Cabinetmaker

Cabinetmakers, also known as Joiners, are creative builders who turn natural materials into finished products. They enjoy working with others to develop beautiful and functional furnishings.  

As a Cabinetmaker, you’ll draw on your math skills and creativity to develop products that are not only functional, but also reflect your signature style. You’ll enjoy the physical challenge of working with wood and becoming deeply familiar with the different materials and tools at your disposal.   

You might find yourself in a workshop alongside other Cabinetmakers, or on a construction site.

What You'll Learn

  • How to interpret architectural drawings  
  • How to use woodworking machines and hand tools  
  • How to build, repair and re-style wooden furniture, cabinets, and fixtures  
  • How to sand surfaces and apply veneer and stain  
  • How to calculate dimensions and estimate materials and costs  

Key Job Skills

  • Active listening and monitoring 
  • Operating woodworking machines and hand tools 
  • Product assembly and construction 
  • Preparing cost estimates 
  • Finish application  

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Technical Training 24 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6480 HOURS
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

Program Updates:

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

In effect starting September 1, 2023

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Cabinetmakers, also known as Joiners, build, repair and re-style wooden furniture, cabinets, fixtures and other products. They use architectural drawings, and they often operate woodworking machines to cut and form parts, which they then assemble into finished products. Preparation of cost estimates is often a key skill and responsibility for Cabinetmakers. Some specialize in custom-made furniture, while many work in the construction industry. Increasingly, Cabinetmakers are tasked with installing pre-manufactured cabinets and fixtures. 

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Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

  • To be implemented.

Updates:

  • To be implemented.

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • October 2023: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2021 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2012 NOA and 2021 RSOS can be found here.

Information:

Program Information

Pre-Harmonization Program Information

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.