Woodworking Schools in Seattle, Washington
Students aspiring to learn woodworking can check out 2 schools within 40 minutes of Seattle's city center. This article discusses the programs offered at these schools and includes a table that compares important statistics about each one.
- Students who are looking for associate's degrees and certificate programs in woodworking can enroll at Seattle Central Community College, just a mile from downtown.
- Bates Technical College, which has fewer than 5,000 students, also offers associate's degree and certificate programs with woodworking courses. Bates is located in Tacoma, about 34 miles south of Seattle.
Comparison of Schools
| Seattle Central Community College | Bates Technical College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year; public | 2-year; public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 4,698* | 4,106* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Midsize city |
| Tuition & Fees (2022-2023) | $4,865 in-state; $5,354 out-of-state* | $5,361 in-state; $11,110 out-of-state* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Any Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 80%* | 42%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | N/A - open admissions* | N/A - open admissions* |
| Retention Rate (Fall 2020 to Fall 2021) | N/A* | 64% for full-time students* |
| Graduation Rate | 35%; 20% transfer rate (students who started Fall 2015)* | 43%; 8% transfer-out rate (students who started Fall 2018)* |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics
Seattle Central Community College
This community college has a specialized Wood Technology Center that connects students with state-of-the-art woodworking technology. Students have the opportunity to create wood projects with power tools and equipment. All of the instructors are professional woodworkers who have experience in designing and constructing wood projects. Every woodworking program includes special lessons on first aid and safety.
Carpentry Programs
Students can earn either an Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry or a Certificate of Completion in Carpentry. The program requires 102 credits. In these programs, students learn how to read blueprints, design projects and use woodworking equipment. Students also have the chance to work on real-life construction projects in an effort to gain professional experience. By the end of both programs, students are prepared for careers in carpentry, construction, maintenance and remodeling.
Cabinetmaking and Architectural Woodworking Programs
Students who want to earn the Associate of Applied Science in Cabinetmaking and Architectural Woodworking need to earn 102 credits. Throughout the program, students learn about the construction process of making cabinets and furniture. Special attention is given to safety procedures and how to properly use equipment and power tools. The courses give students direct experience by allowing them to make their own cabinets as part of the learning process. These programs can prepare students for careers as furniture makers, woodworkers, machine operators and cabinet makers.
Boat Building and Repair Program
The Associate of Applied Science in Boat Building and Repair requires students to complete 94 to 114 credits. Students learn how to build and repair boats and how to construct different parts of a boat. Throughout the program, students learn to work with different materials like fiberglass and wood. Other courses focus on hull construction, joiner work and outfitting. Students who complete either program are prepared for careers in millwork, cabinetmaking and boat construction.
Bates Technical College
The woodworking programs at Bates Technical College are designed to give students hands-on experience and job training that prepares them for entry-level work in the construction industry. The architectural woodworking/cabinetmaking technology program is a pre-apprenticeship program for the Seattle/Tacoma Millmen and Cabinet Makers Apprenticeship Committee. Once students complete the program, they have access to the school's Job Readiness Training Center, which helps students find employment in the community.
Certificate of Competency in Production Cabinet Making
The certificate program involves a total of 79 credits. Much like the associate degree program, students take foundation courses in human resources, communications and math. The certificate program includes courses in jigs, fixtures, drawers and doors. Lessons involve cabinetmaking and face frame construction. In addition, students have access to all types of machines, power tools and equipment for woodworking projects. By the end of the program, students should be prepared for careers in cabinet making, millwork, construction and woodworking.
Associate of Applied Science in Production Cabinet Making
The associate degree program requires students to complete 112 credits. All students begin the program with general education courses that cover human relations, communications and math. From there, students take a number of courses that teach them how to use various machines and tools. There are specialized courses that focus on drawers, doors and cabinetmaking. Students also learn how computer technology helps them with the construction process. All of the courses are hands-on, and students get to build their own projects.
Other Schools in the Area
Students can also check out the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building, which offers courses and workshops specific to woodworking and boat building. The school is located about 48 miles from downtown Seattle, and students must take a ferry to get to the school.
