Overview
Learn to build and repair cabinetry, furniture and fixtures, along with customized wood products through hands-on courses that teach diagrams, patterns and cabinetmaking.
Cabinetmakers have the ability to produce custom-made wood products. They draw diagrams and read specifications, layouts and patterns for unique projects using wood and wood components.
This 12-week program covers all course material delivered in a first-year cabinetmaker apprenticeship, plus additional hands-on skills and safety training.
On successful completion of the program, there is an option to write the first year Cabinetmaker apprenticeship exam.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT certificate and may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for the first-year cabinetmaker apprenticeship.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in the construction industry and are prepared to become indentured Cabinetmaker apprentices. Potential career progression includes:
- cabinetmaker journeyperson
- supervisory positions
Related careers include:
- carpenter
- upholster


Tuition and Fees Per Year*
Year 1: $4,486
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020.
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
Winter 2021 | April 6, 2021 |
Fall 2021 | Sept. 13, 2021 |
Admission Requirements
- Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020.
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 10C, Math 10-3, Pure Math 10, or Applied Math 10,
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
- A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 2) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
Note: General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct Entry: Four Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Pre-Employment Cabinetmaker and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Program Outline
Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
BLPR 239 | Cabinetmaking Blueprint Read | 1.5 |
CBMK 220 | Cabinet Making Shop I | 6.0 |
CBMK 221 | Cabinet Making Theory I | 3.0 |
MATH 236 | Mathematics for Cabinetmaking | 1.5 |
Total Credits | 12.0 |
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
- Rocky Mountain College
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $4,300 | $186 | - | - | $4,486 |
Fees
Health Plan: N/A
Dental PlanN/A
Student AssociationN/A
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $86
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Winter 2021
Orientation date
Orientation for new studentd will take place online on Jan. 11, 2021.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- CSA steel toe boots
- Safety glasses
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 145: Orientation for Apprentices and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.woodtrades@sait.ca
Academic chair
Garth Sartison, Academic Chair
Email: garth.sartison@sait.ca
Fall 2020
Orientation date
Tenatively Sept. 8th
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
- Solid Wi-Fi connection at home
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- CSA steel toe boots
- Safety glasses
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 145: Orientation for Apprentices and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.