Fine Woodworking at Okanagan College.

About the Fine Woodworking Program:

The Fine Woodworking Program is a full-time 9 month program encompassing a wide range of woodworking disciplines. This program is available to English speaking folks from anywhere in the world. Our well equipped facilities are located in heart of Wine Country. The beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. The Campus is in Kelowna BC and is just two blocks from Lake Okanagan. Kelowna and the entire region is one of Canada's foremost vacation destinations. Including student dormitories, there are a range of accommodations available near the campus.

Though this program is not an apprenticeship, if successful, you will leave with ITA recognized Levels 1 that can be applied to a Cabinetmaking/ Joinery Apprenticeship. A graduate of the Fine Woodworking Program will also achieve an additional Certificate in Fine Woodworking from Okanagan College.

Though prior workworking experience is preferred, it is not a requirement. If you have a passion for woodworking, this is the place.

Upon successful completion of this program you will have the core skills necessary to enter into any of the many facets of the woodworking industry. The knowledge and skills gained here at O.C may also inspire you to create your own business and studio/shop. Either way this program will provide a fantastic launching point towards a life of creation and satisfaction.

The Fine Woodworking Program is a hands on environment. Although there is a large amount of class time and theory, you will spend the bulk of your time in the shop attending demonstrations or building projects. You will be provided with all the necessary tools and equipment as well as your own bench area. If you have your own layout and hand tools we encourage you to bring them with you. Each student has a secure area to keep personal items.

This program will be intense because of the amount of material being covered, but it will be presented at a natural pace. There is time to absorb the concepts, skills and feel of this wonderful trade. Texts and handout materials will be yours to keep for reference in the future.

Our shop has the luxury of large windows creating lots of natural light. We have many large and small well maintained machines with industrial dust collection. The Joinery Shop has a fully equipped tool room with any tool you could imagine. The tool room has a full time attendant. The shop has a heated spray booth equipped with high quality spray equipment as well as a fresh breathing air supply.

Topics Covered During the Program:

• The safety principles related to the Woodworking trade.
• All necessary related trade calculations.
• The identification of solid woods (domestic, figured and exotic), veneer, plywood, composition  boards, and laminates.
• Creating shop drawings (basic drafting) and understanding basic blueprints.
• Selection and safe use hand tools and portable power tools.
• How to safely operate and understand all major woodworking machines.
• Joints and joinery techniques, both by hand and machine.
• Design and build curved parts and panels.
• Frame and panel construction.
  
• Design and build woodworking projects to professional standards.
  
• How to use AutoCad.  (Computer Aided Design)
  
• Finishing: How to apply several types of quality finishes. From hand to high tech finishes.
  
• The world of CNC machining.
  
• How to select, join, press and finish veneer. Making your own veneer.
  
• Make your own hand plane.
  
• Selection and safe use of air powered tools.
  
• Vacuum bag Techniques.
  
• Marketry and inlay techniques.
  
• The design process.
  
• How to photograph your own work.
  
• How to create a portfolio and market your work or yourself.
  
  If this program sounds too intensive for you, you might be interested in our Night School Woodworking or our Entry Level Program.

Schedule:

The next Fine Woodworking Program will start September 6, 2010 and runs until May 27th 2011. Please contact us and register early as this program accommodates a limited number of students.

Instructors:

Tim Diebert:
Journeyman Red Seal Cabinetmaker/ Joiner.
Apprenticeship and Fine Woodworking Instructor at Okanagan College.
Tim has almost 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry. Both self employed and as an employee, Tim's work has encompassed Boat building, Yacht Interiors, Custom Guitarmaking, Staircases and Balustrades, Custom Furniture, Millwork and Movie sets.
Tim's portfolio can be seen here: www.timtone.com/portfolio

Brent Kelly:
Journeyman Red Seal Cabinetmaker/ Joiner. Auxiliary Apprenticeship Instructor and Night School Woodworking Instructor at Okanagan College. Brent has been involved in the Millwork trade for many years.

For more information please contact Heather at the Okanagan College Trades Office:

Phone: 250-762-5445 local 5457 or toll free 1-800-621-3038
Email: hgrassick@okanagan.bc.ca
Or Tim Diebert: tdiebert@okanagan.bc.ca

Teachwoodworking.com is dedicated to programs that deal with joinery, cabinet making or cabinetmaking, carpentry, wood working and or woodworking and Joinery.