Full-time Certificate of Trades Training 2050ttcert

Joinery: Where Tradition Meets Technology

Joiners can do more than build cabinets. Joiners may 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 joiners 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 joinery 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.

View a career video.

Program Entry

For more detailed information about course content:

Entrance requirements

BCIT Trades Pre-entry Test is acceptable for high school requirements.

Good physical condition is desirable. Potential students with medical or physical difficulties should contact Disability Resource Centre 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.

BC provincial exams

Provincial exam marks are required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12. BCIT does not require applicants to write provincial exams for Grade 12 Math and Science courses.

Apply to program

Submit an application: online or by mail [PDF].

You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.

Scheduled intakes

Multiple start dates each year

Application processing

Continual intake program with applications processed throughout the year. Applications are wait-listed (first-come, first-served).

myCommunication

Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.

All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.

Books and 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 Courses: Credits
Theory
  JOIN 1200 Use Safe Work Practices 1.0
  JOIN 1205 Solve Mathematical Problems 2.0
  JOIN 1210 Apply Layout Techniques 3.5
  JOIN 1215 Care and Use of Hand Tools 1.5
  JOIN 1220 Identify Woodworking Joints 1.0
  JOIN 1226 Describe Portable Power Tools 1.0
  JOIN 1230 Use Woodworking Machines 3.0
  JOIN 1236 Identify Materials 2.0
  JOIN 1240 Use Machining/Assembly Techniques 1.0
  JOIN 1245 Apply a Finish 0.5
  JOIN 1250 Install Millwork 0.5
  JOIN 1260 Prepare for Employment 1.0
Practical
  JOIN 1271 Create Shop Drawings 7.0
  JOIN 1276 Practical Projects 25.0
 
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 in each individual theory and practical course is required. All courses must be successfully passed with 70% in order to successfully complete the program

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Industry training authority

BCIT transfers to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed ITA Foundation or Entry Level Trades Training (ELTT) program. 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 Joiner, 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...
  • Cabinets – The main product in this group is kitchen and bathroom cabinets, but most woodworking companies build some cabinets as part of their product offerings.
    View examples...
  • Commercial furnishings – This refers to items such as desks, bookcases, and storage units. However, boardroom and meeting room tables, coffee and end tables, reception desks and miscellaneous items used in a commercial environment are also included. View examples...
  • Residential furnishings – Similar to commercial furnishings, this area includes any furniture used in a residential setting. Although upholstered goods are not usually included, a Joiner may make any wood frames for such products.
    View examples...
  • Yacht interiors – This is a specialized form of Joinery 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 Joiner'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 following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2009-2011 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2008-2010 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you 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.

 
  
Paul Schmid, TQ
Acting Chief Instructor
Tel: 604-456-8124
E-mail: paul_schmid@bcit.ca
 
  
Carl Catt, TQ
Instructor
Tel: 604-451-7163
E-mail: carl_catt@bcit.ca
 

  

Dave Dunn, TQ
Instructor
Tel: 604-451-6944
E-mail: david_dunn@bcit.ca
 
  
Rob Sawatzky, B.Ed., TQ
Instructor
Tel: 604-451-6812
E-mail: rob_sawatzky@bcit.ca
 
  
Don Shortt, TQ
Instructor
Tel: 604-451-7162
E-mail: don_shortt@bcit.ca
 
  
Doug Smith, B.Ed, TQ
Instructor
Tel: 604-431_4962
E-mail: douglas_e_smith@bcit.ca
  

Nancy Smith
Tool Room Attendant
Tel: 604-432-8806
E-mail: nancy_smith@bcit.ca

 
  
Dave Stimson, TQ
Instructor
Tel: 604-456-8135
E-mail: dave_stimson@bcit.ca
 

Contact Us

Paul Schmid, TQ
Acting Chief Instructor
Tel: 604-456-8124
E-mail: paul_schmid@bcit.ca

Questions or comments?

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Testimonial

"BCIT's training is very beneficial to us, with programs covering every aspect of the Joinery trade from quality control to time management. Over half of our workforce are BCIT grads and they all have contributed to Woodrose's success."

Robert Rivard
General Manager, Woodrose Woodworking Inc.

Testimonial

"I think the Foundation and Apprenticeship programs at BCIT are top quality. The Instructors are knowledgeable, personable, and organized. My time spent here continues to help me increase my job knowledge and love of Joinery."

Rebecca Watt
Foundation Graduate and 2nd Year Apprentice

check it out

View our Student Gallery for just a sample of what you can expect to be doing as you progress through Joinery Foundation and your four years of a Joinery Apprenticeship.

resources

Finding potential employers:

  • Refer to the job posting board located inside the Joinery Shop