Woodworking

The best woodworking classes emphasize hands on tools, and the ability to draw and safely craft your own creations. Whether you’re a hobbyist or someone interested in a career as a carpenter, woodworking technician, cabinetmaker or CNC operator, developing your hand and power tool skills under the guidance of an experienced professional will help set you up for success in a range of fields that continue to face a shortage of skilled tradespeople across Canada.

Woodworking classes vary in terms of delivery, from fully in-person shop classes to hybrid options involving short lectures, demonstrations and hands-on exercises in the shop that culminate in a final project. In addition to foundational skills in carpentry and woodworking, graduates of certificate programs will be able to draft shop drawings using computer-based technologies, make material calculations, machine parts, handle stationary and portable woodworking machinery, and cut, assemble and finish cabinetry, furniture and other wood products.

Salaries for woodworkers vary depending on their trade, industry, location and employer. Cabinet makers and cabinet installers in Ontario, for example, can earn $60,000 or more per year. On average, carpenters earn $60,138 per year, with Master Carpenters earning more than $70,000. Meanwhile, the average CNC programmer in Canada earns $51,666 per year with workers earning on average $61,425 after just a few years on the job.