Spotlights
Cabinet Assembler, Cabinet Builder, Cabinet Installer, Cabinet Maker, Double End Tenon Operator, Frame Builder, Framer, Woodworker
The art of cabinetmaking traces its roots back to the late Renaissance period when skilled artisans crafted beautifully intricate pieces for royalty. Today’s Cabinet Makers bring that legacy into modern times, designing, crafting, and assembling custom-made cabinets, furniture, and other elaborate wooden structures.
They possess a deep understanding of wood types and use state-of-the-art tools and programs that allow them to work with precision as they make functional, durable, aesthetically pleasing pieces. These range from kitchen and bathroom cabinets to bedroom wardrobes that reflect the individual styles of the maker. And now their work isn’t reserved only for royalty!
Some specialize in a particular niche, such as antique furniture, musical instruments, or chairs and couches.
- Job satisfaction from bringing ideas to life, from sketches to finished products
- Job security because their work is always in demand!
- Diverse opportunities, from design and restoration to construction projects
Lịch làm việc
- Cabinet Makers work full-time with most work done indoors. They must often travel to job sites in their local area or to stores to purchase lumber and supplies.
Nhiệm vụ tiêu biểu
- Design custom cabinetry and furniture based on client specifications
- Review project specifications with designers, clients, or architects
- Examine technical drawings or blueprints and plan the schedule of work
- Estimate budgets, including labor and supplies
- Verify the dimensions of where a piece is going to go, to ensure it will fit
- Operate computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to produce plans and models
- Inspect equipment or tools for proper functioning; perform routine maintenance and repairs, as needed
- Select and order lumber and materials needed to complete work assignments
- Measure, mark, and cut lumber stock to specifications
- Operate tools such as power saws and other machines
- Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare pieces for finishing
- Attach parts or subassemblies to form completed units using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps
- Apply finishes (such as paint, stain, or varnish) to completed products using brushes, sprayers, or rollers
- Cài đặt phần cứng (chẳng hạn như bản lề, tay cầm, chốt hoặc kéo ngăn kéo) bằng dụng cụ cầm tay
Trách nhiệm bổ sung
- Maintain work records; keep track of inventory and customer orders
- Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces
- Practice good safety when using tools and machines
- Stay up-to-date on techniques, tools, and programs
Kỹ năng mềm
- Chính xác
- Phân tích
- Business acumen (for self-employed workers)
- Dịch vụ khách hàng
- Định hướng chi tiết
- Phối hợp tay-mắt tuyệt vời
- Khéo léo thủ công
- Không có dị ứng bụi nghiêm trọng hoặc các vấn đề về hô hấp
- Kiên nhẫn
- Kiên nhẫn
- Giải quyết vấn đề
- Quản lý dự án
- Đảm bảo chất lượng
- Quan tâm đến an toàn
- Phán đoán và lý luận đúng đắn
- Kỹ năng giao tiếp mạnh mẽ
Kỹ năng kỹ thuật
- Kỹ thuật lắp ráp
- Tính toán toán học cơ bản
- Đọc bản thiết kế
- CNC machine operation (for modern workshops)
- Drafting and design, including computer-aided design (CAD)
- Edge banding
- Dự toán vật liệu và chi phí
- Installation and fitting techniques; installation of hardware (e.g., hinges, handles)
- Joinery techniques (e.g., dovetail, mortise and tenon, biscuit)
- Kiến thức về ứng dụng kết dính
- Kiến thức về lắp đặt và điều chỉnh slide ngăn kéo
- Knowledge of modern materials (e.g., melamine, MDF)
- Laminating
- Kỹ thuật bố trí và đánh dấu
- Sử dụng đúng cách dụng cụ cầm tay (ví dụ: đục, máy bay, cưa) và dụng cụ điện (ví dụ: cưa bàn, cưa băng, bộ định tuyến)
- Quy trình an toàn
- Sanding and finishing techniques
- Sharpening tools
- Understanding of wood movement due to moisture changes
- Use of clamping devices and jigs
- Veneering
- Wood bending techniques
- Wood selection and identification
- Woodturning (for custom pieces)
- Tự làm chủ
- Cabinetmaking businesses
- Các công ty xây dựng nhà
- Retail outlets
- Viện bảo tàng
- Theater/film production companies
- Cơ sở giáo dục
- Design studios
Cabinet makers are expected to merge both artistic flair and technical prowess. They must craft pieces that are functional and aesthetically appealing, which requires a keen eye for design—plus a mastery of woodworking techniques!
While making a name for themselves, they might have to invest in tools and materials, if they are self-employed. Cabinet makers often face long workshop hours, risking physical strain and potential injury. The time commitment becomes even greater as trends and technology shift, requiring them to keep up with the changes.
In recent years, minimalism has dominated cabinetmaking, with clean lines and unadorned facades becoming a staple in modern homes. The push for simplicity has seen a preference for handleless cabinets and neutral color palettes.
