Apr 20, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Calendar 
    
2022-2023 Academic Calendar [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Learn More About Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate


The Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate is well-suited to anyone starting their first career, changing their career, or who simply want to pursue their interest and build their skills in an outstanding woodworking program. Some woodworking experience is an asset but there is no previous experience required to take this program. 

You can expect the following throughout the program:

Design. Students learn the principles and elements of design and apply this knowledge by designing their own shop projects.

Shop drawing. A project design requires a shop drawing. Students begin with free-hand sketching, move to drawing by hand, and advance to computer drawing programs.

Technical woodworking skills. Students develop skills with hand tools, power tools and larger woodworking machines. Students are prepared to work in small shops with limited tools or high-end industrial facilities with machinery.

Best in world safety. Our program covers Canadian standard safety practices and provides the opportunity to study higher safety practices in place around the world.

Sustainable approach. This program is committed to the use of sustainable building materials and practices. Preference is given to local or Island wood products and woods that are indigenous to North America. Sheet goods are selected for low emissions, and finishing techniques emphasize natural oils and water-born technologies.

Four-day school week. This is a full-time program starting in September and ending in June. Classes are Monday to Thursday which allows students to seek part-time work on their three-day weekend. Students will spend one-third of their time in lectures and demonstrations, and two-thirds of their time in the joinery shop. Field trips to a variety of woodworking businesses and guest speakers are also scheduled.

Students who complete the Joinery program also complete the training requirements for the first year of the four-year Cabinetmaker/Joiner apprenticeship to the Interprovincial (Red Seal) standard. Upon entering an apprenticeship, students are eligible to receive technical training credit for level one and 475 hours of work-based credit towards their apprenticeship hours requirement.

Graduates earn a certificate in Furniture Design and Joinery.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate, you will be eligible for employment in millwork, building furniture, cabinet making, and marine joinery. The placement rate for program graduates in the joinery industry is high. Job titles can range from Cabinetmaker/Joiner to salesperson or woodworking business owner.

Supply List

Materials: Students are responsible for the material costs of their projects. These costs will vary from $500 to $1000 based on the design of the project and the materials selected. Texts: Visit the NIC bookstore for a current list.

Stationery: Available at the NIC Bookstore

  • Pencil and pen
  • Sharp TI-30Xa (recommended)

Safety Equipment:

  • WorkSafe-approved safety glasses (clear and non-tinted)
  • WorkSafe-approved hearing protection
  • Closed-toe heavy leather boots

Tools: all tools are supplied