Cabinetmaking Techniques

Description

Cabinetmaking Techniques is a hands‑on program designed to turn your passion for craftsmanship into real‑world skills. From project planning and technical drawing to CAD design and tool operation, you’ll gain a strong foundation in every stage of the woodworking process. Whether you're brand new to woodworking or already experienced, you’ll build confidence and expertise by creating several cabinets and furniture pieces.

Throughout the program, you’ll discover the rich traditions of the trade while also working with cutting‑edge, 21st‑century wood‑manufacturing technologies. From advanced machinery to modern finishing techniques, you’ll graduate with the skills, knowledge, and experience to take your craftsmanship to the next level.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates enjoy success as employees in custom or production furniture building, commercial millwork, kitchen cabinet shops, custom stair shops, finishing and residential trim. Potential career opportunities include, trim carpentry, installers, cabinetmaker, machine set up technician, shop supervisor and self-employment.

A graduate may wish to discuss the possibility of eligibility for apprenticeship credits into the Cabinetmaking apprenticeship program with the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. follow standard operating procedures to maintain a safe work environment;
2. read sketches and shop drawings to identify joinery requirements for furniture and cabinetry projects;
3. interpret technical drawings to prepare material lists and plans for production, estimation, and workflow;
4. select, maintain, and safely operate handheld tools and stationary machinery to complete cabinetry work in accordance with standard operating procedures and project requirements;
5. select suitable materials to meet project requirements for quality, cost, and compliance with industry standards;
6. perform adhesive and sanding processes to assemble and finish cabinet and furniture components in accordance with industry standards;
7. select and apply finishes and hardware according to project specifications for appearance and client preference;
8. produce furniture, cabinets, and architectural features for residential and commercial settings that meet project specifications;
9. measure and calculate dimensions in both imperial and metric units to minimize cumulative error, waste, and rework;
10. maintain personal and workplace readiness to support the team in meeting deadlines and deliverables;
11. apply basic entrepreneurial strategies to identify and respond to new opportunities;
12. employ environmentally sustainable practices within the profession.

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2027
• Sem 2: Winter 2028
• Sem 3: Summer 2028

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirements

All Georgian College students are required to bring their own device (BYOD) that meets the technology requirements for their program. Having access to a personal laptop that meets your program’s technical requirements will ensure you’re prepared for in-class, online and hybrid learning activities. Students are responsible for the cost, software installation, maintenance and repair of their device.  

Graduation Requirements

17 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
1 General Education Course

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
CABT 1010	Hand and Power Tools	42
CABT 1011	Cabinetmaking Applications	70
CABT 1012	Finishing Processes	28
CABT 1013	Joinery and Fastening	42
DRFT 1009	Technical Drawings	28
MATH 1036	Math for Wood Trades	28
	Hours	238
Semester 2
Program Courses
CABT 1014	Cabinet Construction and Installation	28
CABT 1016	Finishing Applications	28
CABT 1018	Construction Applications	84
CABT 1024	Trim and Mouldings	42
CABT 1025	Cabinetmaking Materials	28
DRFT 1018	AutoCAD and Cabinetmaking Software	28
Communications Course
COMM 1016	Communication Essentials	42
	Hours	280
Semester 3
CABT 1019	Preproduction Planning	28
CABT 1020	Advanced Projects	84
CABT 1021	Furniture Design, Stair and Film Set Construction Fundamentals	28
CABT 1022	Advanced Finishing	28
CABT 1023	Construction Detailing	42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
	Total Hours	770

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of one year (as stated above) may take a maximum of two years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.