Sustainability is another emerging trend. Cabinet makers are increasingly sourcing eco-friendly materials, emphasizing reclaimed woods and low-VOC finishes. This shift not only caters to environmentally-conscious consumers but also promotes longevity and durability in cabinetry.
Lastly, technology integration is reshaping traditional cabinet designs. Features like built-in USB ports, touch-to-open mechanisms, and under-cabinet lighting showcase how modern cabinets are evolving to meet the tech-savvy demands of contemporary living spaces.
Many cabinet makers, in their younger years, showed an affinity for hands-on activities. They might have enjoyed hobbies such as woodworking, crafting, or building models. Engaging with tactile experiences like whittling, assembling toy sets, or repairing household items likely ignited their passion for creation, serving as a foundation for their journey into cabinetmaking!
- Cabinet makers need a high school diploma or equivalent
- Vocational, technical school, or even high school courses in woodworking or cabinetry are a solid way to get started!
- A college degree isn’t necessary, though 19% do earn an associate’s and 22% hold a bachelor’s, per Zippia. However, they may complete these later in their careers, versus at the start
- Cabinet makers learn many if not most of their skills through apprenticeships, learning from a seasoned professional. They start with small tasks and work their way up over a period of about 3-4 years
- An apprenticeship may require 2,000 hours of combined on-the-job training plus formal classroom instruction per year (thus a 4-year apprenticeship would involve ~8,000 hours of OJT and classroom instruction)
- Per the Carpenters Training Institute, a typical apprenticeship program might look like this:
- The first year will cover a lot of safety issues, including first aid, CPR, and machine safety, as well as an introduction to using table saws
- The second year covers more table saw use, as well as machine woodworking, solid surfaces, etc.
- The third year covers European cabinetry, laminating, exhibit construction, interior trim, and CNC routers while continuing with machine woodworking and solid surfaces
- The fourth year covers custom toolboxes, ICRA “Health Care Construction,” and other topics
- Note, the above are just sample topics from one training institute!
- Cabinet makers can also apply for certifications from the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America or Cabinet Makers Association or enter training programs like the Architectural Woodwork Institute
- Xem xét chi phí học phí, chiết khấu và các cơ hội học bổng địa phương (ngoài viện trợ liên bang)
- Hãy suy nghĩ về lịch trình và sự linh hoạt của bạn khi quyết định đăng ký vào một chương trình trong khuôn viên trường, trực tuyến hay kết hợp. Lý tưởng nhất là bạn sẽ muốn thực hành nhiều nhất có thể cho nhiều khóa học tủ này
- Look closely at the program’s facilities and equipment
- Kiểm tra các giải thưởng và thành tích giảng viên của chương trình
- Try to read reviews from previous students
- Xem lại số liệu thống kê vị trí việc làm và chi tiết về mạng lưới cựu sinh viên của chương trình
- Cabinet Makers should prepare for their apprenticeships by taking English, art/design, general math (arithmetic, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions), geometry, chemistry, physics, drafting, computer-aided design, and woodworking or shop courses
- Gain hands-on skills under the supervision of a professional who can show you how to work safely and use tools properly
- Do well in school, because apprenticeship programs can be very competitive
- Often high school students can take community college or vocational training classes simultaneously. Ask your school counselor for assistance
- Expand your practical knowledge through online classes
- Get practical work experience through part-time carpentry or construction jobs
- Consider volunteering on local Habitat for Humanity projects
- Watch related videos on YouTube channels like MWA Woodworks and Bourbon Moth Woodworking
- Educate yourself through cabinetry books, magazines, and online articles
- Ask a working Cabinet Maker if they have time to do an informational interview with you
- Decide what type of cabinetry work you might want to specialize in such as antique furniture restoration, cabinets, chairs and couches, etc.
Note, many employers in the skilled trades, including cabinet making, conduct drug tests as a part of their hiring process to ensure a safe working environment. The use of heavy machinery and tools can be hazardous, so employers (and insurance companies) have to reduce risks. If the apprenticeship is through a union, keep in mind that some unions mandate pre-apprenticeship drug tests or random drug tests throughout the apprenticeship.
- Rack up as much relevant experience as you can in school and through volunteer work before applying for an apprenticeship
- Các cổng thông tin việc làm như Glassdoor, Indeed, USAJOBS hoặc SimplyHired thường là điểm khởi đầu tốt nhất để tìm việc
- Tìm kiếm cơ hội học nghề tại Apprenticeship.gov
- Ask your school’s career services staff for help with resumes, mock interviews, and job searches. They may have direct connections to local unions that offer apprenticeships!
- Nếu nộp đơn xin học nghề công đoàn, hãy đọc kỹ hướng dẫn đăng ký trước khi điền vào bất cứ điều gì
- Don’t just type responses to questions directly into a website. Write them in a separate document, so you can spell-check them more easily and also save them for use elsewhere!
