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The Cabinet Maker
The Cabinet Maker
A cabinet maker fabricates, assembles and installs kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, wardrobes, counters and other fittings from wood and laminates.
Cabinet makers also repair and assemble prepared wooden parts to make other furniture.
Meet the cabinet maker: Mikayla Edwards
Mikayla Edwards is a pod leader for custom cabinetry factory Kitchens For Living. She runs a small team building and preparing jobs for smooth installations. What Mikayla loves the most about her job is the installs aren't always the same basic kitchens. "You get new exciting hardware or custom built doors. You get to use some new problem solving skills," Mikayla says.
"I was drawn to my cabinet making trade after I tried studying at university while working two jobs," Mikayla explains. "Doing a trade instead gave me the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time and gain more free time. I'd always loved woodworking in high school and building things on the weekend with my stepdad: I thought cabinet making would be a great fit," she says. "I actually struggled to get an apprenticeship as a mature age student, but i emailed as many places i could find. When I found someone willing but without space, I would check in with them monthly until they could offer me a position."
Mikayla's advice: be yourself to the fullest and help the building industry reach a place of kindness and understanding. Use your opportunities as teachable moments.
Mikayla's top five tips
Always treat your body with the respect it deserves and wear all your PPE.
I wish I'd trusted other tradesmen when they told me to buy kneepads at the beginning.
When you identify a problem, try and offer a solution.
While you might not find the perfect fix, it's always great to show initiative.
Aim to get any side qualifications you can to help in your job.
Whether it is a first aid certificate or a forklift licence, they all show your dedication to the team.
Show your commitment to your apprenticeship.
Buy the tools you'll need everyday to ensure you're prepared.
Be organised. In the chaos of a trade job sometimes things get missed.
I use highlighters and notebooks everyday to make sure everything leaves the workshop the way I would want to receive it on site as an installer.
Cabinet makers in Australia: key statistics
Employed
30,900Median age
35Female share
5%What a cabinet maker does
Examines drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications.
Selects and works with materials such as timber, veneers, particle board and synthetic wood.
Marks out, cuts and shapes wood.
Works from drawings and specifications to make furniture.
Makes fittings for boats, caravans and other items where fine detail is required.
Assembles parts to form sections of furniture and completed articles.
Fits hinges, locks, catches, drawers and shelves.
Makes frames for chairs and couches.
Repairs and refurbishes furniture and antiques.
How to get qualified
To get qualified as a cabinet maker, you can complete the Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology as part of your apprenticeship.
Join the HIA apprentice program and start your new residential building career being supported every step of the way by our friendly and experienced team.
