National Certificate in Wood work Technology ( NCWT)

Through hands-on four set pattern of skills training in Nakawa VTC, trainees gain the skills needed to create a project of their own design. In this course, trainees learn basic woodworking techniques like cutting and measuring wood and the use of tools like saws and hammers. Priority focus is on the safe use of power tools, shop set-up, customer relation skills and safety protocol in the world of work. Major aspects of woodworking include:

1. Joinery

Joinery classes emphasize the different types of connectors and hinges. Trainees study joint types like mortise-and-tenon, dovetail and bridal carcass and have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice during shop time. They also learn how to use hand tools, such as chisels and planes, to create fitted joinery samples. In addition, aspiring craftspeople discuss how environmental changes can cause wood to move and expand and how to allow for these changes during the woodworking process.

2. Veneering

Veneering involves using thin slices of wood to create decorative designs. Trainees learn to design and create pieces of veneer for decorative or finishing purposes. They also learn how to cut and lay different types of wood and use adhesives to secure their designs.

3. Cabinetmaking

This aspect empowers the trainees with knowledge and skills on how to make cabinets with different types of hinges. Trainees learn how to mill rough lumber, build a face frame, use stiles and hang doors. In addition to cabinet installation and fitting, the learners also do customized cabinets.

4. Bending Wood

Trainees in these courses learn how to bend wood without causing breakage or other structural damage using different methods. Trainees also have the opportunity to make a piece of furniture or other project using bent wood and other woodworking techniques.

5. Wood Turning

Trainees learn how to use a lathe to carve designs into wood and gain practice in the spindle, bowl and split turning techniques. They also find out how to sharpen and care for lathe tools and use the machine to create surfaces and textures. Some examples of projects that may use the wood turning technique are legs and arms for furniture, banisters and doorknobs.

6. Wood Carving

Trainees in wood carving classes learn how to use and care for carving tools like gouges, chisels and skews. Trainees also learn how to design small woodworking pieces and use different hand-carving techniques like relief carving and chip carving. Trainees usually finish this course by completing a hand-carved object or ornament.