeship: Combines on-the-job training with classroom learning
• Getting started: Find your trade and become familiar with how many levels of training you need, the number of work-based hours required, and information about your exams
• Supports: During technical training, students are eligible to apply for financial supports with WorkBC Employment Services and Service Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is trades training?
• What are the differences of levels for trades training, like Harmonized or Apprenticeship?
• How long does it take to complete a trades program?
• What is an apprenticeship, and how does it work?
• How do I become an apprentice?
• Are there financial supports for trades students?
• Is trades training suitable for women and underrepresented groups?
• Can I work while studying trades?
• Who can I contact for more information?