Do you know what a Joiner is? A Joiner will layout, machine, assemble, install and finish products that are fabricated from wood, plastics and other materials. Many of these processes will combine conventional techniques with automated (CNC/CAD/CAM) procedures.

Joiners work in these areas for example:

• Architectural Woodwork (Millwork)
• Cabinets
• Commercial furnishings
• Residential furnishings
• Yacht interiors
• Specialty items

To become a certified journeyperson, you need to complete four years of apprenticeship training. Apprenticeship is a time-proven method of acquiring skills in the trade by combining technical in-school instruction with practical on-the-job training. Apprenticeship training is the best method for passing along trade skills from one generation to the next.

View a career video.

If your goal is to become a Joinery apprentice, you have two routes to choose from:

1. Take our 25-week Joinery Foundation program. By working through a series of practical projects, practical assignments, and theory assignments you'll build a solid foundation of knowledge and skill to make you more employable in an entry-level position. By successfully completing the program, you may also receive credit for the in-school portion of Level 1 apprenticeship training.
2. Obtain employment in a qualified shop willing to sponsor you as an apprentice. By taking this route, you have the advantage of earning while you learn. For more information on apprenticeship, visit these sites:

• BCIT’s Admission and Registration
• Industry Training Authority

The institute also has many support services that are at your disposal. For example:

• Financial Aid & Awards
• Counselling
• Learning Commons

While serving an apprenticeship you acquire skills by combining technical in-school instruction with practical on-the-job training.

The Joinery Apprenticeship program divides your technical in-school training into four distinct levels, 1 through 4. Each level builds on the knowledge gained in previous ones.

In addition to your in-school instruction, you'll need to accrue four years of on-the-job training, working under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson.

While at BCIT, you'll learn by:

• Receiving formal lectures in a classroom setting as well as on the shop floor
• Gaining practical experience by working through a set series of exercises and projects
• Challenging a series of written exams, based on your lectures and theory assignments

Your training will take place in one or more of our state-of-the-art training facilities. You can take a virtual tour:

• Joinery Shop (North end)
• Joinery Shop (South end)
• Biesse Training Centre

Here are some photographs of our other facilities:

• Computer Lab
• Wood Finishing Centre

Note: Computer lab equipment and software for all our automated equipment and processes are kept leading edge to meet the industry's changing demands.

In BCIT's Joinery program you'll learn core skills for the trade, organized in a logical sequence and taught by qualified instructors who have worked in the industry. The program is designed so that comprehensive instructions are followed by a series of assignments and practical projects to give you the opportunity to hone your skills. Each level of apprenticeship training builds on the skills and knowledge you acquired in your previous training.

The scope of training in the Joinery department includes:

• Solving mathematical problems
• Identifying and selecting materials
• Identifying woodworking joints
• Applying layout techniques
• Using hand tools, portable power tools, and woodworking machines
• Using machining and assembly techniques
• Constructing a sash, door, and frame
• Building a staircase
• Making curved millwork
• Fabricating a veneered panel
• Applying a finish
• Installing millwork
• Drawing CAD shop drawings
• Using a CNC machine centre, CNC panel saw, and CAD/CNC software
• Describing manufacturing processes

For more detailed information about course content:

• Apprenticeship Training [PDF,300 KB]

Students that successfully complete their four levels of apprenticeship training and Red Seal exam qualify for BCIT's Diploma of Trades Training (Apprenticeship). Graduates also have the option of receiving this diploma at BCIT's convocation ceremonies.

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.

Level 4 Apprentices

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.

	Dave Dunn, TQ Instructor E-mail: david_dunn@bcit.ca
	Carl Catt, TQ Instructor Tel: 604-451-7163 E-mail: carl_catt@bcit.ca
	Rob Sawatzky, BEd., TQ Instructor Tel: 604-451-6812 E-mail: rob_sawatzky@bcit.ca
	Paul Schmid, TQ Acting Chief Instructor Tel: 604-456-8124 E-mail: paul_schmid@bcit.ca
	Don Shortt, TQ Instructor Tel: 604-451-7162 E-mail: don_shortt@bcit.ca
	Dave Stimson, TQ Instructor Tel: 604-456-8135 E-mail: dave_stimson@bcit.ca
	Nancy Smith Tool Room Attendant Tel: 604-432-8806 E-mail: nancy_smith@bcit.ca

The Joinery building (NE-2) is located at the north end of BCIT's Burnaby Campus, close to the intersection of Willingdon Avenue and Canada Way. The easiest access is from the Canada Way entrance at Beta Avenue. At the stoplight, turn south onto Beta and then take the next right at Smith Street. Continue on Smith. We are the fifth building down on your left hand side.

Metered visitor parking is available on the west side of the Inglis Building (NE-1), just across the street from our shop.

• Campus location
• Campus map
• Directions from YVR and hotel information [PDF, 44KB]