Overview
Learn what it takes to build and repair wood components, furniture, fixtures, and cabinetry.
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 received by a first-year cabinetmaker apprentice, plus additional hands-on skills and safety training.
The program prepares students to enter the workforce and become an apprentice. 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 first-year apprenticeship.
Get more information about this and similar programs
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
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $5,069
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
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 do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Nov. 25, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 31, 2023 |
They’ve got the skills
SAIT competitors train to best the rest at the Skills Canada National Competition
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
- Winter 2023 start: applications opened on March 30, 2022.
Program requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 10C, Math 10-3, or Applied Math 10, AND,
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2.
- A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 2) for equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
Note: General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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 admission
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. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLPR-239 | Cabinetmaking Blueprint Reading | 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 | |
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 in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $410
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $4,920 | $149 | n/a | $5,069 |
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $49
- Universal transit pass (Upass): n/a
- Student support fee: $50
- Student technology fee: $50
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding
Saitsa fees
Student Association fees
Students registered in pre-employment programs do not pay student association fees.
Health and dental fees
Students registered in pre-employment programs are not eligible for health and dental plans.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more 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.
Fall 2022
Orientation date
Program orientation details will be announced shortly. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
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, you are required to complete two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
You’ll be automatically registered and can access the course through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
PREP 145: Orientation for Apprentices
PREP 145 is a free study skills course for apprentices and pre-employment students. Discover your learning style, develop memory techniques, learn effective ways to conquer your modules, get tips on how to write multiple-choice tests and prepare for your apprenticeship exam. Course completion is recommended at the beginning of your first semester.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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 is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4106
Academic chair
Dan Weinert, Academic Chair
Email: Dan.Weinert@sait.ca
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.
