Why study joinery?
Why study joinery at UFV?
What type of career can I expect?
What will I learn in the program?
Sounds good. What do I do next?
What do I need to get in?
When should I apply?
What are the program requirements?
How much will it cost?
Anything else I need to know?
Is there an upgrading option?
Can I speak with someone about my options?
 

Why study joinery?
You’ve always had a way with your hands and flair for fine details. Joinery is a growing business and the job opportunities are endless. It’s a career where you can make many of your own decisions and where your creative ability, knack for getting the job done, and hard work will pay off.

Why study joinery at UFV?
UFV’s Joinery program will prepare you for entry into the provincial apprenticeship program, as well as directly into employment. You’ll get a thorough introduction to the trade, and develop skills expected by today’s demanding employers. Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so your punctuality and good work habits are essential.

** This program exceeds the provincial standards of Foundation and ELTT training programs taught throughout B.C.

What type of career can I expect?
Once you’ve successfully completed the program, you will be prepared for employment opportunities in the joinery millwork industry and related businesses such as interior finishing and trimming, furniture manufacturing, cottage industries, and van interior customizing. A career in the joinery trade offers good opportunities for those who are willing to spend several years learning the trade. This performance-paced program allows you an accelerated completion time and the individual opportunity to develop higher levels of expertise in any area of the program. However, for all students the maximum program length will be enforced as stated under Dates and Attendance Requirements in the UFV calendar.

The program runs from September to May and if you fail to meet the attendance requirements as outlined in your individual program guide, you might be subject to a failing grade or academic warning.

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What will I learn in the program?
‌ You must demonstrate that you understand the written part of each unit by successfully completing a written test at the end of each unit, and you must then apply it to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit. You will be working with the help of learning packages that will give you step-by-step instructions. Your learning materials may include printed worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, instructions, demonstrations and/or lectures.

At regular stages you will be required to move to a shop or lab area to perform various tasks in order to develop your practical skills. Practical hands-on training as part of the total plan will increase as you progress through the program, and should amount to about two-thirds of your overall training time. As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction are patterned after “on-the-job” situations, where a limited amount of direct supervision is required.

The training follows a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop intermediate and specialized skills required in this industry. The modular curriculum provides a flexible learning path, allowing accelerated learning opportunities if you’re entering the program with a greater experience or skill level.

Sample topics:

• Reading and interpreting drawings
• Using joinery shop equipment
• Applying layout techniques
• Assembling cabinets
• Applying finishes
• Installing hardware
• Technical CMNS 115 (three academic credits)

All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam. 

Sounds good. What do I do next?
Check out UFV’s online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar  Read the Joinery section and program description carefully.

Next, you can download an application form and submit it, along with the $45 application fee, to any UFV Admissions and Records office. You can also transmit it through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. If you’re currently in Grade 12, you can apply now, but we require a statement from your school counsellor or principal indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, and this must be presented at the time of your entrance exam appointment. You will be notified of your entrance exam date by the Trades & Technology Centre and there is no fee for writing this exam. If you have not been contacted within two weeks of submitting your application, please call us at 604-847-545402. Before classes start, you’ll be called and given all the registration procedures. If we can’t reach you after three attempts, you’ll be removed from the waitlist.

 

When should I apply?
‌Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space.

What do I need to get in?
You’ll need your B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent and you must pass a math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

What are the program requirements?
As a joinery student, you must complete all requirements with a minimum of 70 percent to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.

How much will it cost?
Expect to pay program fees of about $115.01 per week; this covers tuition plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. As a Joinery student, you should also budget about $300 for basic hand tools and working gear and $400 for the required textbooks.

We require a deposit (currently $200) to be paid when you register, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester. The  balance of your fees must be paid by the second week of the semester.

In addition, each semester (fall and winter) you will be required to pay a $30 Student Union Society membership fee, a $35 SUS Capital fee, $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee, a $3 per semester radio station fee and a $40 U-Pass fee. A health and dental fee of $160 is charged annually each fall semester to students with nine or more credits to provide extended medical and dental insurance. You can check with the Student Union Society or at www.IHaveAPlan.ca for details.

It’s also worth a visit to the UFV financial aid and awards office, which facilitates the disbursement each year of about $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students. A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget




Anything else I need to know?
‌Joinery can be a physically demanding job and that’s why a medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. You will be notified by a UFV official if or when that statement is required.

UFV’s Joinery program is delivered at the Trades & Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack, which is open 8 am to 3:30 pm weekdays. Classes and shops are in session weekdays 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. As a Joinery student, you will be required to have continuous attendance throughout both semesters before you can successfully complete the requirements for your program.

Is there an upgrading option? 
You have a busy life and we realize that. That’s where our upgrading option comes in. Our upgrading program allows you, if you’re currently or recently employed in the joinery industry, to complete your certificate requirements or to become proficient in a specific process or technique. As an upgrading student, you are expected to meet program prerequisites through previous enrolment or proof of industry experience that must be approved by the program instructor. And while we’ll welcome you as an upgrading student, you cannot be enrolled for more than 13 weeks. It’s important to know that upgrading students cannot displace anyone registered in the next intake.

Can I speak with someone about my options?
Yes! We want to hear from you! If you’re unsure of your direction, contact Student Services at 1-888-504-7441, ext 4528 to arrange a tour, attend a "Becoming a Student" info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling. You can also contact the Trades & Technology centre directly at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca to get more details.