Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Cabinet-maker.

Job Title - Cabinet-maker

Description

A Cabinet-maker builds and repairs wooden cabinets and high grade furniture.

Typical Job Activities

Studies blueprints
Plans the order of operations
Marks outlines of parts on paper or timber according to the specifications
Matches materials for colour, grain or texture
Sets up and operates machines such as power saws, joiners and mortises to cut and shape wood
Trims parts with the use of hand tools to ensure they fit tightly
Drills holes for screws or dowels
Glues, fits and clamps parts together to form complete units
Installs hinges, catches and drawer knobs

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Related Occupations

Carpenter
Frame-maker
Roofer

Educational Requirements

Grade 8 Certificate

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Trade Theory, Woodwork and Mathematics 

Apprenticeship Training

If you want to become a cabinet-maker you need to register with an employer. All costs of successful training are borne by the employer. Wage increases during the stages of apprenticeship are dependent on the progress through the apprenticeship training system as well as entry level. Entry levels are more practical than academic.

The Furniture Industry Training Board (FITB) enables the industry to provide comprehensive training to all its employees:
- Theoretical and practical training: Provided by professional trainers at one of the centres of the FITB. Progress depends on the ability to "do" rather than to "know".
- Duration of course: 2 to 4 years depending on the progress of the candidate in the modular system.
- Final examination: A compulsory trade test at the Centre of Trade Testing at Olifantsfontein as well as accredited training centres. 

Additional Requirements

If you want to become a cabinet-maker you must:
- be at least 16 years old
- undergo a selection test battery 

Advanced Training

The Furniture Production Unit of the FITB in Johannesburg offers the following courses:
Diploma in Furniture Production: 2 year full-time course for matriculants
Certificate in Furniture Production: 3 months course for employees already in the industry 

Note 

Changes in the training of artisans are subject to the official approval of the Registrar of Labour Training. A new system of apprenticeship training will be introduced within the next few years. Each industry will make use of its own methods and time to implement the system. 

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be patient
Be able to work very accurately
Have imagination
Have good vision
Have spatial perception and a sense of proportion
Have good eye-hand co-ordination
Have manual and finger dexterity
Be able to get along well with others
Be able to work well with or without supervision
Take pride in his work

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Employment Opportunities 

Low 

Market Competitiveness 

Moderate 

Income Potential 

Moderate 

Self-Employment Options 

High 

International Employment Market 

Low 

Possible Employers 

Big private companies - Furniture manufacturers, cabinet-makers
Medium or small companies - Kitchen manufacturers, Building contractors or Woodworking shops
Own small business: Entrepreneurial opportunities in this field

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Relevant Contact Details

Furniture Industry Board
031-2051258

Career Progress and Path 

Experience in specific field
Work performance

Possible Career Paths 

Specialist career in the specific field
Own business

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

To work with my hands
To design things
To apply my special skills