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 Facts
Length: Two-year Ontario College Diploma program Delivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2013 (Open) - Fall | Winter | Fall | Winter Location: Doon (Kitchener) Start: September First-Year Capacity: 45 Tuition: Please refer to Program Fee Chart for information *Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa. *Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.
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.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 19 years of age or older with mature student status. (See Mature Student Definition for details.)
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270).
Grade 12 Mathematics, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics For Trades (MATH1420).
English and/or mathematics testing may be required.
Admission Procedures
An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C course used in the calculation of academic strength.
Twenty (20) additional marks are added to each post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength. Please note: Beginning with the application cycle for fall 2014, post-secondary courses used in the calculation of academic strength will receive a bonus of ten (10) marks.
Program Requirements
Grade 11 Physics or Science or Conestoga College Preparatory Physics, technical shops/labs, technical drafting are desirable but not mandatory.
Applicants are assumed to have basic computer literacy.
For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.
Description: Drafting is the visual language of designers, craftsmen, engineers and architects. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to drafting fundamentals from free-hand sketching to 2-Dimensional computer-aided-design (CAD). Topics include layout, title block, scale, the ?alphabet of lines?, orthographic projection, section and auxiliary views, and annotation. Students will apply the fundamentals of drafting in conjunction with CAD software to create detailed technical drawings for woodworking applications. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will provide the student with the ability to apply numeracy to wood machining fundamentals and principles. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The students will study the structure and characteristics of wood, wood identification and the different methods used to cut and match veneers. The students will select the following materials according to usage: lumber, veneers, particleboards, fibreboards, plywoods, plastic laminates, abrasives, adhesives and preservatives. The student will also study material standard sizes and grades, as well as distinctive characteristics and comparative costs. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course includes the basics machine setup and operation procedures and the key principles of wood machining. Cutting tools and proper care will also be dealt with. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This practical course includes the use of the following operations in the woodworking shop: the breakout of solid wood parts using cut-off saws, jointer, planers, ripsaws, edge-gluing equipment; finish machining operations involving the use of a variety of stationary and portable equipment. Hours: 120 Credits: 8 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This hands-on course provides the students with the opportunity to finish wood products. Students will set-up, operate, and maintain conventional air spray equipment. Standard industrial finishing materials will be used to prepare finishing test panels. The following techniques will be used: grain accentuation, distressing, high-lighting, and rubbing. The repair of whitewood projects will be included. Viscosity testing procedures and equipment/finishing system troubleshooting procedures will be examined. Cause and prevention of finish defects will also be demonstrated. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course introduces the student to computer concepts and terminology. Activities in this course will be co-ordinated with the other drafting and product development courses in the program. Students will apply the fundamentals of computer-aided design using CAD software. This course is designed to equip the student with a basic level of skill in creating woodworking drawings using a microcomputer. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: DRWG1090 or DRWG1095 CoRequisites:
Description: Product engineering is the information hub of any woodworking business. In this course we will examine the process of effectively engineering woodworking products. A representative group of furniture will be studied to illustrate the principles of sound construction of furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork. Topics will include the selection and application of wood joints, fasteners, and hardware. Students will also prepare a complete set of product specifications including detailed drawings using CAD software, as well as bills of material for woodworking projects. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: DRWG1090 or DRWG1095 CoRequisites:
Description: The major furniture style periods will be studied as a means to develop an appreciation for history, culture, and art. The distinguishing characteristics of each period will be examined with respect to styling, materials and construction. The role of antique furniture and family heirlooms in relation to the preservation of history will be presented. This course may include field trips to local museums. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Woodworking techniques which include the machine set-up and operating procedures for processing solid wood and veneered panels. Other topics considered are the machining of man-made boards and the current state of the art of cutting tools. Machine maintenance including motor and spindle speeds, drive systems, bearings and lubricants are also dealt with. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1010 CoRequisites:
Description: The course will enable the student to perform whitewood and finish repairs on various wood types, employ proper colour matching techniques to match various wood stains to industrial standards, demonstrate proper set-up and use of air-assisted and H.V.L.P. spray equipment, apply a complex commercial finish to projects manufactured during semesters I and II, apply complex finishes to panels, and perform basic finish repair procedures on wood substrates. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1040 or WOOD1045 CoRequisites:
