Hagley Community College
Cabinet Maker Kaihanga Kapata Taonga
Cabinet makers make and repair fittings and furniture for homes, businesses and boats.
Cabinet makers may do some or all of the following:
- use computer-aided design (CAD) programs to design furniture
- select timber and other materials, and cut to size
- screw or glue the pieces together, and attach fittings such as handles
- trim, sand and polish or paint furniture
- repair or replace damaged furniture parts
- program computers to operate machinery
- calculate costs if they have their own cabinet-making business
- supervise other cabinet makers if working in a factory.
Physical Requirements
Cabinet makers need to have steady hands and good hand-eye co-ordination. People with asthma or other breathing problems need to be able to control these conditions in the workshop.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for cabinet makers includes:
- furniture sales work
- woodturning
- work in carpentry or joinery.
Personal Qualities
Cabinet makers must be:
- quick and neat in their work
- patient
- accurate, with an eye for detail
- able to work independently or as part of a furniture factory team.
Skills
Cabinet makers need to have:
- knowledge of furniture styles, and timber and cabinet-making materials
- cabinet-making skills, including knowledge of furniture-making and repair methods
- design skills
- technical drawing skills and the ability to read diagrams
- knowledge of production standards
- the ability to operate machinery and use tools correctly.
Self-employed cabinet makers need marketing and business skills.
Conditions
Cabinet makers:
- usually work regular business hours but may work late or at weekends to complete orders
- work in factories or small workshops
- work in conditions that can be noisy, dusty and may contain fumes.
Subject Recommendations
A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include English, maths, technology, and design & visual communication.
Cabinet Makers can earn around $48K-$60K per year.
Pay for cabinet makers varies depending on experience.
- Trainee cabinet makers usually earn minimum wage or above.
- Qualified cabinet makers usually earn between $48,000 and $60,000.
Source: Competenz, 2017.
Cabinet makers can progress into supervisor or management roles, or become self-employed.
They may also specialise in making marine cabinets for boats, ships and yachts.
Years Of Training
3-4 years of training usually required.To become a cabinet maker you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Furniture (Level 4) with strands in Cabinetmaking, Furniture Finishing, and Upholstery (Level 4). Competenz oversees furniture-making apprenticeships.
To become a marine cabinet maker you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Marine Interiors (Level 4). The New Zealand Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy (MAST) oversees marine interior apprenticeships.
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