What They Do
They cut, shape and assemble wood products, including moldings, panels and furniture. They also fabricate store fixtures, which includes the use of metal, plastics, and glass. Many work on exhibits and display cases. Cabinetmakers and millworkers operate a number of machines, including power saws, planers, joiners and shapers.
Working Conditions
Cabinetmakers and millworkers generally work eight-hour days and normally spend the entire day inside a shop or large plant. Apprentices usually start out by helping journeymen with basic tasks like material handling, sanding, and some assembly work, and move into more sophisticated jobs as their knowledge and skills increase. Much of their time as an apprentice will be spent learning about safety and health. You will also learn about the characteristics and properties of woods and other materials used in mill-cabinet shops.
Interest and Temperament
Manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, good sense of balance and ability to solve arithmetic problems quickly and accurately are important.
General Qualifications
- Minimum age of seventeen years
- Physically capable of performing the work of the trade
- Ability to read and working knowledge of basic mathematics
- Proficiency in the area of basic English
Educational Background
Good reading ability, working knowledge of basic math, woodworking, drafting and blueprint reading.
Admission Requirements of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee
- "Intent to Hire" letter from a contractor who wishes to employ you
- Must be employed for a 90-day probationary period before acceptance in the apprenticeship program
Terms of Apprenticeship Training
- Length of apprenticeship - 4 years
- Minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction per year
- Completion of 8,000 hours of work experience
Related Job Opportunities
Carpenter, Millman, Estimator, Takeoff Man, Foreman and Superintendent
Application and Information
Northeast Ohio Carpenters' Joint Apprenticeship Committee
4100 Maple Drive, Richfield, Ohio 44286
(330) 659-9495 or (800) 601-1800 telephone
(330) 659-6278 fax