Woodworking Technology (Co-op)

About the Program
This unique co-operative diploma program is delivered at one of the most outstanding woodworking training facilities in North America. It is designed to provide you with a theoretical and applied knowledge of the technology and skills involved in the efficient and quality-conscious manufacture of furniture, cabinets and architectural millwork. The co-op delivery mode affords you with the opportunity to relate in-school training with real industrial experience.

All courses in first semester and most courses in second, third, and fourth semesters are common with the Woodworking Technician program. While the first term is common with Woodworking Technician, you will continue developing practical shop skills in the second-year. As well, you will study production management and industrial engineering concepts consistent with current technology, such as computer drafting and CNC machining.

In your final year you will learn to understand and apply work measurement, methods analysis, plant layout/support systems, materials handling, quality control, cost estimating, manufacturing management techniques, computer integrated manufacturing concepts, computer-aided drafting, NC program processing and other woodworking industry computer applications.
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.
% Demonstrate an understanding of employer expectations with regard to academic, practical and attitudinal skills.
% 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.
% Appreciate the design and construction fundamentals of kitchen cabinetry and architectural millwork.
% Appreciate how architectural millwork products differ from furniture in design, construction and installation.
% Understand the programming and operation of computer-controlled machines, and create, dimension and plot part drawings using AutoCAD computer program.
% Finish a variety of woodworking projects using sophisticated finishing procedures using production processes.
% Understand 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.
% Carry out time studies and develop standard data applying the principles of work measurement.
% Apply the principles of methods analysis, work station efficiency, and productive work flow for typical manufacturing processes.
% Develop a quality assurance program for a wood manufacturing operation applying the principles of statistical process control.
% Apply the fundamentals of effective supervision and personnel management.
% Understand and assist in plant layout and materials handling analysis, equipment selection, and plant support system planning.
% Perform operations planning and scheduling as well as inventory and materials requirement analysis.
% Understand the concepts of computer-integrated manufacturing and apply the principles of computer control in the woodworking manufacturing environment.
% Develop complete working drawings using 3D CAD software.
% Transfer the data generated by software programs through to CNC machinery for part manufacturing.
% Understand the fundamentals of product testing and analysis and perform strength tests on a variety of furniture joints and components.
% Understand the responsibility and methods of maintaining a safe working environment.
% Communicate effectively in speech and writing as well as graphicall