Overview
Cabinetmakers can do more than build cabinets. In the Cabinetmaker (Joiner) Foundation, Certificate program, learn to work in a wide variety of specialties such as cabinetmaking, architectural woodwork (millwork), furniture making, boat interiors and store fixture manufacturing.
The type of work in each of the areas varies. In some shops cabinetmakers will be required to read blueprints and visualize the item to be built, make detailed drawings and cutting lists for the item, machine all the components, assemble and then apply a finish. In other shops, the individual may specialize in one or more of these areas.
Training prepares students for entry-level employment in the cabinetmaking trade. Basic theory and related information along with hands-on shop practice enable students to become competent in basic interior woodworking tasks. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive credit for level one apprenticeship technical training and credit of
475 work-based hours towards their time in trade. Students can complete their trades qualification by seeking employment as an apprentice and then registering for additional Apprenticeship Training.
Entrance Requirements
For more detailed information about course content:
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
Recommended for success
- Good physical condition is desirable. Potential students with medical or physical difficulties should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview (telephone interview if out of town) with the institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604-451-6963.
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Please note that international students are not eligible to continue to an apprenticeship training program. To learn more about international student opportunities at BCIT, visit BCIT International.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Multiple start dates each year
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Students are expected to bring their CSA-approved steel-toed footwear.
Cost of books is approximately $500 (general estimated cost and subject to change). Current book pricing is available at the BCIT Bookstore.
Cost of additional supplies depends on which projects are purchased (approximately $100 – $400).
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0730–1400, Monday through Friday
Program matrix
| Required Course: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| JOIN 1300 | Cabinetmaker (Joinery) Foundation Harmonized | 50.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 50.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
25 weeks, full-time
Grading
A minimum of a 70% grade point average is required. All courses must be successfully passed with 70% in order to successfully complete the program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.Graduating & Jobs
As a Cabinetmaker, you could be employed in one or more of the following areas:
- Architectural Woodwork (Millwork) – This is a broad term for items such as mouldings, windows, doors, staircases, panelling and other products for all types of building construction. View examples…
- Student work – Cabinetmaking is a rewarding and creative trade. Our students are constantly creating new and challenging projects that reflect traditional and modern cabinetmaking techniques. View some of our student projects and check out our BCIT Cabinetmaking Instagram page.
- Yacht interiors – This is a specialized form of Cabinetmaking that adapts standard trade practices to produce the cabinets and trim required for the boat building industry. This often requires cabinetmakers with good three-dimensional thinking to fit parts onto curved and irregular surfaces. View examples…
- Specialty items – There are many woodworking companies specializing in items that do not fit neatly into one of the above categories, for example makers of musical instruments and sporting goods. View examples…
The scope of a Cabinetmaker’s responsibilities varies with the size and type of employer. When you set out to learn the trade, you should try to master all aspects. Your abilities to lay out, machine, assemble, finish, and install a wide variety of products to a high level of quality will give you the best chance for continued employment, career advancement, and receiving the highest pay levels.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
If you still have any questions about our program after reviewing our web pages, please contact any one of us. It would be our pleasure to provide additional information.
For a list of our current Program Advisory Committee (PAC) members please see below.
Faculty and Staff
 |
Bill Nash, RSE Department Head Tel: 604-451-7162 Email: bnash@bcit.ca |
 |
Breena Jackson, RSE, M.Ed. Faculty Tel: 604-451-7163 Email: bjackson64@bcit.ca |
 |
Kyle Karlstedt, RSE Faculty Tel: 604-451-7016 Email: kyle_karlstedt@bcit.ca |
 |
Andrew Pavle, RSE Faculty Tel: 604-451-6812 Email: apavle@bcit.ca |
 |
Doug Smith, B.Ed, RSE Faculty Tel: 604-431-4962 Email: douglas_e_smith@bcit.ca |
 |
Devi Hite, RSE Faculty Tel: 604-456-8124 Email: devi_hite@bcit.ca |
| Nancy Smith Tool Room Attendant Tel: 604-432-8806 Email: nancy_smith@bcit.ca |
Advisory committee
- Reg Vidmar, chair, Peregrine Retail Design Manufacturing
- Glenda Harskamp, AWMAC
- Ken Simpson, Kitply Industries
- Monika Soos, Sofa Kitchens
- Jason Dugal, iakona Creations
- Tyler Hesketh, Towne Millwork Ltd
Training Schedule
The below training schedule is for your convenience so you may have a better idea when our future intakes occur. We do our best to keep this training schedule current. We also suggest contacting admission and registration to see if there have been any changes or additions to what is currently being listed.
Note: All classes are limited to 16 students and fill months in advance.
| Start Date: Feb. 24, 2025 | End Date: Aug. 15, 2025 |
| Start Date: Apr. 14, 2025 | End Date: Oct. 03, 2025 |
| Start Date: Oct. 06, 2025 | End Date: Apr. 10, 2026 |
Contact Us
Bill Nash, TQ
Department Head
Tel: 604-451-7162
Email: bnash@bcit.ca
The Cabinetmaking building (NE-2) is located at the north end of BCIT’s Burnaby Campus, close to the intersection of Willingdon Avenue and Canada Way. The easiest access is from the Canada Way entrance at Beta Avenue. At the stoplight, turn south onto Beta and then take the next right at Smith Street. Continue on Smith. We are the fifth building down on your left hand side. Please note it will be labelled as the “Joinery” building as we change over to our new title of “Cabinetmaking”.
Metered visitor parking is available on the west side of the Inglis Building (NE-1), just across the street from our shop.
Questions or comments?
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