Description: Students learn to operate woodworking machinery safely while producing major furniture projects. Students work from technical drawings and route sheets to meet specifications. Shop areas covered are: Rough mill and breakout, panel processing and veneer layup and gluing, overhead routers, shapers boring machines, sanding machines, and assembly and prefinish operations. Hours: 120 Credits: 8 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1020 or WOOD1025 CoRequisites:
Description: In this course, the student will examine the principles of colour control, the theory of colour and light, the theory of air-assisted airless spray equipment, and H.V.L.P. spray equipment, finish repair, types of spray booths and their operation and types of industrial compressors and their operation and waterbased finish systems. Hours: 15 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Product design and development is fundamental to the success of every business. This course introduces the students to the product development process from the original designer’s sketch to the completed sample, with the emphasis on a basic overview of the process involved. Topics will include the selection and use of wood components and hardware , the relationship between target product cost and the choice of materials and construction methods. The major assignment will be the preparation of a complete set of production documents using solid modelling and spreadsheets for the personal project the student will build in the fourth semester. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: COMP1250, DSGN1020 CoRequisites:
Description: Students will develop an understanding of CNC machines and processes used within the woodworking industry. Students will receive training in basic programming, machine setup and operation and identify the various tooling requirements for specific CNC machines. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: MATH1225 CoRequisites:
Description: Prerequisites: Successful completion of year one of the program. This course provides the student with practical set-up and operation experience, and examines potential applications for a number of production oriented machines. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1080 CoRequisites:
Description: Woodworking techniques which include the theory of production woodworking machines typical of what would be used in industry including machine capabilities, sequencing, and appropriate tooling. Also the use of the 32mm measuring system and the hardware that is designed to be used with it. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1050 CoRequisites:
Description: This hands-on course will include the machining, sanding, assembly and finishing of documented furniture and cabinetry projects. Related problems will be solved as they arise. Hours: 120 Credits: 8 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1080 CoRequisites:
Description: Disassemble and assemble various spray equipment such as Conventional Air Spray, H.V.L.P., Air Assisted Airless and Medium Pressure spray equipment Set up and spray the above equipment using the correct tip, air cap and needle combinations to obtain proper film build and appearance consistent with production spraying requirements. Measure wet and dry film builds using the appropriate equipment. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1070 CoRequisites:
Description: This course will introduce the student to principles of cost minimization and use of computers to assist in product design and specification. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course introduces the student to the option of business ownership. How business operates, forms of business and the role of government in small business will be the focus. Ethics and established business practices will be explored via case studies. As a culminating activity the student will produce a business plan taking into account various relevant components. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: In this course, the student will study the line and staff functions of a manufacturing organization. Topics will include the fundamentals of work measurement and methods analysis as well as the principles of materials handling and plant layout. Elements of supervision and industrial relations will also be discussed. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: To meet the unit outcomes, the student must perform the required setup, operation, machining, trimming, or fitting on a part(s) or subassembly(s) supplied by the teacher or manufactured by the student to predetermined specifications. Depending on the exercise, and at the discretion of the teacher, the students will work individually or in groups. This course provides the students with practical set-up and operational experience on many machines used in the kitchen cabinet, store fixture and architectural millwork industries. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: WOOD1080 CoRequisites:
Description: In this course, the student will complete the machining, sanding, assembly and finishing of one or more personal projects which have been designed and documented by the student in advance and have been approved by the appropriate instructor. Hours: 120 Credits: 8 Pre-Requisites: WOOD2035 CoRequisites:
Description: This course will provide an overview of issues related to the architectural millwork sector of the woodworking industry. A look will be taken at project management and legal issues. Specific items of millwork will be examined to provide the student with the proper terminology as well as an introductory view of installation techniques. Practical experience will be gained in identifying millwork components and specifications in architectural drawings and tender documents. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for employment in small and large manufacturing firms as production workers, machine setters, shop forepersons, installers, product service and sales representatives. Some graduates start their own businesses.
91% of 2010-2011 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation. Their average starting salary was $38,339.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities see the Government of Canada web site: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.
For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.
For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
