Nelson 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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