Woodworking Technology (Optional Co-Op)

Consider this unique advanced diploma program delivered at one of the most advanced woodworking training facilities in North America. During the first year of the program, which is common with the Woodworking Technician program, you will spend a significant amount of time learning the set-up and operation of woodworking machinery and equipment, laminating, veneering, machining, sanding, assembly, and finishing. The second year, which is also common with the Woodworking Technician program, involves extensive project work, introduction to production management skills, manufacturing of kitchen cabinets, and architectural millwork. The final year of the program focuses on plant layout/support systems, materials handling, quality control, cost estimating, and computer-aided drafting. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the trade schooling for an Ontario cabinetmaker apprenticeship are embedded in the program and this will provide you with a recognized advantage when starting your career. The co-op delivery mode affords students the opportunity to relate in-school training with real industrial experience. Due to the placement of co-op work terms, the academic semesters are fall/winter in year 1 and fall/spring in year 2 and winter/spring in Year 3.

What You’ll Learn

• Describe the variety, grades, physical properties, preparation and uses of materials commonly used in the trade and how these relate to the quality and performance of wood products.
• Explain the responsibility and methods of maintaining a safe working environment in compliance with all applicable legislation.
• Set-up, operate and maintain safely and effectively hand and power tools as well as a wide range of production machinery and equipment used in wood products manufacturing.
• Design, construct and use jigs, fixtures and patterns to enhance the safe and efficient machining and assembly of components.
• Use safely and effectively a variety of industrial wood finishing equipment and techniques.
• Outline a wide variety of manufacturing techniques and processes utilized the in the woodworking industry today as well as those that may be utilized in the future.
• Describe the unique features, design and construction fundamentals of furniture, cabinetry and architectural millwork products.
• Prepare technical drawings, product specifications and cost estimates for a variety of wood products effectively and in compliance with industry practices.
• Design, develop, engineer and construct a major project that demonstrates proficiency in all areas of manufacturing a woodworking product.
• Communicate technical information effectively, at appropriate levels through the use of written and oral language, graphics and computers.
• Apply advanced software, including CAD, CAM, office and database suites to design and manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Program, set-up and operate advanced computer-controlled machines.
• Outline the basic principles of sound business practices.
• Apply the fundamental principles of industrial engineering to create a comprehensive plan for the layout of an efficient facility for the processing of wood products.
• Apply best practices in operations management techniques to support effective management of the human, material and physical resources of a woodworking facility.
• Plan, schedule and coordinate the successful completion of a large scale project specific to the woodworking industry using a variety of project management techniques.