Woodworking Technology (Optional Co-op)

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Drafting And Blueprint Reading
DRWG1097

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: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Numerical Woodworking Applications
MATH1227

Description: This course will provide the student with the ability to apply numeracy to wood machining fundamentals and principles.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Materials
MATR1030

Description: In this course 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: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Woodworking Techniques I
WOOD1010

Description: This course provides students with the basics of machine set up, operation procedures, and the key principles of wood machining; the basis for operations performed in the workshop. Also covered in the course is the importance of required industrial safety procedures, including the proper selection, maintenance and care of cutting tools.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Machining Practice I
WOOD1027

Description: This course provides students with a working knowledge of machining practice. Both traditional hand use equipment and modern power equipment will be used. While constructing and planning specified furniture and cabinet projects, students will apply standard safety procedures to set up, operate, and maintain woodworking machines and tools, and learn to identify proper operating methods of a wood workshop; in addition to using various jigs and fixtures and interpreting shop drawings and production documentation.
  • Hours: 112
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Finishing I
WOOD1047

Description: This course covers standard industrial finishing materials, methods and equipment. Theoretical and practical concepts of coating technologies are explained and applied relative to wood species and to the design, production and inspection of furniture components. Emphasis at this stage will be placed on discussing coating components and their role in a formulation and on the conventional spraying technology.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR1020

Description: This series of modules will prepare students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Coop Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while developing an awareness of self-reflective practices. Students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and examine available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Computer Drafting
COMP1250

Description: In this course students will apply the fundamentals of three dimensional solid modeling using CAD software. This course is designed to equip the student with a basic level of skill in creating 3-D woodworking parts, assembly models and drawings, which will be used in future product design courses.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: DRWG1097
  • CoRequisites:

Product Engineering
DSGN1025

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: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: DRWG1097
  • CoRequisites:

CNC (Woodworking)
MACH1020

Description:

This course is a basic introduction to the fundamentals of computer numerical control for woodworking. The student will have a general knowledge of basic programming skills and machine operation.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites: MATH1227
  • CoRequisites:

Woodworking Techniques II
WOOD1050

Description: In this course students will explore woodworking techniques including machine set-up and operating procedures for processing solid wood and veneered panels; in addition to 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 reviewed.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: WOOD1010
  • CoRequisites:

Finishing II
WOOD1077

Description: In this course,students will examine the principles of colour control and the theory of colour and light as they relate to the furniture industry. Theoretical concepts of HVLP and air-assisted airless spray equipment will be discussed as well as types of spray booths and industrial compressors. This course introduces the students to more complex spray application technologies , such as HVLP and air assited airless.Students will apply colour matching techniques and will perform wood and finishing repair techniques.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: WOOD1047
  • CoRequisites:

Machining Practice II
WOOD1085

Description: In this course, students learn to set up, operate and maintain safely and effectively a wide range of production machinery and equipment to produce a major furniture project as a team unit. Students work from technical drawings and route sheets to meet the design specifications of the project. Shop areas covered include: breakout, veneering, machining, assembly and finishing.
  • Hours: 112
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: WOOD1025 OR WOOD1027
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Co-op Work Term I (Woodworking)
COOP1140

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Product Design And Development
DRWG2112

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 final semester of their second year.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: COMP1250 AND DSGN1020 OR DSGN1025
  • CoRequisites:

Production Equipment and CNC
MACH2290

Description: This course provides the student with practical set-up and operation experience on advanced conventional and CNC woodworking machines.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MACH1020 AND WOOD1080 OR WOOD1085
  • CoRequisites:

Shop Management
OPER2120

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: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Woodworking Techniques III
WOOD2020

Description: In this course students will explore woodworking techniques, in addition to the theory of production woodworking machines typical of what would be used in industry including machine capabilities, sequencing, and appropriate tooling. The content will also cover the use of the 32mm measuring system and the hardware that is designed to be used with it.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: WOOD1050
  • CoRequisites:

Finishing III
WOOD2065

Description: In this course students will learn to disassemble and assemble various spray equipment such as conventional air spray, HVLP, air assisted airless and medium pressure spray equipment. Additionally, students learn how to measure wet and dry film builds using the appropriate equipment, and practicing safe set up and spray of a variety of equipment using the correct tip, air cap and needle combinations to obtain proper film build and appearance consistent with production spraying requirements.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: WOOD1077
  • CoRequisites:

Machining Practice III
WOOD2140

Description: This hands-on course will include the machining, sanding, assembly and finishing of documented furniture and cabinetry projects, in addition to anticipating and solving related problems as they arise.
  • Hours: 112
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: WOOD1085
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 5

Course details

Co-op Work Term II (Woodworking)
COOP2140

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Level 6

Course details

Architectural Product Design
DSGN2080

Description: In this course, principles of design and layout of kitchens are studied and applied to computer based kitchen design using dedicated software.Students also study the development of woodworking documentation using typical computer spreadsheet software.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Entrepreneurship
ENTR1011

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: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Architectural Techniques
WOOD2105

Description: This course will provide an overview of the architectural millwork sector of the woodworking industry. Students will be introduced to various millwork components and their proper terminology. Woodworking project management, including architectural documentation, tender documents and legal issues will also be examined.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Architectural Millwork Practice
WOOD2130

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 setup and operational experience on many machines used in the kitchen cabinet, store fixture and architectural millwork industries.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Machining Practice IV
WOOD2150

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: 112
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: WOOD2038 OR WOOD2140
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 7

Course details

Co-op Work Term III (Woodworking)
COOP3090

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Level 8

Course details

Computer Integrated Manufacturing I
COMP2210

Description: This course introduces the student to concepts of both computer-integrated manufacturing and applying the principles of computer control in the woodworking manufacturing environment. The focus is on organization and integration of files and data using spreadsheet, database, and CAD/CAM software suites.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Effective Supervision
HRM3070

Description: This course will provide the student with the fundamentals of effective supervision and sound personnel management. Organization and planning are stressed. Methods for the improvement of communications in a one on one situation as well as in a group settings are studied. The superior-subordinate relationship is discussed. Developing employee skills, improving productivity, and performance evaluation methods are covered. Principles of time, stress and career management are provided.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Work Flow Analysis I
MGMT1225

Description:

This course is a study of methods, time study and wage payment with practical application. Areas of study will include the history and development of motion and time study, operation and flow charts, man and machine relationship, motion study, performance rating, time study requirements, standard time and data and work sampling. Special consideration will be given to the application of industrial engineering practices in the woodworking industry.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Planning and Control Systems I
OPER1145

Description: This course provides the student with an introduction to the basics involved in manufacturing planning and control (MPC) systems (i.e., the fundamental sub-systems). Material requirements planning, inventory management, capacity management, just-in-time, as well as other areas of master production planning, are among the topics introduced in this module.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Woodworking Facilities Planning I
PLAN1010

Description: In this course, students will study the principles of process evaluation, and the factors influencing the layout of a woodworking plant. Methods of determining appropriate material handling equipment and support systems, as well as manufacturing equipment selection and justification, will be applied to typical industrial situations. The material studied in this course will be used to develop a full plant planning project to be assigned in Woodworking Facilities Planning II course.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Project Application
WOOD3035

Description: In this course, students will experience the typical life cycle of the design and engineering phases of a new woodworking product launch. The course will culminate with a formal presentation of the proposed product to a board of directors for approval. Groups of students will design or receive from a third party customer, a prototype for a woodworking product for manufacturing and assembly. The larger groups will require formal delineation of duties and responsibilities. Assembly and detail drawings will be a main form of manufacturing communication and will be of industrial quality containing all required information. Process design will include engineered drawings, material flow plans and project management tools. Certain mechanical analysis studies will be required for design validation. The approved product will be refined and prepared for production.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Product Material Testing and Analysis
WOOD3040

