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Daniel McCracken |
After studying design technology, graphics and art at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth, Daniel saw an opportunity at the end of his sixth form year to begin an apprenticeship with Vogue Kitchens and Applicances Ltd.
There is often the misconception that students are only ...
Job Overview: Joiners measure, cut, prepare and assemble timber and timber board products to make kitchen cabinets, doors, window frames and stairs.
ALTERNATIVE TITLES
Wood Joiner
Shopfitter
Door and Window Maker
Joinery Machinist
Furniture Maker
Cabinet Maker
TASKS AND DUTIES
Day-to-day tasks for joiners include:
- study instructions and diagrams
- may install finished products such as kitchen units, stairs and bench tops
- may draw diagrams for the client
- quote a price for the job
- measure and mark the required sizes on the timber
- set out job from plans, diagrams and specifications
- work out cutting list and quantities
- select and order timber/board check for faults
- cut pieces to size and shape
- assemble finishing item
- nail, screw or glue the pieces together
- trim and sand the finished item
- may cut out and attach laminated bench and cupboard surfaces
- operating and programming CNC machinery
- onsite work to fit products, install
TRAITS OF A GOOD JOINER/FURNITURE MAKERJoiners need to have good communication skills to find out exactly what clients want. They need to be able to visualise a finished product, follow instructions accurately, and solve problems. They also need to be skilled at using woodworking tools and machinery.
Joiners must know how to apply different woodworking techniques and how different timbers respond to being cut and glued. They should be able to read plans and technical drawing symbols, and have basic maths knowledge. They must know about safety procedures and first aid, and how to take care of equipment.
Joiners must be alert and safety-conscious when using tools and machinery. Joiners need to have steady hands and good hand-eye co-ordination. They should be reasonably fit and strong as there may be some heavy lifting required. If joiners have asthma they need to have medication to control it and should be aware of which wood dust may affect them.
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING NEEDED
English and maths skills are useful for this job. It will also be helpful to have studied woodwork, technical drawing or workshop technology while at secondary school. Joiners complete an apprenticeship to gain a National Certificate in Joinery to be fully qualified. Draughting, carpentry, building construction industry work or any other work involving technical plans is useful experience for joiners.
There are a number of other qualifications that apprentices can do in conjunction with their National Certificate in Joinery, such as National Certificates in Cabinetry, Exterior Joinery, Stairs, Laminate Fabrication, Aluminium Fabrication and Component Machining.
Joiners gain their skills on the job, and may attend block courses at local polytechnics as part of their apprenticeship. Depending on how motivated the apprentice is, a National Certificate in Joinery usually takes 4 years to complete.
Useful work experience for people entering the joinery trade includes draughting, carpentry, building/construction industry work or any other work involving technical plans.
Pre-trade training is done locally at G & H Training, and for those in jobs, training is organised to occur at the local polytechnic by the Joinery ITO
Find Training Providers in our Education Directory:
G & H Training
Local Industry Training Organisation (ITO)
Joinery ITO
Local Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
Name: G & H Training
Contact: Nigel Scrimshaw
Phone: 06 358 9365
Free Phone: 0800 876 4664
Email: nigel.scrimshaw@ghtraining.co.nz
Website: http://www.ghtraining.co.nz
STUDY COSTS
The study costs for a joinery apprentice varies considerably, from $3500 to $4800. In some cases the organisation you are working for will pay for all costs associated with your apprenticeship study. Some employers have an agreement with their apprentices where the cost of study comes out of their wage.
In some cases the apprentice will need to cover all costs associated with their apprenticeship. The costs for a National Certificate in Joinery are: $168 admin fee, 3 block courses over 4 years at $450 each and $125 for text books.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Joiners usually work regular hours, although they may have to work longer hours to meet deadlines. Joiners work independently and in teams. They often work under the direction of a supervisor or factory owner. They may supervise assistants and they also interact with suppliers, architects, designers, other workers and clients. Conditions in joinery workshops can be noisy and dusty at times, but are generally tidy and clean.
An hourly rate is a matter of negotiation between the apprentice/trainee and their employer. However, as a guideline apprentices usually start out on an hourly rate between $7.50 and $9. As they progress, experienced joiners can earn up to $25 per hour. Salary for self-employed joiners depends on the success of their business.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Where can this qualification lead to in the future?
EARN AS YOU LEARN while training for a National Certificate NZQA qualification. This means that you will NOT have any student debt. If you are someone who enjoys the physical and mental challenges of working with your hands then completing a joinery apprenticeship could be your ticket to an exciting and varied career. A major influence on job opportunities in this area is the state of the local economy, which is very strong at the moment in Taranaki. It is well known that Taranaki building industry is booming! Commercial construction is very busy, new inner city apartments are being built, land on the outskirts of town is being subdivided for new houses and more people are now renovating their homes. This has created a huge increase in the demand for joiners.
A future career opportunity for people getting into the joinery industry is the possibility of owning their own business.
COMPANY PROFILES
Below is a fraction of the Taranaki businesses that employ joiners (these are only example businesses for you to research this particular career choice. Check out the yellow pages to find one near you). In addition, write-ups featured in the Career Profiles section provide some insight into the work environment and opportunities available within the industry.
- Rhys Powell Joinery, Euclid Street, New Plymouth
- Arthur Brown Construction Co Ltd, Wilson Street, Hawera
- Dennis Behrent Joinery, Stratford
Visit the Scholarships section of the site
RELEVANT CONTACTS
G & H Training| Taranaki Contact: | Nigel Scrimshaw |
| Phone: | 0800 876 4664 |
| Email: | ngiel.scrimshaw@ghtraining.co.nz |
| Website: | http://www.ghtraining.co.nz |
Joinery Industry Training Organisation
| Phone: | (04) 385 8814 |
| Email: | info@jito.org.nz |
| Website: | http://www.jito.org.nz |
Furniture Industry Training Organisation
| Website: | http://www.fito.co.nz |
Modern Apprenticeships
| Phone: | 0800 4 Apprentice |
| Website: | http://www.modern-apprenticeships.govt.nz |
Taranaki Joinery Manufacturers Association
| Taranaki Contact: | Graeme Paul |
| Phone: | (06) 751 1111 |
| Website: | http://www.masterjoiners.co.nz |
Kindly supported by Career Services Rapuara
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