Woodworking Techniques - CNC

Program Overview

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The Woodworking Techniques - CNC program at Conestoga College is a one-year Ontario College Certificate program that provides students with the skills and knowledge to apply CNC techniques to various woodworking equipment. The program uses a hands-on approach to gain programming and set up knowledge for various CNC equipment and is completed in a modern 30,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art equipment. Graduates of the program will be qualified for entry-level positions in the woodworking industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

• This one-year Ontario College Certificate program provides the skills to apply CNC techniques to various equipment, including beam saws, nesting routers, point-to-point machining centers, drills, and dovetail machines.
• The program uses a hands-on approach to gain programing and set up knowledge for various CNC equipment.
• The program is completed in a modern 30,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art equipment.

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Program objectives:

• To provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge for entry into the field of CNC woodworking
• To equip graduates to work in a safe and productive manner
• To prepare graduates for further study in the field of woodworking
• To provide graduates with the opportunity develop a professional network within the field of woodworking

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Program Description:

• The Woodworking Techniques - CNC one-year Ontario College Certificate program prepares individuals for a career as a CNC programmer or set up technician.
• The program covers a wide range of topics including:
• CNC programming
• CNC set up
• CNC operation
• CNC safety
• Wood science
• Woodworking machinery
• The program is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, practical experience, and industry placements .
• Students will have access to a modern woodshop with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Graduates of the program will be qualified for entry-level positions in the woodworking industry.

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Program Outline:

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Program Content:

The curriculum of the program includes the following areas:

• CNC Programming
• CNC Setup and Operation
• Wood Science
• Woodworking Processes and Equipment
• Design Communication and Manufacturing Processes
• Mathematics
• Computer Skills
• Workplace Communication and Safety

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Program Structure:

• The program consists of four semesters (two per term).
• Each term is approximately 15 weeks in duration, with a one week period allocated to exams and assessments in each term.
• Students will attend a combination of lectures, tutorials and labs each week, with typically three days of classroom instruction and two labs per week.
• Students will complete two co-op placements in local industry, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a real world environment.
This module introduces students to the basics of CAD software and its application in the CNC woodworking industry.
• Module: CNC Fundamentals and Programming (56 hours)
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of CNC programming and learn the basics of G-code programming and common programming software.
• Module: CNC Machine Setup and Operations 1 (56 hours)
• Module: Woodworking Processes and Materials 1 (28 hours)
Students will learn about different types of wood and their properties, along with woodworking processes such as cutting, sanding, and finishing, and the application of these processes within CNC production environments
• Module: CNC Machine Setup and Operations II: Router (56 hours)
• Module: Workplace Communication & Safety (28 hours)
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively and work in a safe manner within the woodworking and manufacturing industries
• Module: Design Communication and Manufacturing Processes II (56 hours)
• Module: Woodworking Processes and Materials 1 (28 hours)
This module explores further woodworking techniques and processes such as drying, gluing, and surfacing, and the role these play within CNC production environments
• Module: CNC Point to Point Programming and Machining (56 hours)
Introduces students to the setup, operation, and G-code programming of Point to Point (PTP) CNC machines including CNC lathes, machining centres and CNC drills
• Module: CNC Machine Setup and Operations III: Specialty Machines (28 hours)
• Module: CNC Nesting (28 hours)
This module provides students will the skills and knowledge to design, nest and optimize cutting paths for CNC nesting applications
• Module: CNC Machine Setup and Operations IV: Project (28 hours)
Students work in teams on a complex multi-process project, utilizing a variety of woodworking machinery and processes

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• A variety of assessment methods will be used throughout the program, including but not limited to, assignments and projects, quizzes and tests, practical demonstrations and skills assessments.
• The specific methods used for each module are provided in a document on the program website, however all assessment methods are mapped to specific learning outcomes outlined within the program itself, and are aligned to industry needs and standards.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assignments, projects, and quizzes will be assessed on the basis of the student’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the course to meet specific criteria outlined within the assignment and rubrics.
• Practical demonstrations and projects are assessed on the student’s ability to perform tasks safely, accurately and efficiently.
• Rubrics and evaluation methods are provided to students in advance of assessments.

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Teaching:

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Program Delivery Methods:

• The Woodworking Techniques – CNC program is delivered in a variety of formats, including:
• Lectures
• Hands-on learning in lab sessions
• Industry placements
• Workshops
This diverse range ensures that students have ample opportunity to learn and develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the field.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty with industry expertise in CNC woodworking.

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Unique Teaching Approaches:

• The Woodworking Techniques – CNC Program uses the following unique approaches to teaching:
• CNC Simulation Software: Students have the opportunity to practice CNC programming and set-up using cutting edge software before operating real machinery in the lab
• This reduces risk and allows students to develop skills in a safe, simulated space
• Student Led Learning: Students take a lead role in their learning by participating actively in group work and project-based learning
• This approach encourages problem solving and collaboration while fostering a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of CNC processes
• Tour local manufacturing facilities
• Gain hands on experience through co-op placements
• Network within industry
• Access State of the Art CNC Machinery: Students have access to a modern wood shop with state-of-the-art CNC equipment, including:
• CNC routers
• Beam saws
• Drilling machines
• This equipment is comparable with what is used within industry, and provides graduates a competitive edge when seeking employment.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares graduates to work in various areas within the woodworking industry.
• The Woodworking Techniques – CNC Program prepares students for a fulfilling and profitable carrière as a CNC programmer, set-up technician or other related roles in a diverse range of industries.
• Graduates may find employment in wood shops, furniture manufacturers and cabinet shops, as well as architectural woodworking, and other industries utilizing mass-production of wooden components.
• There are also opportunities for entrepreneurship, with graduates well equipped to start small-shop CNC businesses.

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates of the Woodworking Techniques – CNC program are generally well-prepared to enter the CNC woodworking industry, with the skills and experience to be highly successful in a wide range of related careers.
• The job outlook for CNC machinists is expected to be positive in Canada in coming years, with the median salary exceeding \$34.00 per hour in Ontario, and employment numbers projected to grow steadily through 2028, according to the National Occupation Classification Employment Projections provided through the Government of Canada Job Bank website, and the Conestoga College website.

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Admission Requirements and Fees

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Admission Requirements

• 70%
• Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Mathematics (College or Workplace), Grade 11 Physics, and Grade 11 and/or Grade 12 Technology (recommended)
• Grade 12 Woodworking
• Grade 12 Computer-aided Design (CAD),
• Preference is also noted for the completion of related courses at the Adult High School level

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Additional Requirements

• All students must provide a current Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening, and may be subject to other health and safety requirements, including a completed medical form, and a current respirator fit-test.

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Fees

• Full Cost: $\$4732.38$ for Canadian residents
• This rate is subject to change, and does not include additional costs such as books and supplies, which may amount to around \$160

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International Student Cost

• Application Fees:
• The Woodworking Techniques – CNC program is open to both domestic and international students, and applications can be made online.
• Program Delivery Location: The Woodworking Techniques – CNC is offered at the Doon campus, located in Kitchener Ontario.
• Program Contact: Program specific questions can be directed to Steve Bader, who can be reached via email or phone as provided on the program webpage.
• Program Start Dates: The Woodworking Techniques – CNC Program is offered in January and May of each academic year.
• The next program start date is January, 2025.
• Additional Program Links:
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