Curricula and Learning Links - Career Exploration
Cabinet Maker and Installer
by Neil Sautter of Cedar Mountain Woodwrights
What do you do in this job?
I'm the lead installer for a custom cabinet making shop and approximately 50% of my time is spent on the delivery and installation of cabinetry. These cabinets are custom-designed by my boss and installed in new residential construction projects, mostly in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. We also take on remodel projects, primarily involving the installation of new kitchen cabinetry.
The other 50% of my time is spent in the shop assisting with actual cabinet or furniture construction. Our shop consists of six people. The shop owner does the initial overview and design of the project with each client. He draws each piece to be made on paper, with detailed specifications. These drawings are sent to the sawyer, who cuts each piece of wood according to the specifications. These cuts go to the assembly person who puts together the cabinet boxes and applies the face frames. He will then do the final detail such as sanding, puttying and trim detail application in order for the finisher to afterward apply stains and top coats. The process ends when the installer delivers the finished piece(s) to the jobsite and installs them. The sixth person, the apprentice, assists as needed in the above areas.
Why is it interesting? What makes it rewarding?
Having spent 14 years in various capacities of residential construction (framing, siding, trim carpentry), the past year and a half - working in the cabinetry shop - have been the most satisfying of these years. I have the privilege of delivering the final high-quality product that my boss designed to the client's residence and assembling it onsite. It is very rewarding to see the end result and the client's satisfaction with the project. My boss is a creative and innovative designer, and his reputation throughout our county has brought much success.
Practically speaking, I have discovered that I much prefer working in a nice, warm shop or inside a completed house - rather than out in the elements - when inclement weather hits. I am also able to take on side jobs, such as trim installation, furniture making and casket construction, as time and opportunity allow.
How do you become qualified for this job?
My personal experience involved on-the-job training for the last 14 years. The early years, especially, basically functioned as an internship. For those with the aptitude and desire to learn, this is probably the most effective education when it comes to hands-on construction of actual projects. There are more official training opportunities available. For example our local university has a highly-regarded four-year Construction Management program, but this is primarily geared toward the goal of a managerial role in construction (overseeing entire projects) rather than participating in the hands-on work of the type that occurs in a cabinetry shop.
If you can't start in your particular job, how do you work up to it? My boss likes to bring in young people, who have an interest in and aptitude for woodworking, for on-the-job training. One would need to realize that getting started will require a learning curve (usually at a low wage) that includes willingness to stick with it and to do the "lowly" jobs required of him/her until opportunities for moving up are presented or created.
How would a young person find out more about this job?
My recommendation would be to get involved in general construction first, and then specialize after getting a basic understanding of construction principles and projects. One could also try approaching a shop owner to see if they are open to providing on-the-job training.
Find more free curricula and resources on HomeschoolChristian.com's Curricula Page Index!
See more Career Resources.
