Tradespeople are continuous­ly in demand by the Fijian industry and overseas coun­tries due to the increasing number of developmental projects taking place.

At the Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Pro­ductivity Centre (NTPC), our train­ing and practical education enable tradespersons to work more closely with the industry and attain skills and knowledge of current industry practices.

Cabinet makers and joiners who enjoy the competitiveness of indus­try demands are those with high custom woodwork skills.

These tradespersons possess skills that enable such to produce quality projects, including modern homes and offices.

The evolving tastes and dynamics in the construction sector are com­pelling tradesmen and tradeswom­en to become highly competitive in their skills and creativity.

Cabinet making and joinery courses

Participants from the business community who need formal train­ing, or a skills refresher, in cabinet manufacturing and joinery are tar­geted for this course.

The course can also be undertak­en by those interested in building and home remodelling and skilled workers, trades assistants, and un­skilled labourers.

Using a wood (medium-density fibreboard) and occasionally stain­less steel, a cabinetmaker

focuses on the finer elements of what can be built.

Using resin and wood fibres from recycled sources, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a premium composite material.

A cabinet maker’s creative work includes office furniture, book cab­inets, benches, entertainment cen­tres, office units, shop fitting, and kitchen and bathroom vanities.

What does a joiner do?

NTPC’s Department of Construc­tion offers this cabinet making and joinery programmes.

The competencies encompassed in this course are equivalent to level 3 of the national qualifications for cabinet making and joinery trade. In this course, a total of 17 modules are offered for skills assessments. These are:

Read plan specifications.

Making a cut list and prepar­ing the materials.

Indicating measurements on wood or a board.

Use static machines and hand, portable, and power tools.

Using adhesive, nails, screws, and other fasteners to assem­ble a project.

Sanding final items’ surfaces and applying veneer stain or polish.

Restore or redesign wooden furniture fixtures and related articles.

The project’s estimated cost and job cost after the compe­tition

Training will be delivered in vari­ous ways, including on-site, on-the-job, on-campus, and online.

Our instruction is divided, in brief, into 30 per cent theory and 70 per cent practice.

Hands-on training is offered in cabinet making and joinery, focus­ing on learning the specific trade or technical skill.

ISO standards and procedures guide the training and materials used for workshop training.

After successfully completing the skill set training, candidates must pass a trade test to have their skills certified.

The benefits of cabinetmaking

If you appreciate using your im­agination to create things, building things with various tools, and valu­ing craftsmanship, cabinet making may be a good career choice.

Craftsmanship is all about the beauty that the things around us produce, which is one of the most intriguing aspects.

Cabinet makers create intriguing­ly designed furniture that we may retain in our homes, offices, public spaces, and museums to be enjoyed and loved for many years.

Cabinet makers must incorporate innovation, creativity, passion, and accuracy to produce the best artistic works considering rapidly changing technologies.

Career-focused training helps find work and acquire the necessary job-related skills.

Graduate testimonial

Peni Motoya attended day classes to complete the 17 modules in cabi­net making and joinery course at National Training and Productiv­ity Centre.

“My interest in learning cabi­net construction and joinery was sparked by my experience in sec­ondary school with woodworking and the desire to create beautiful, exquisite works of art,” he said.

“Through the courses, I have con­structed joinery and furniture with skill and quality as an assembler.

“Even though it was difficult, I persisted because it is an interest­ing field.”

“Once one has the necessary ex­pertise and the capacity to provide high-quality results, success is at­tained.”

“To succeed, one needs long-term commitment and perseverance.

“Success will ultimately come to you if you practice doing things to the best of your ability.”

Motoya said the course at NTPC contributed to his success in the workforce.

 Story By: Frederica Elbourne

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj