Joinery certificate

At UCFV, we can help put together the framework for a successful joinery career. The Joinery program will prepare students for entry into the provincial apprenticeship program, or for entry directly into employment. Students will get a thorough introduction to the trade, and develop skills expected by employers.

Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so punctuality and good work habits are essential. This program is part of the entry-level provincial standard taught throughout B.C.

Employment opportunities

After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment opportunities that exist in the cabinet industry and related businesses such as interior finishing and trimming, furniture manufacturing, cottage industries, and van interior customizing. A career in the joinery trade offers good opportunities for those who are willing to spend several years learning the trade. Graduates can also apply to the provincial apprenticeship office. For information regarding entry into the Joinery apprenticeship program please contact (604) 852-5922.

Graduates can also apply to the provincial apprenticeship office (ITAC) for information regarding credit into the Joinery Apprenticeship program. Call (604) 852-5922.

Program outline

The Joinery program starts in September and ends approximately the end of June.

Students must show that they understand the written part by successfully completing a written test at the end of each unit, and then applying it to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit.

Students will be working with the help of learning packages that will give step-by-step instructions. The learning materials may include printed worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, and instructions, demonstrations and/or lectures.

At regular stages students will be required to move to a shop or lab area to perform various tasks in order to develop their practical skills. Practical hands-on training as part of the total plan will increase as the student progresses through the program, and should amount to about two-thirds of the overall training time.

As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction is patterned after “on-the-job” situations, where a limited amount of direct supervision is required. The training follows a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop intermediate and specialized skills required in this industry.

The modular curriculum provides a flexible learning path, allowing accelerated learning opportunities for those entering the program with a greater experience or skill level. This performance-paced process allows the student an accelerated completion time and/or an opportunity to develop higher levels of expertise in any area of the program.

Sample topics:

All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam, which is scheduled in June.

General information

Trades & Technology programs at UCFV include Auto Technician, Carpentry, Drafting Technician, Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Technician, Joinery, Parts and Warehousing, and Welding.

All Trades programs, shops and labs, are located in the Trades & Technology Centre at the Abbotsford campus, which is open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Classes and shops are in session 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. Secondary school graduation or equivalent

2. A math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

How to apply

1. Make an appointment with the Trades & Technology receptionist to write the entrance exam by calling (604) 854-4548. There is no fee for writing this exam.

2. Read the program description and information carefully. If you wish to speak to the instructor, call Rolf Arnold at (604) 853-7441, local 4323.

3. Students may schedule an appointment to pretest for the program while they are completing their prerequisites if they provide a statement from their counsellor or high school principal indicating that they are in their last semester of studies, and are likely to complete them successfully.

4. Prior to the classes starting in September, students will be notified by telephone of the registration procedures. Students who cannot be reached by telephone after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

5. Students must attend an orientation session one week prior to the start date of the program. Students will be notified by telephone as to the date and time of orientation. Registration fees and required textbooks must be purchased prior to the first day of classes.

6. Stand-by status will be offered to some wait-listed students prior to the orientation date. Spaces available because of “no-shows” will be offered to stand-by students, according to their wait-list status.

Fees and other expenses

The fees are about $35 per week, which includes 6% for Student Activities fee, Student Society fee, and the Legacy Fund. Fees are payable on a 15-week basis. The total fee is about $528 every 15 weeks. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required with the first payment. Students will also be charged a $15 application fee, plus a $12.50 per semester technology fee. Fees are subject to change.

Joinery students should also budget approximately $350 for basic hand tools, $450 for required textbooks, and $50-85 for appropriate working apparel.

Medical requirement

A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UCFV official if/when the statement is required.

Faculty

Richard Janssen, Journeyman Carpentry, Instructor Diploma (UBC)

Program Advisory Committee

Jim Dent, Jim Dent Construction Ltd.
John Fictorie, Country West Construction
Greg Hesketh, Town Millwork
Darryl Johnston, Savage and Johnston Construction Ltd.
Casey Klaassen, Mardina Construction Ltd
Joe Meeres, Meeres Construction & Drafting
Steve Mohr, Carpenters Union Local 1907
Doug Maljaars, Starline Cabinet Co. Ltd.
Larry Mierau, Mierau Construction
John Penner, Jonet Construction
Lane Sweeting, Swagger Construction Ltd.
Warren Toews, A & T Contracting Ltd.
Hank Van Dyk, Cheam Countertops

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