Description: Students will be given an overview of testing techniques used in evaluation of the strength and durability of woodworking materials and assembled casegoods. The stress factors will be identified as will sources of industry data. Simple testing techniques which can be used to evaluate the specifications of materials such as particle board will be studied.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 9

Course details

Computer Integrated Manufacturing II
COMP2220

Description: This course will examine the more advanced capabilities of the current CAD/CAM software suites, as a continuation from CIM I. The focus will be on content to support the capstone project.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Manufacturing
MANU3065

Description: This course introduces the student to more advanced CNC machining concepts in both solid wood and man-made materials. The focus is the programming and machining of component parts to support the completion of a capstone project.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Work Flow Analysis II
MGMT2240

Description: Students will study the theory and practice methods for maintaining sound standards, time study for standard data, pre-determined motion-time systems, data development, maintenance and control. A series of exercises of varying complexity will be performed to determine standard times. This data will be applied to typical workplace situations such as scheduling, costing, and line balancing. Predetermined motion-time standards will be developed and calculations evaluated.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Planning and Control Systems II
OPER1150

Description:

This course is the complement to Planning and Control Systems I offered in the first term. The concepts provided are of a fine-tuning nature and can lead to the improvement of well functioning basic systems. The emphasis is on enhancements to the basic MPC system. The theory portion delivered in MPC Systems I is applied to individual and group culminating projects.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: OPER1145
  • CoRequisites:

Woodworking Facilities Planning II
PLAN1025

Description: This course is a continuation of the material covered in Woodworking Facilities Planning I. The course will include layout planning techniques and the development of manual and computerized models. The requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act will be studied as they relate to facility planning. Given a set of parameters, students will develop a proposal for a complete plant layout including manufacturing and materials handling equipment, as well as other support systems.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: PLAN1010
  • CoRequisites:

Quality Control
QUAL3030

Description: This course will give the student both a theoretical basis and practical exercises in developing and implementing a quality control program. The student will gain experience with analysis and recording tools, methods of identifying variables, and application of statistical quality control techniques in a woodworking environment.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Capstone Project Practice
WOOD3050

Description:

Continuing from the Project Application I course, student groups will work on the final stages of the project build. Manufacturing, assembly and finishing of all designed woodworking components within college facilities and/or by third party suppliers will be performed. Proof that the original conceptual design will actually be marketable and profitable will be achieved with the final presentation.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Describe the variety, grades, physical properties, preparation and uses of materials commonly used in the trade and how these relate to the quality and performance of wood products.
  2. Explain the responsibility and methods of maintaining a safe working environment in compliance with all applicable legislation.
  3. Set-up, operate and maintain safely and effectively hand and power tools as well as a wide range of production machinery and equipment used in wood products manufacturing.
  4. Design, construct and use jigs, fixtures and patterns to enhance the safe and efficient machining and assembly of components.
  5. Use safely and effectively a variety of industrial wood finishing equipment and techniques.
  6. Outline a wide variety of manufacturing techniques and processes utilized the in the woodworking industry today as well as those that may be utilized in the future.
  7. Describe the unique features, design and construction fundamentals of furniture, cabinetry and architectural millwork products.
  8. Prepare technical drawings, product specifications and cost estimates for a variety of wood products effectively and in compliance with industry practices.
  9. Design, develop, engineer and construct a major project that demonstrates proficiency in all areas of manufacturing a woodworking product.
  10. Communicate technical information effectively, at appropriate levels through the use of written and oral language, graphics and computers.
  11. Apply advanced software, including CAD, CAM, office and database suites to design and manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and efficiency.
  12. Program, set-up and operate advanced computer-controlled machines.
  13. Outline the basic principles of sound business practices.
  14. Apply the fundamental principles of industrial engineering to create a comprehensive plan for the layout of an efficient facility for the processing of wood products.
  15. Apply best practices in operations management techniques to support effective management of the human, material and physical resources of a woodworking facility.
  16. Plan, schedule and coordinate the successful completion of a large scale project specific to the woodworking industry using a variety of project management techniques.