Fine Woodworking - Selkirk CollegeWoodworking Education in CanadaCarpentry and Woodworking Programs -- Community College Programs
PROGRAM WEBSITE
Fine Woodworking - Selkirk College Selkirk College's 9-month Fine Woodworking program provides a curriculum that 'encompasses a broad overview of woodworking operations and technology while allowing the student time to explore areas of personal interest' and develop 'sound foundation in professional woodworking.' Among the major 'topics that are discussed and practised include: photographing your work, and the planning and setup of a professional show, AutoCAD (optional), wood carving (optional), marketing strategies for wood products, as well as other options for employment using your new skills.' Throughout the Program, students will be encourages 'to strive for quality design, originality, and enhanced workmanship skills, to improve chances of success in the marketplace.' Graduates will be equipped with 'the flexible and portable skills' that will give them 'an excellent head start in the fields of furniture or cabinet making, designing and marketing of wood products, or in the pursuit of goals in related fields.' Furthermore, graduates will be eligible to 'receive credit for Level 1 and Level 2 technical training of their Joinery Apprenticeship,' should they pursue the latter. An apprenticeship is a method of learning a trade through a combination of periods of in-class, technical/theoretical education and periods of paid, on-the-job training. During the latter portions of an apprenticeship, the student (apprentice) will work, in an indentured capacity, under the direction of a certified, journeyperson member of the trade one is learning. A journeyperson is an individual who has earned the standards of practice of his/her trade, typically via the completion of an apprenticeship. The advantage of completing an apprenticeship is not only that one acquires in-depth knowledge and skills in a trade but also that, within the latter, one's career opportunities and salary potential are normally increased. Furthermore, once an individual has obtained journeyperson status, he/she may be eligible to have his/her certification as such endorsed by the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program (Red Seal). The latter enables the journeyperson to practice his/her trade throughout Canada, provided the trade is designated in that locale, without undergoing further examinations. Woodworkers who earn journeyperson status may, after obtaining several years of experience beyond an apprenticeship, become educators, supervisors, and/or trainers of their respective trades. Career-wise, woodworkers are most often employed indoors in various aspects of the construction, wood, and wood products manufacturing industries. Employers of woodworkers may include, for example, by companies, contractors, custom or repair shops, hardware stores, interior designers, lumber yards, manufacturers, and/or private individuals. Some woodworkers may pursue self employment options. Among the numerous areas in which woodworkers may work include design operations, designing, installing, and/or manufacturing wooden cabinets, furniture, and various fixtures, interior finishing and design, repair, restoration, renovation, and/or sales. Woodworkers can work up to 40 hours per week or more, depending upon demand for their services and products, and it is not unusual for them to labour in a shop environment in which they are exposed to high levels of noise, various dust particles, and chemicals, especially from paint. The Woodworker 'who exhibits pride in his/her work and who strives for quality, balanced design and honest value in his/her product' and who combines these traits 'with a sound technical background' remain in demand. To be eligible for admission to the Fine Woodworking program, applicants must possess a 'High School graduation or equivalent,' including 'Principles of Math 11 or Applications of Math 11 or Essentials of Math 11 or equivalent with a C grade or better.' Prospective students who are 19 years of age or over and do not have a secondary school diploma, but 'provided they have completed or are in the process of obtaining Principles of Math 11 or equivalent with a ôCö grade or better' (to be completed before the commencement of the Program). Furthermore, 'all applicants are required to complete a pre-admission computerized placement test in reading, writing and mathematics once they have submitted their application,' and 'arrange an orientation interview with the program instructor only after having received an acceptance letter.' Potential students should note that possessing basic computer skills and strong reading and comprehension abilities will improve one's 'probability of succeeding in this program.'
TOP |
|