- There may be basic exams to test your knowledge, however, “most unions don’t expect you to be an expert in your industry at this point,” notes Indeed
- You can take practice exams to find areas where you might need to study more
- If your application is accepted, there will generally be an apprenticeship interview, so plan ahead by reading potential questions and preparing your answers
- Reach out to your network to let them know you are looking for work
- Sàng lọc quảng cáo việc làm một cách cẩn thận để đảm bảo bạn đáp ứng các yêu cầu và có trải nghiệm phù hợp
- Look for important keywords to work into your resume/application
- Tập trung sơ yếu lý lịch của bạn vào kinh nghiệm và kỹ năng làm việc và học tập có liên quan, đồng thời cố gắng định lượng dữ liệu khi bạn có thể
- Tham gia vào các diễn đàn trực tuyến và đặt câu hỏi tư vấn nghề nghiệp
- Hỏi các giáo sư, người giám sát và đồng nghiệp của bạn xem họ có đóng vai trò là tài liệu tham khảo cá nhân không
- Review Cabinet Maker resume templates to get ideas for formatting and phrasing
- Tra cứu các câu hỏi phỏng vấn phổ biến để chuẩn bị cho những cuộc phỏng vấn quan trọng đó
- Luôn ăn mặc phù hợp để phỏng vấn xin việc thành công!
- Giữ cho sự hiện diện trên mạng xã hội của bạn chuyên nghiệp, bởi vì nhà tuyển dụng tìm kiếm bạn trực tuyến
- Cabinet Makers start as apprentices and work their way up to journeyperson and master levels over the course of years
- Talk to your supervisor and trainer about how you can progress faster. Let them know you are willing to knock out any professional development training your employer suggests
- Hoàn thành các chứng chỉ nâng cao khi bạn có kinh nghiệm tối thiểu cần thiết
- Cabinet makers can apply for certifications from the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America or Cabinet Makers Association
- Consider pursuing a relevant degree or courses in specialized areas of cabinetry, design, manufacturing, or engineering
- Stay up-to-date on drafting software and machine technologies
- Duy trì hoạt động trong các tổ chức chuyên nghiệp để học hỏi những điều mới và phát triển mạng lưới của bạn
- Thử thách bản thân để làm việc trên các dự án phức tạp hơn
- Continue to learn about aesthetics and structural principles related to making unique, sought-after pieces
- Nếu cần thiết, hãy nộp đơn xin việc mang lại nhiều tiềm năng thăng tiến hơn hoặc khởi động doanh nghiệp của riêng bạn
Trang web
- Acadia Craft
- Apprenticeship.gov
- Arbor Mills
- Architectural Woodwork Institute
- Hiệp hội Công nghệ Sản xuất
- Authentic Custom Cabinetry
- Bakes and Kropp
- Beech Tree Woodworks
- Benvenuti and Stein
- Brooklyn Millwork
- Nhà sản xuất tủ
- Cabinet Makers Association
- Cabinet Solutions
- Viện đào tạo thợ mộc
- Excel Cabinets
- Fabricators & Manufacturers Association
- J.T. Dreyer
- McMillan Cabinetmakers
- Merit Kitchens
- Millcreek Cabinet
- Hiệp hội gia công và dụng cụ quốc gia
- Rainier Cabinetry
- Structures Cabinet and Design
- T2 Cabinets
- Tri-Tex Cabinets
- Vogue Furniture
- Wheatland Cabinets
- Hợp tác tài nguyên ngành gỗ
- Liên minh nghề nghiệp đồ gỗ Bắc Mỹ
- Hiệp hội công nghiệp máy móc chế biến gỗ
Sách vở
- From Sawdust To Sales: How to Market and Manage Your Cabinetry Business, by Jason M Dorr
- How To Make Kitchen Cabinets: A Comprehensive Guide To Building Custom Cabinetry, by Pascal Arthur
- The Artisan Furnituremaker: A Creative Survival Guide, by Darrell Peart
- Woodworking Furniture Mastery, by Peter Williams
The skill and artistry of Cabinet Makers remain in high demand, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a slight decrease in the number of workers that will be needed for this field in the future. This is due, in part, to automation, with computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines being increasingly used in wood product manufacturing. As a result, apprenticeship opportunities may become even more competitive.
For those who might be interested in related occupations, here’s a short list of alternatives to consider!
- Thợ mộc
- Thanh tra xây dựng và xây dựng
- Construction Laborer
- Trình cài đặt vách thạch cao
- Flooring Installer and Tile and Stone Setter
- Furniture Finisher
- General Maintenance and Repair Worker
- Công nhân cách nhiệt
- Trình tạo mô hình
- Thợ lợp mái
- Lắp đặt quang điện mặt trời
- Kết cấu kim loại chế tạo và fitter
- Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender