College adds cabinet, furniture certificate
Flathead Valley Community College trustees recently approved a new one-year certificate in cabinet and furniture technology.
Addressing the trustees, Bill Roope, coordinator of the college's technical division, said the program combines existing courses with a new six-credit course in advanced computer numerical control of router systems.
He said the new "capstone" course ties together skills learned in the other courses with the most up-to-date computer system for manufacturing cabinets. Students design, lay out, cut and assemble wall cabinets, fixtures or furniture using a router linked to a computer.
"They learn how to run a cabinet shop with automation," he said.
Roope described the college's system as more advanced than 80 percent of Flathead Valley shops. He knew of only two shops with similar robotics equipment.
The instructor came from one of those.
"We have a qualified teacher with 20 years experience in the profession," Roope said.
He said local businesses have expressed an interest in upgrading their technology to this level. The program pre-enrolled 11 students in anticipation of trustee approval of the certificate.
After completing the 30-credit program, students qualify for jobs in cabinet or furniture manufacturing, finish and trim carpentry, cabinet and countertop installation.
Roope said this certificate request ties into the passage of the federal stimulus package that includes provisions for rebuilding and remodeling schools.
Students in existing courses have built cabinetry or fixtures for the Early Childhood Center as well as local high schools.
Roope has contacted local businesses to explore having students produce products to near completion in exchange for wood as a way to reduce costs of the training program.
He said he has discussed producing gunstocks for one local business.
Trustees voice support for the concept.
"I think this could be a great economic benefit to this area," Trustee Tom Harding said.
The board unanimously approved the new Cabinet and Furniture Technology Certificate of Applied Science.
Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.