Woodworking Technology (Optional Co-op)
Program details
Credential: 3-Year Ontario College Advanced DiplomaThis unique three-year co-operative education program delivered at the Woodworking Centre of Ontario is designed to provide the student 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 student receives knowledge of manufacturing management techniques such as production planning and scheduling, personnel management and supervision. The student will understand the concepts of computer-integrated manufacturing and have practical skills in computer-assisted drafting, CNC program processing and other computer applications in the woodworking industry such as inventory control and costing.
Student availability & wage data
Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.
Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.
Work/Study Sequence
| Year | Fall (Sept - Dec) | Winter (Jan - Apr) | Spring (May - Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Classes | Classes | Work Term 1: $17.20-21 |
| Year 2 | Classes | Work Term 2: $17.20-21 | Classes |
| Year 3 | Work Term 3: $17.20-22 | Classes | Classes |
Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.
Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.
Work term capabilities
Specific skills and abilities that students are typically capable of performing during a given work term are listed below.
Work term 1
- Set-up and operate basic machinery and equipment used in wood products manufacturing
- Perform basic wood finishing techniques
- Use drawings and specifications to construct and finish a variety of wood-related projects applying production techniques
- Understand the basic functions of AutoCAD and develop drawings specific to the woodworking industry
Work term 2
- Design, construct and use jigs and patterns for machining, sanding, assembly and trim operations
- Prepare and use drawings and specifications for furniture, cabinets and architectural millwork
- Familiar with the product development process, the role of the product engineer and project planning
- Understand programming and operation of computer-controlled machines and create dimension and plot drawings using AutoCAD and Inventor Solid Modeling software
Work term 3
- Understand basic principles of work measurement, methods analysis, quality control, production control and supervision
- Apply and use kitchen cabinet software in the manufacture of kitchens, vanities and architectural casework
- Site measure architectural millwork or kitchens
- Familiar with design, construction and installation of cabinetry or architectural millwork
- Understand the use of advanced finishing procedures and production techniques
- Perform requirements of the store fixture industry including plastic laminating, glass or hardware
- Understand the concepts of computer-integrated manufacturing and apply the principles of computer control in the woodworking manufacturing environment
- Prepare cost estimates
- Understand the use of third party software in the programming of computer-controlled machines
Sample job titles
Work term 1:
- Spray Finisher/Sander
- Cabinetmaker's Assistant
- Product Assembler
- Junior Stairmaker
- Woodshop Technician
- Engineering Assistant
- Woodworking Machinist
- CNC Operator
- Stair and Cabinetry Installer
- AutoCAD/Shop Drawing Detailer
Post a co-op job now
Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.
Contact information
Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:
Ken Buitenhuis
Employer Relations Consultant
kbuitenhuis@conestogac.on.ca
226-808-2848