How to Become a Cabinetmaker

A cabinetmaker works with wood and designs all types of furniture (not only cabinets, as the name implies). It's the ideal field for those who enjoy working with their hands and enjoy the detail work involved. If you decide to become a cabinetmaker, research the opportunities available nearby or try the other options listed below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get a certification in Furnishing-Furniture Manufacturing. Courses usually consist of three levels that can be completed in just over a year total. Offered by local woodworker unions and some colleges, these certifications help you understand the basics of cabinet design and construction, wood processing and refinishing.
2. Enroll in an online course if you have no nearby options. While hands-on training is important in this field, a long-distance education will allow you to learn the basics of calculation, tools and materials and design. Keep in mind, though, that this option will usually not be enough to get started right away, and you will probably still need to undergo some training before you can start working on your own.
3. Take woodworking courses at a local community college. Rather than pursuing a full certification, enroll in a few single workshops that focus on some aspect of being a cabinet maker. Whether it's joinery or the use of power tools, even a few classes will give you a push and get you started.
4. Look for a job at an already established small specialist workshop. At the beginning of your career, working at a small shop may be better than working at a large factory, as it allows you to follow the everyday workings of more experienced professionals, rather than being part of an automated process.
5. Consider a full-time apprenticeship. This is the preferred option if you're fresh out of high school and want to get started right away as a cabinet maker. Apprenticeships help you become an expert through direct practice, although it takes an average of 3 years to graduate from being an apprentice to working without expert supervision.

Tips & Warnings

• If starting your own business as a cabinetmaker sounds like a risky choice, then it may be worth it to look for options in factories or furniture design firms.

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