Construction and Cabinetmaking

A construction student doing hands-on work

Construction and Cabinetmaking

Unique in the State

Technical Diploma

62 Credits | 2 Years

Financial Aid-Eligible

Rice Lake

Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction

Construction and Cabinetmaking has always been the back bone to economic growth in this country. This is the perfect program to get you into multiple career options within the industry to fill this ever-demanding need.  

Program Overview

The Construction and Cabinetmaking program will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for job success in the construction industry. You will learn the fundamentals of building design, construction, layout operation, related mathematics, print reading, estimating, CNC, cabinet construction and materials of industry. You will use hand and power tools that are commonly used in construction and fabrication to assemble furniture, cabinets and build a custom home off site.

Program Outcomes

Construction and Cabinetmaking graduates will be able to:

  • Use hand and power tools and equipment
  • Apply industry recognized safety practices and procedures
  • Analyze sustainable building practices
  • Interpret construction drawings
  • Interpret building codes
  • Demonstrate industry building practices and material application

Implement the knowledge you have learned by spending time each week working on and building furniture, cabinets and structures, under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Mastercam (CAD/CAM), Softplan (CAD), and other technologies related to building energy efficiency are utilized to get you that job that you are seeking.

A student working on cabinetry in a house

Learn by doing.

Students working with innovative technology used in the construction industry

Utilize the latest software and technology.

A student working on kitchen drawers in a house

Develop well-rounded and versatile skills. 


Academics

Construction and Cabinetmaking classes are offered in a face to face setting. This allows you to enjoy the traditional college experience with your peer students and faculty, while learning from one another. 

Student House Project

For over 20 years, second-year students have constructed a house from start to finish. As a student, you will frame exterior and interior walls and set the floor system and roof system. You will completely finish the exterior and interior of the house.

Furniture & Cabinet Making

First-year students design and construct heirloom furniture. Second-year students will design and construct the kitchen and vanities for the student house project.

Career Pathway

The Construction and Cabinetmaking two-year technical diploma includes two embedded technical diploma options. Students in various locations have the option to earn the less-than-one-year Construction Essentials technical diploma and the Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking one-year technical diploma and continue your education to complete the two-year Construction and Cabinetmaking program.


Required Courses

Program-specific subjects covered include print reading, cabinet and furniture making, drafting, CNC machining, site surveying, construction framing, advanced construction (offsite student house project), and estimating and production cabinetmaking.

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Construction and Cabinetmaking Courses

32410300
|
UGRD
| 5 CR
This is a lab/shop/theory application. This course covers the basics of cabinet and furniture construction. Fundamental machine operations and safety rules are taught. The students are required to construct, by approved machine methods, the common joints used in good construction. The study of wood and other materials, hand tools and bench work, shop drawing, design, and layout are a part of the basic course.
32410303
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
This is a lab/shop applications course that covers the operations required in building layout, and the framing of floors and walls to meet Wisconsin State Code. Competencies are learned through actual hands-on applications. COREQUISITES: 32410339 Print Reading for Building Construction, and 32804325 Applied Technical Math 1.
32410332
|
UGRD
| 5 CR
This course introduces students to the subject of residential design and construction. The problems faced by builders and designers before actual construction begins are emphasized. Students complete a series of detail drawings to acquaint them with the materials used and the methods of fabrication in sketching, lettering, line weights, and use of the scale are stressed. Standard house plans are utilized to acquaint the student with the drawings used in home construction. Students are also introduced to state, federal, and local codes. PREREQUISITE: 32410339 Print Reading for Building Construction.

Construction and Cabinetmaking is Part of a Career Pathway

As a Construction and Cabinetmaking student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!

 

You could take this first and get a credential.

Technical Diploma
9 Credits / 1 Year Part Time
Potential Careers
Construction Worker, Construction/Carpenter Laborer, Carpenter Assistant, Carpentry Framer
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This is the program you’re looking at.

Technical Diploma
62 Credits / 2 Years Full Time
Potential Careers
Carpenter, Woodworking Machine Operator, Furniture Finisher, Millperson, Machine Setup Person, Cabinetmaker/Furniture Maker, Salesperson, Estimator, Drafter, Material Handling Specialist, Interior/Exterior Finisher
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn your bachelor's degree.


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Construction and Cabinetmaking

62 Credits | 2 Years

$11,331

$920 for tools, supplies and uniforms


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Construction and Cabinetmaking Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn technical diplomas in Construction Essentials, Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking, and Construction and Cabinetmaking.

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

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Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.