Carpenter: Cabinet Maker Apprenticeship

Did you know?*

Most woodworkers are trained on the job; basic machine operations may be learned in a few months, but becoming a skilled woodworker often requires several years of experience.
Job prospects will be best for highly skilled woodworkers who produce customized work, which is less susceptible to automation and import competition, and for those who can operate computerized numerical control machines.
Employment is highly sensitive to economic cycles; during economic downturns, workers are subject to layoffs or reductions in hours.

*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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What Does a Cabinetmaker Do?

Cabinet Makers cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.

They study blueprints or drawings of articles to be constructed or repaired and plan the sequence of cutting or shaping operations to be performed. They mark outline or dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock according to blueprint or drawing specifications. They match materials for color, grain or texture. They set up and operate woodworking machines such as power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, and molder and shapers to cut and shape parts from woodstock. They trim component parts of joints to ensure snug fit using handtools such as plane, chisel or wood file. Cabinetmakers also bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels by hand or using boring machine. They glue, fit and clamp parts and subassemblies together to form a complete unit using clamps or clamping machine. They also drive nails or other fasteners into joints at designated places to reinforce joints, and sand and scrape surfaces and joints of articles to prepare articles for finishing. Cabinetmakers install hardware such as hinges, catches and drawer pulls, and may also install or repair furniture including modular office equipment.

Tasks:

Produce and assemble components of articles such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, and high-grade furniture.
Verify dimensions, and check the quality and fit of pieces in order to ensure adherence to specifications.
Set up and operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, and shapers, to cut, mold, and shape woodstock and wood substitutes.
Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
Attach parts and subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, and/or clamps.
Establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired, and plan the methods and operations for shaping and assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions.
Cut timber to the right size and shape and trim parts of joints to ensure a snug fit, using hand tools such as planes, chisels, or wood files.
Match materials for color, grain, and texture, giving attention to knots and other features of the wood.
Trim, sand, and scrape surfaces and joints to prepare articles for finishing.
Material selection, layout, and fabrication of cabinetry: includes print reading both face and frame and 32mm production casework, etc.
Training on production tools: includes all production tools within the cabinet shop, to include maintenance and safety procedures.
Fabrication and installation of plastic laminates and solid surface materials, including counters, facings and shelvings.
Fabrication of doors, windows, moldings, and jambs, including these items and all other architectural millwork items.
Stair layout and construction.
Finished product installation.
Miscellaneous tasks.

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What Are the Working Conditions?

Carpenters may work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions requiring prolonged standing, climbing, kneeling, squatting and lifting heavy carpentry materials. Working conditions vary with each job and may include working on ladders and scaffolding. Carpenters are occasionally exposed to fumes and dust. Ongoing safety training is provided to avoid job site accidents. Extensive traveling may be required.

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How is the Training Structured?

4 year training program
6,240 hours on-the-job training
400 hours paid related instruction
250 hours unpaid related instruction
Apprentice must, during their first two years, complete Red Cross First Aid and CPR Training courses.
Apprentice must in his/her final year complete the Transition-To-Trainer course.

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What are the Application Requirements?

Must be at least 17 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
Physically able to perform trade
Valid driver's license or reliable transportation

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What Skills Should I Possess?

Mathematics- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and their applications.
Extent Flexibility- The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity- The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Near Vision- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Static Strength- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness- The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Trunk Strength- The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Stamina- The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Choose your area: Northeast | Northwest | Southeast | Southwest

Northeast

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Burt Harding Ben Stahlecker
Central Wisconsin Area Carpentry JAC	500 32nd St N Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 Phone: (715) 422-5375 Fax: (715) 422-5377	Ben Stahlecker
Fox Valley/Lakeshore Area Carpentry JAC	N2218 Bodde Rd Kaukauna, WI 54130 Phone: (920) 766-1515 Fax: (920) 766-7050	Lisa Perkofski
Green Bay Area Carpentry JAC	N2218 Bodde Rd Kaukauna, WI 54130 Phone: (920) 766-1515 Fax: (920) 766-7050	Burt Harding
Wausau Area Carpenters JAC	1630 County XX Rothschild, WI 54474 Phone: (715) 355-0800 Fax: (715) 355-0807	Ben Stahlecker

Northwest

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Kathy O'Sullivan
Central Wisconsin Area Carpentry JAC	500 32nd St N Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 Phone: (715) 422-5375 Fax: (715) 422-5377	Ben Stahlecker
Eau Claire Area Carpentry JAC	mailing address: 2302 West Cameron St. Eau Claire, WI 54703	Travis Ludvigson
Wausau Area Carpenters JAC	1630 County XX Rothschild, WI 54474 Phone: (715) 355-0800 Fax: (715) 355-0807	Ben Stahlecker

Southeast

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Sandy Brietzman Sandy Destree
Lakeshore Area Carpentry Advisory Committee	1290 North Ave. Cleveland, WI 53015-1414 Phone: (920) 693-1279 Fax: (920) 693-3508	Sandra Destree
Madison Area Carpentry JAC	5202 Monument Ln Madison, WI 53704 Phone: (608) 241-0960 Fax: (608) 241-0930	Debbie Schanke
Southeast WI Area Carpentry JAC	N25 W23055 Paul Rd, Suite 3 Pewaukee, WI 53072 Phone: (262) 574-6995 Fax: (262) 574-6994	Bob Scheldroup

Southwest

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Kathy O'Sullivan Mary Harrington
La Crosse Area Carpentry JAC	2421 Larson St. La Crosse, WI 54603 Phone: (608) 788-6240 Fax: (608) 788-6250	Kathy O'Sullivan
Madison Area Carpentry JAC	5202 Monument Ln Madison, WI 53704 Phone: (608) 241-0960 Fax: (608) 241-0930	Debbie Schanke

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Additional Resources

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Carpentry trade in the United States, visit:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos237.htm

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook