Cabinetmakers build and repair wooden cabinets and high grade furniture using a variety of woodworking machines and hand tools. They receive wooden components from wood machinists and assemble the pieces, adding doors, drawers and locks.
The work of cabinetmakers involves handwork and a traditional woodwork approach, although they may also work with electric and pneumatic tools. They work with wood as well as modern materials such as melamine. They usually work in workshops or on sites where cabinets have to be installed.
Cabinetmakers' work is varied. They study plans and blueprints of designs and then plan the order of operations. They mark outlines of parts on paper or timber according to specifications and match materials for colour, grain or texture. They set up and operate machines such as power saws, joiners and mortises to cut and shape wood. They trim some parts with the use of hand tools to ensure a tight fit. Holes are drilled for screws or dowels.
The various parts are then fitted, glued and clamped together to form complete units. The articles are sanded down and in some cases stained, then finished off by installing hinges, catches and drawer knobs.
Some cabinetmakers may specialize in working only with a particular type of wood, e.g. kiaat.
Satisfying Aspects
- good employment opportunities
- good pay
- a variety of work projects
- working with one's hands
- satisfaction derived from seeing the finished products
Demanding aspects
- a lot of standing, stooping and lifting
- dust which may irritate the respiratory system
- noise from machines
- the possibility of injury on the job
Requirements
A cabinetmaker should:
- be at least 16 years old
- be willing to undergo a selection test
- be a patient and accurate worker
- have creativity and imagination
- have a sense of proportion and spatial perception
- get along well with others
- be able to work well with or without supervision
- take personal pride in work done
- have good health
- have physical strength and stamina
- have good vision and spatial perception
- have good eye-hand coordination
- have manual and finger dexterity
School Subjects
Grade 8 Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects:Mathematics
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
The Furniture Production Unit of the FITB in Johannesburg offers the following courses for advanced training:
Diploma in Furniture Production: 2 year full-time course for matriculants. FET Colleges such as Cape Town
Certificate in Furniture Production: 3 month course for employees already in the industry
Employer
- Furniture manufacturers
- Cabinet-makers
- Kitchen manufacturers
- Building contractors
- Woodwork workshops
- Self-employment
There is a high demand for this craft.
Contact
Contact any of the above