HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
Many people start with high school courses in woodworking, shop, math, and design. From there, some enter an apprenticeship or a trades program in cabinetry, furniture making, or carpentry, while others learn through employer training and on-the-job experience. The usual path can vary by employer and province. Building skill with tools, reading plans, and learning safe work habits is important early on. Some workers begin in a shop assisting with basic tasks and move into more complex cutting, assembly, and finishing as they gain experience. A portfolio of finished projects can help show what a student can do.
THE WORK
What you may do
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters read drawings, sketches, or work orders and use them to measure, cut, shape, assemble, and finish wood and wood products. They work with hand tools, power tools, and woodworking machines to make cabinets, shelves, counters, doors, mouldings, and other custom pieces. They may sand surfaces, apply veneers or laminates, install hardware, and adjust parts so everything fits properly. In some jobs, they also repair or refinish existing woodwork. Quality control is important, so they check dimensions, alignment, appearance, and safety before a piece is delivered or installed. They may work on one-of-a-kind projects or repeated production runs depending on the employer.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may begin with reviewing plans, checking materials, and setting up tools and machines. The worker might measure and mark wood, cut pieces to size, and test how parts fit before assembly. During the day, they may glue, clamp, sand, and finish surfaces, then add hinges, handles, or other hardware. If the job includes installation, they may deliver finished cabinets and make final adjustments on site. Throughout the day, they need to stay organized, follow safety rules, and watch for small errors that could affect the final fit. No two projects are exactly the same, so the work often changes from one order to the next.
SKILLS TO BUILD