Humboldt County Office of Education: Building & Construction Trades | CTE at South Fork High

South Fork High Wood Shop: Cabinetry & Millwork

This three-year, sequential program is designed for students in grades 9-12 who are interested in the art and science of fine woodworking, with a specific focus on cabinetry and architectural millwork. Students will progress through a comprehensive curriculum that combines hands-on skill development with an understanding of industry practices, safety, and design. The program is aligned with the California Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards for the Building and Construction Trades sector, and provides a foundation for careers in custom cabinetry, furniture making, construction, and related fields.

Year 1: Introduction to Woodworking & Cabinetry Fundamentals (Grades 9-10)

Focus: Safety, tool proficiency, and foundational woodworking techniques.

Key Topics

• Shop Safety: Comprehensive training on all hand tools, power tools, and machinery, including proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures. Students will be required to pass a safety certification test before using any equipment.
• Wood Science: Introduction to different wood species, their properties, and responsible forestry practices.
• Measurement & Layout: Developing precision skills using various measuring tools and understanding architectural drawings.
• Basic Joinery: Mastering foundational joints such as butt joints, dadoes, rabbets, and simple mortise and tenon.
• Project-Based Learning: Students will complete a series of small, skill-building projects, culminating in the construction of their first piece of functional furniture or a small cabinet.

Year 2: Intermediate Cabinetry & Design (Grades 10-11)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 with a grade of C or higher.

Focus: Advanced joinery, cabinet construction methods, and design principles.

Key Topics

• Advanced Joinery: Exploring complex joinery techniques including dovetails, doweling, and frame and panel construction.
• Cabinet Construction: Building different types of cabinet carcasses, face frames, and drawers. Introduction to frameless and face-frame cabinetry systems.
• Hardware & Installation: Selecting and installing various cabinet hardware, including hinges, drawer slides, and pulls.
• Finishing Techniques: Learning to sand, stain, and apply a variety of finishes (e.g., lacquer, polyurethane, oil) to achieve a professional result.
• Project-Based Learning: Students will design and build a multi-drawer cabinet, a small table, or a custom storage solution, applying skills learned in both years.

Year 3: Advanced Millwork, Fabrication & Career Preparation (Grades 11-12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 2 with a grade of C or higher.

Focus: Large-scale projects, custom fabrication, and career readiness.

Key Topics

• Architectural Millwork: Designing and building architectural elements such as custom molding, wainscoting, and door jambs.
• Project Management: Students will take a leadership role in designing and managing their own complex projects, from material ordering to final installation.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Introduction to software used in the woodworking industry to create detailed drawings and plans.
• Professional Practices: Exploring career pathways, creating a portfolio of their work, and learning about business fundamentals, including estimating, bidding, and client communication.
• Capstone Project: Students will conceive, design, and build a significant and professional-quality project. This may include a kitchen island, a built-in entertainment center, or a complete set of custom cabinets. This project will serve as the cornerstone of their professional portfolio.

Goals & Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a high level of proficiency and safety with a wide range of woodworking tools and machinery.
• Read and interpret architectural plans and create detailed drawings.
• Design and construct various types of custom cabinetry and furniture.
• Understand and apply industry-standard finishing techniques.
• Develop a professional portfolio of their work.
• Be prepared for entry-level employment or further education in a variety of trades and design fields.

This course is an excellent pathway for students interested in developing practical skills, fostering creativity, and preparing for a rewarding career in the skilled trades.