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Cabinetmakers
What they do?
Cabinetmakers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Study plans, specifications or drawings of articles to be made, or prepare specifications
B. Mark outlines or dimensions of parts on wood
C. Operate woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, mortisers and shapers, and use hand tools to cut, shape and form parts and components
D. Trim joints and fit parts and subassemblies together to form complete unit using glue and clamps and reinforce joints using nails, screws or other fasteners
E. Sand wooden surfaces and apply veneer, stain or polish to finished products
F. Repair or restyle wooden furniture, fixtures and related products
G. May estimate amount, type and cost of materials required.
Where they find work?
1. Furniture and related product manufacturing - 62.0%
2. Construction - 17.0%
3. Wood product manufacturing - 7.0%
What education do I need?
1. You usually need a high school diploma.
2. To gain trade certification as a cabinetmaker, you usually need either a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years' work experience and some high school or college courses in cabinetmaking.
3. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces/territories except Saskatchewan.
4. Qualified cabinetmakers may also obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification, which provides job mobility throughout the country.
5. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor.
6. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Machine Shop
3. Industrial Arts (Woodworking)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Cabinetmakers is $14.87/HR, which is below average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and below average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at a below-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
10% of Cabinetmakers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Cabinetmakers is considered Below Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($14.87) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is also below average.
3. The unemployment rate (10%) is above the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Below Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be average because an anticipated economic upturn should lead to growth in the construction industry, especially residential construction but improved tools/techniques and the manufacture of factory-built cabinets will increase productivity.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (14%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Manual/power tools
2. Measuring
3. Planning
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
4% of Cabinetmakers are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 27,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, a decrease of 11% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
