Woodworking Technician

About the Program
Conestoga's Woodworking Technician program is the only one of its kind in Ontario. You will receive a good grounding in the technology and skills involved in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets and architectural millwork and training in modern manufacturing techniques.

During the first term you will study the same curriculum as the Woodworking Technology - Co-op program. You will learn the setup and operation of wood working machinery and equipment, breakout of lumber and panel components, laminating, veneering, machining, sanding, assembly and finishing. Significant hands-on learning takes place in our large, up-to-date shop containing most conventional machines found in the trade, as well as several computer-controlled machines. The second year involves extensive project work, introduction to production management skills and mandatory modules on manufacture of kitchen cabinets and architectural millwork, basic word processing and CAD.

Program Outcomes
% Understand how the structure of wood and its mechanical and physical properties relate to the quality and performance of wood products.
% Safely use basic hand tools, and portable power tools.
% Safely set-up and operate a wide range of production machinery and equipment used in wood products manufacturing.
% Perform the skills of basic sharpening and maintenance of hand tools.
% Design, construct and use jigs and patterns for machining, and assembly operations.
% Perform a variety of industrial wood finishing techniques.
% Describe the variety, grades and uses of materials commonly used in the trade, including lumber, veneer, particleboard, fibreboard, plastic laminates, adhesives, abrasives and preservatives.
% Construct and finish a variety of furniture and cabinetry projects applying the appropriate production techniques.
% Prepare and use drawings and specifications for furniture, cabinets and architectural millwork.
% Appreciate the history of furniture styles.
% Practice teamwork in accomplishing objectives.
% Communicate effectively.
% Be aware of basic microcomputer applications.
% Acquire an increased appreciation and understanding of the concepts and values required to enhance the quality of life for self and others in the home, workplace and the local and global community through an exploration of selected broad goals of education in the areas of aesthetics, civic life, culture, personal development, society, work and the economy, science and technology.
% Understand basic principles of work measurement, methods analysis, quality control, production control and supervision.
% Understand the product development process and the role of the product engineer.
% Apply simple business practice procedures.
% Use advanced spray application equipment and finish systems.
% Describe the design and construction fundamentals of kitchen cabinetry and architectural millwork.
% Describe how architectural millwork products differ from furniture in design, construction and installation.
% Apply finish to a variety of woodworking projects using sophisticated finishing procedures using production processes.
% Describe the operation of a lumber drying kiln.
% Prepare cost estimates for furniture, cabinetry and architectural millwork projects.
% Safely set-up and operate a variety of advanced production machines.