Cabinetry and Woodworking

Solid walnut, engineered panels and a CNC router humming in the background: this is where custom kitchens begin. Cabinetry and Woodworking - Certificate is a 38-week programme at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg, including three weeks of work integrated learning in industry.

Term 1 builds a safe, accurate woodworker through Woodworking and Hand Tools, Woodworking and Power Equipment, Woodworking Applications 1, Trade Safety and Orientation, Math for Construction Trades and Communication Strategies, plus WHMIS and General Safety Training. Term 2 moves into production with Woodworking and CNC Technologies, Wood Industrial Machinery, Project Development, Woodworking Trends and Communication for the Workplace. Term 3 finishes the job through Wood Finishing, Shipping and Installation and Woodworking Applications 2, and the AC-183 Accreditation for Level 1 is part of the programme.

You work in modern cabinetry shops with a variety of woods, laminates and engineered materials, and Project Development and Woodworking and CNC Technologies train you in design and CNC software. A three-week Field Experience places you in an industry shop during Term 2, and Term 3 recreates a working environment with a kitchen installation project. The certificate is not an apprenticeship, but it may give apprenticeship credit transfer. Students supply CSA approved steel toe footwear and safety glasses.

Graduates find work as custom cabinetmakers, CNC operators and programmers, machine operators, cabinet installers, finish carpenters and Level 1 apprentices. The programme suits patient, detail-focused makers who enjoy furniture and fine joinery and like the idea of pairing traditional hand skills with computer-controlled machining.