聚光灯
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
工作日程
- 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.
典型职责
- 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
- Install hardware (such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls) using hand tools
额外责任
- 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
软技能
- 准确度
- 分析性的
- Business acumen (for self-employed workers)
- 客户服务
- 注重细节
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- 手动灵活性
- No severe dust allergies or breathing issues
- 耐心
- 毅力
- 解决问题
- 项目管理
- 质量保证
- 具有安全意识的
- 健全的判断力和推理能力
- 强大的沟通能力
技术技能
- Assembly techniques
- Basic math calculations
- 蓝图阅读
- CNC machine operation (for modern workshops)
- Drafting and design, including computer-aided design (CAD)
- Edge banding
- Estimating materials and costs
- Installation and fitting techniques; installation of hardware (e.g., hinges, handles)
- Joinery techniques (e.g., dovetail, mortise and tenon, biscuit)
- Knowledge of adhesive application
- Knowledge of drawer slide installation and adjustments
- Knowledge of modern materials (e.g., melamine, MDF)
- Laminating
- Layout and marking techniques
- Proper use of hand tools (e.g., chisels, planes, saws) and power tools (e.g., table saw, band saw, router)
- Safety procedures
- 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)
- 自营职业者
- Cabinetmaking businesses
- Homebuilding companies
- Retail outlets
- 博物馆
- Theater/film production companies
- 教育机构
- 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
- 考虑学费、折扣和当地奖学金的机会(除联邦援助外)。
- Think about your schedule and flexibility when deciding whether to enroll in an on-campus, online, or hybrid program. Ideally, you’ll want as much hands-on practice as you can get for many of these cabinetry courses
- Look closely at the program’s facilities and equipment
- 查看该计划的教师奖项和成就
- Try to read reviews from previous students
- 查看就业安置统计资料和该项目校友网络的详细信息
- 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
- Glassdoor、Indeed、USAJOBS 或SimplyHired等招聘门户网站通常是寻找工作的最佳起点。
- Look for apprenticeship opportunities at 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!
- If applying for a union apprenticeship, read the application instructions carefully before filling anything out
- 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
- 仔细筛选招聘广告,以确保你符合要求并有合适的经验。
- Look for important keywords to work into your resume/application
- 将你的简历集中在相关的工作和学术经验及技能上,并在可能的情况下尝试量化数据
- 参与在线论坛并提出职业咨询问题
- 问问你的教授、主管和同行,他们是否愿意作为个人推荐人
- Review Cabinet Maker resume templates to get ideas for formatting and phrasing
- 查找常见面试问题,为关键面试做好准备
- 要想面试成功,着装一定要得体!
- 保持你的社交媒体存在的专业性,因为雇主会在网上查找你的资料
- 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
- 在具备最低经验要求的情况下,完成高级认证
- 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
- Keep active in professional organizations to learn new things and grow your network
- Challenge yourself to work on more complex projects
- Continue to learn about aesthetics and structural principles related to making unique, sought-after pieces
- If necessary, apply for jobs that offer more advancement potential—or launch your own business
网站
- Acadia Craft
- Apprenticeship.gov
- Arbor Mills
- Architectural Woodwork Institute
- 制造技术协会
- Authentic Custom Cabinetry
- Bakes and Kropp
- Beech Tree Woodworks
- Benvenuti and Stein
- Brooklyn Millwork
- 橱柜制作师
- Cabinet Makers Association
- Cabinet Solutions
- Carpenters Training Institute
- Excel Cabinets
- Fabricators & Manufacturers Association
- J.T. Dreyer
- McMillan Cabinetmakers
- Merit Kitchens
- Millcreek Cabinet
- 国家工具和加工协会
- Rainier Cabinetry
- Structures Cabinet and Design
- T2 Cabinets
- Tri-Tex Cabinets
- Vogue Furniture
- Wheatland Cabinets
- Wood Industry Resource Collaborative
- Woodwork Career Alliance of North America
- Woodworking Machinery Industry Association
书籍
- 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!
- 卡朋特
- 建设和建筑督察
- Construction Laborer
- 干墙安装工
- Flooring Installer and Tile and Stone Setter
- Furniture Finisher
- General Maintenance and Repair Worker
- Insulation Worker
- 模型制作
- 屋顶工人
- 太阳能光伏安装人员
- 金属结构制造和装配工
- Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender