Woodworking and Cabinetmaking

The Woodworking and Cabinetmaking program teaches the hands-on skills needed for both hobby and career paths. You can start with a short-term job skills certificate to learn basic tools and techniques. Then, continue your training with advanced classes in materials, design, fabrication, assembly, and finishing to earn a Certificate of Achievement. With additional coursework and general education classes, you can complete the Woodworking and Cabinetmaking Associate of Science degree.

Students train with modern tools and equipment and learn from experienced faculty. Graduates are prepared for work in furniture shops, cabinet shops, and wood product manufacturing facilities.

What is Woodworking and Cabinetmaking?

Woodworking is the craft of creating objects, furniture, or structures from wood. It includes cutting, shaping, sanding, and joining pieces of wood to build useful or decorative items.

Cabinetmaking is a specialized area of woodworking that focuses on building cabinets, drawers, shelves, and storage units. It requires precise measurements, strong joinery skills, and careful planning to create high-quality pieces.

Both areas require an understanding of wood properties, design, measurement, and safe tool use. Woodworking and cabinetmaking remain popular as both careers and hobbies.

Is Woodworking and Cabinetmaking Right for Me?

This field may be a good fit if you enjoy hands-on work, like solving creative problems, and pay close attention to detail. Woodworkers and cabinetmakers often take pride in building things that are both useful and beautiful.

Helpful traits and skills include:

• Attention to detail
• Patience and persistence
• Creativity
• Physical dexterity
• Strong work ethic
• Adaptability

Woodworking can be a rewarding path for people who enjoy creating with wood and want to build long-lasting skills.

Degree and Certificates

• Associate of Science (AS)
• Certificate of Achievement (COA)
• Job Skills Certificate (JSC)

Woodworking/Cabinetmaking AS

Covers materials, hand tools, machinery, wood finishing, modular design, new processes, and advanced bidding techniques.

Woodworking/Cabinetmaking COA

Provides training in woodworking materials, tools, machinery, finishing, and design concepts.

Woodworking & Cabinetmaking JSC

Introduces basic woodworking skills, tools, materials, and finishing techniques.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Careers

Graduates with training in woodworking and cabinetmaking can pursue careers such as:

• Furniture maker
• Cabinetmaker
• Woodworker
• Carpenter
• Set builder
• Wood product manufacturing worker
• Woodworking instructor
• Small business owner or custom woodshop entrepreneur

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: Industrial Technology

Career & Learning Pathway: Industrial Technology and Transportation Pathway

Courses: Woodworking (WOOD)