What
the media is saying:
Cabinetmaking,
what a great occupation!
This
sector of the job market
can provide a good standard of living
as well as satisfy the craving to be creative.
“The level of instruction at Rosemount Technology Centre (RTC) is such that our students are sought after by the woodworking industry therefore employment upon graduating from RTC is very high approximately 98%.,” states Program Coordinator, Bob Di Fabio. There are jobs available in all sectors of the woodworking field. The aviation industry is searching for skilled cabinetmakers for the fabrication of the interiors of the executive jets such as the Challenger and Global airframes”.
Rosemount Technology Centre is responding to the industry manpower requirements
with the recent purchase of a CNC router. This machine is state of the
art and will enable students at RTC to acquire skills that the industry
is looking for in new recruits. “The course of study goes beyond
the requirements set out by the Minister of Education Leisure and Sports”,
according to Assistant Centre Director, Terry Bell. Rosemount Technology
Centre endeavours to go beyond the course content. “Our students
prove this at the various competitions between schools”, stated
Chris Honce, Instructor in Cabinetmaking.
Recently, Vitalli Cerenov won the coveted Bronze Medal at the National
Skills Olympics that were held in Winnipeg.
The student population at RTC is varied. They come to from all walks of
life with all levels of educational background. All are welcome. Many
come at a point in their lives when a change is either necessary or desired.
A recent graduate, Sean Peasley, was once a long distance truck driver,
with little time for home life. After graduating from RTC he has started
his own business as a cabinetmaker in Sutton Quebec. His training has
given him a career change that allows him to be close to his home and
family. “The courses I took at Rosemount were really helpful. They
gave me the confidence to go out and research and attempt projects”,
he said.
Susan Hamilton, another student in Cabinetmaking, came from a different direction. After earning a degree in Sociology at Concordia University and working for a few years, Susan decided to pursue a career in a field that truly interested her and that would be physically and intellectually challenging at the same time.
As the economy changes, so do the requirements of industry and because
these skills are a marketable commodity Rosemount Technology Centre must
endeavour to tailor them to suit the demands of the industry.
Once a piece of furniture is completed, it must be given a finish to
protect it as well as enhance its appearance. The Furniture Finishing
Program at RTC offers a comprehensive course in all aspects of wood finishing.
This field of study also enjoys a very high success rate in the hiring
of its graduates. The furniture industry in Quebec is operating is booming
and the demand for good finishers is high. Many people do not realize
the potential of a career in furniture finishing. As with cabinetmaking,
the aerospace industry is constantly searching for talented people to
put the finishing touches to the executive aircrafts that they are building.
The Furniture Finishing Program compliments the Cabinetmaking Program
and vice versa. Many students have successfully completed both programs.
The repair and finish restoration of furniture is also taught at RTC. A recent graduate, Shelly Coveduck is gainfully employed in the antique restoration trade. She states, ”Finishing a piece of furniture is like raising a child. You hope that even with all the mistakes you make along the way, you know that someone else will also love it and it’ll make you proud you had patience to see it through”.
“The courses given at Rosemount Technology Centre have to be the best bargain in town,” says Bill Yeomans, Coordinator of the Furniture Finishing Program. They are tuition free! It is the gift that keeps on giving! The Cabinetmaking and Finishing courses teach life skills that can be used throughout one’s life.
The Cabinetmaking and Finishing programs of the English Montreal School
Board are open to all residents of Quebec who have completed Grade 10
[Secondary 4] or equilivent. Information on training in these careers
at Rosemount Technology can be found at www.rosemount-technology.qc.ca
Tel (514) 376-4724.
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