Career Advice for a Cabinetmaker

Working as a Cabinetmaker, you will work with a variety of materials including laminate and wood, overseeing all aspects of cabinet construction.

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How to Become a Cabinetmaker

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Cabinetmaker

Should you wish to work as a Cabinetmaker you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Cabinetmaker

  • Two GCSEs.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making.
  • Level T in Craft and Design.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Wood Machining.

Key Responsibilities for a Cabinetmaker

  • Selecting materials, including lumber, hinges, handles, and other fixings and accessories.
  • Cutting materials down to the required size and dimensions.
  • Planning materials and work to ensure completion by the agreed upon deadline.
  • Assembling parts and applying paint, varnish, or oil.
  • Repairing cabinets sent for servicing.
  • Quality checking the final construction for operational issues and imperfections.

What to expect as a Cabinetmaker

When you become a Cabinetmaker, you might work in a factory or workshop. You will wear a uniform or protective clothing and need to follow health and safety guidelines. You may use hand tools or machinery, and basic computer skills may be required.

Recommended Cabinetmaker Jobs

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How to get Cabinetmaker Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Cabinetmaker job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Cabinetmaker application. If you have not held a Cabinetmaker position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Cabinetmaker role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Cabinetmaker CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Cabinetmaker application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Cabinetmaker in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Cabinetmaker 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Cabinetmaker and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Cabinetmaker experience.

How to get Cabinetmaker Experience

What does it take to be a Cabinetmaker? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Cabinetmaker jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Cabinetmaker through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Cabinetmaker Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Cabinetmaker part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Cabinetmaker or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Cabinetmaker freelance work

If you have impressive Cabinetmaker qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.