Do you like working with wood? Are you good with your hands? Could you visualize a finished product by looking at drawings or blueprints? Then, you could become a Cabinetmaker!
What do I do?
Cabinetmakers build and repair fixtures (like kitchen cupboards) and furniture made of wood or wood substitutes. If youÕd like to produce custom-made pieces, youÕll be discussing projects with customers, drawing up plans, pricing and selecting materials, and measuring, shaping, assembling and installing your work. If youÕre interested in cutting-edge technology, computers are frequently used in the design process and larger cabinet shops use computer-driven tools.
How do I advance?
Alberta is predicting a bright outlook for cabinetmaking with plenty of employment in the foreseeable future. Should you want to move up, the chances are good you could start your own business or advance to a supervisory position. The work is satisfying and commands respect and solid pay.
How much do I make?
Apprentice Cabinetmakers earn at least 55% of the journeyman wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of apprenticeship, 65% in the second, 75% in the third, and 85% in the fourth year. Journeyman wage rates vary, with the average about $15 to $20.90 an hour (Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training 1996 figures). In addition to the basic hourly rate, employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Where do I go from here?
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010 or Cabinetmaking 1 CON2160. See your school counsellor for more information.
It takes time to become a great Cabinetmaker. You can learn the skills through apprenticeship training.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the regular Cabinetmaker program administered by Apprenticeship and Industry Training, you need to have at least Grade 11 with a pass mark in Math 20 or 23 or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an employer who is willing to hire and train you as an apprentice. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and select apprentices from among their current employees.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods with a minimum of 1360 hours employment each year). In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently being offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
Outside the apprenticeship program in Alberta, NAIT offers a one-year pre-employment Millwork and Carpentry program. The minimum admission requirement is Grade 10, including English and Math. However, English 30 or 33 and Math 30 or 33 may be required to gain admission to this popular program. NAIT also offers related courses through its Continuing Education Division.
After successfully completing the required exams and specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate. If you pass a nationally recognized interprovincial examination, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means that your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.
Apprentices generally start acquiring a good set of tools, a shop apron and a sturdy toolbox as soon as they start in the trade.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
