What to expect from a career as a Woodworker
Woodworking is a trade that combines hands-on work with creativity. Professionals in this industry not only have an eye for design, but also the practical skills necessary to turn their design ideas into finished products. Woodworking programs at Ontario colleges help students develop and channel their creativity into practical skills training, focusing on equipment operation, blueprint reading, engineering and more, so graduates are ready to start a successful career in the woodworking industry.
If you’d like a hands-on career that also allows you to explore your creative side and want to learn more about becoming a woodworking professional, here’s what you need to know.
Woodworking Courses
There are a number of woodworking programs available through Ontario colleges, but most fall under the categories of:
- Woodworking or Manufacturing Technician. Woodworking technician programs give students the skills and theoretical knowledge to undertake a number of woodworking projects, including furniture building, cabinet construction and more. Techniques learned include woodworking tools and machinery operation, assembly, veneering, finishing and more, with plenty of hands-on time in sophisticated labs that employ both conventional woodworking machinery and the latest computer-controlled equipment.
- Woodworking Technology. Woodworking technology programs typically build on skills and techniques learned in woodworking technician programs with a managerial and production component. Skills in material analysis, facilities planning, supervision and quality control help prepare students for administrative, managerial and supervisory roles in the woodworking industry.
Additional specialty programs are also available in both the woodworking and carpentry and cabinet making categories, including heritage carpentry and millwork, architectural woodworking and more.
General Woodworking Program Requirements
Ontario college woodworking programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Additional academic credits may vary, but will likely include a senior math credit.
Woodworking Jobs and Salaries
Woodworking training opens up a number of career opportunities in both large and small manufacturing companies or in starting your own woodworking business. Areas of specialty may include custom woodworking, cabinet and furniture making, finishing, installation and much more.
Salaries in the woodworking industry will depend on the position, but graduates usually see entry-level salaries between $28,000 and $35,000 per year. Woodworking professionals who take on custom design or high-end projects may be able to charge more for their time.
Ontario Colleges Offering Woodworking Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of woodworking programs at Ontario colleges.
Current Filters: