Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
The Woodworking Automation and Technology diploma builds on foundational cabinetmaking skills to prepare students for advanced roles in custom furniture making, CNC-based manufacturing, and small-scale woodworking enterprises. This diploma emphasizes digital design, CNC programming and production, advanced joinery and veneering techniques, and efficient production workflows used in modern woodworking shops. Students integrate computer-assisted drawing with CNC manufacturing processes to design, prototype, and fabricate high-quality wood products, furniture, and casework. The diploma also develops entrepreneurial and business operations skills, preparing graduates to work in advanced manufacturing environments or to operate and manage their own woodworking businesses.
Prerequisite: Completion of the Residential Woodworking Diploma, or instructor approval
Award Outcomes
Design woodworking projects using advanced computer-assisted drawing tools and design workflows.
Operate CNC woodworking routers to efficiently manufacture wood products with precision and repeatability.
Apply advanced furniture design and fabrication to create structurally, aesthetically refined wood products.
Produce wood products using professional manufacturing practice and quality control.
Integrate digital design with CNC manufacturing from concept through prototype to final production.
Demonstrate small business and entrepreneurial skills related to woodworking operations.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Woodworking Automation and Technology diploma are prepared for skilled and advanced roles in the woodworking and wood products industry that go beyond entry-level cabinetmaking. Career opportunities include CNC woodworking technician or programmer, custom furniture maker, production woodworker, cabinet and millwork specialist, and wood products manufacturing technician in small to mid-scale manufacturing shops. Graduates may also pursue roles in digital design and drafting for woodworking applications, shop lead or production supervisor, or operate as self-employed furniture makers or small woodworking business owners. The combination of advanced fabrication skills, CNC manufacturing expertise, and business operations knowledge positions graduates for careers in custom fabrication, boutique manufacturing, architectural millwork, and entrepreneurial woodworking ventures.