North Carolina's woodworking pathway prepares students for careers in custom furniture, cabinetry, and wood products manufacturing. Students develop expertise in woodworking techniques, furniture design, finishing, and quality craftsmanship. Growing custom furniture market and wood products industry create opportunities.
Curriculum covers wood properties, hand and power tool operation, joinery techniques, finishing, and design principles. Students create furniture and wood products demonstrating craftsmanship. Learning emphasizes precision and quality work.
Graduates work as woodworkers, furniture makers, cabinet builders, and production specialists for furniture companies, custom shops, and wood manufacturing plants. Many establish independent woodworking businesses.
Woodworking at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's woodworking curriculum aligns with craft standards and safety requirements. Students complete 4-6 pathway units covering woodworking techniques and furniture making as defined by NC DPI.
Programs teach traditional and modern woodworking methods. Students develop design and craftsmanship skills.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Cabinetmaking I | IM21 |
| Cabinetmaking II | IM22 |
| Cabinetmaking III | IM23 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NIMS Machining Level 1
- ✓AWS SENSE Entry Level Welder
- ✓AWS SENSE Advanced Welder
- ✓NOCTI Welding
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Woodworking Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $38,060 - $56,510
Adjusted for cost of living: $40,429
Furniture Maker
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $38,241
Cabinet Maker
ExperiencedSalary range: $38,060 - $56,510
Adjusted for cost of living: $50,595
Master Craftsperson
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $58,424
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at furniture shops, cabinet makers, and wood products manufacturers throughout North Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
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