Fleetwood Park Secondary

Woodlinks Program

Overview

So, you're interested in becoming a joiner and are wondering what it is. Becoming a joiner is learning to either work manually or aided by the computer to design articles. Once the design is accomplished a joiner then uses manual tools or the Computer Numerical Control router to machine, assemble and finish articles that are fabricated with wood, plastics, and other materials.

Joiners work in these areas for example:

  • Millwork
  • Cabinets
  • Commercial furnishings
  • Residential furnishings
  • Yacht interiors
  • Specialty items

At Fleetwood Secondary the joinery course is an introduction to the apprenticeship program at a post secondary level. Apprenticeship is an opportunity to combine course work and on-the-job experience in the trade. Fleetwood Secondary is enrolled in the ACE IT program (Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry training) which helps students to jump start an apprenticeship program.

ACE IT is an industry training program for high school students. Through an ACE IT program, you can take courses that will give you credit towards both high school graduation and towards completion of an apprenticeship or Industry training Program.

ACE IT programs are developed and offered as partnerships between school districts and post-secondary institutions, and classes are often taught at colleges. Local employers also get involved in the development of ACE IT programs, and students who complete these programs typically have very good success in finding employment.

Once you successfully complete an ACE IT program you'll get credit for at least level one of the technical training (in-class) component of your Industry training Program. And through work experience placements that are usually part of the program, you'll get credit towards the on-the-job component of your training as well.

That means you can have a significant head start on your post-secondary education by the time you finish high school - as well as gaining practical and in-demand skills.

It is possible to take part in both the ACE IT and Secondary School Apprenticeship program. More information is available on these programs in the ITA's Jump Start Your Career brochure.

For more information on our trade, you can:

  • Browse our website
  • Make an appointment to see our facilities
  • Students can tour shops which belong to AWMAC (Architectural Wood Manufacturers of Canada (http://www.awmac.com)where you'd like to seek employment
  • View some of our pre-apprenticeship projects (need video clip or jpgs)

What will I learn?

The scope of training in the Joinery department includes:

  • Solving mathematical problems
  • Identifying and selecting materials
  • Identifying woodworking joints
  • Applying layout techniques
  • Using hand tools, portable power tools, and woodworking machines
  • Using assembly techniques such as vacuum bagging
  • Making a business plan (learning to be an entrepreneur)
  • Making curved cabinets such as the bendy box (see picture)
  • Fabricating a veneered panel
  • Applying a finish
  • Drawing CAD shop drawings
  • Using a CNC machine centre and CAD/CNC software
  • Describing manufacturing processes

How will I learn?

While in the Woodlinks program, you will:

  • Participate in classroom experiences and lectures relating to joinery
  • Gain practical experience by producing a business plan and creating a related joinery project
  • Have an opportunity to challenge certification exams for wood products manufacturing, both introductory and advanced, which are linked to industry (AWMAC) and post secondary schools such as BCIT, Cariboo College and UBC.