Cabinetmaking

WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

Occupation description and WSOS

The name of the skill competition is

Cabinetmaking

Description of the associated work role(s) or occupation(s)

Cabinet/furniture making encompasses the manufacture of free-standing and built-in furniture and units,using a range of materials, most of which are timber-based. Other materials, such as leather, metals, and plastics, are often used as decorative features alongside solid timber and veneers. These materials will generally be of high quality, and increasingly, customers are concerned about the sustainability of these resources, so alternatives are being used, such as leather substitutes and manufactured decorative veneers.

Most cabinetmaking is done within specialist workshops with specialised equipment owned by medium-sized to small companies. These companies work on both domestic and commercial projects and are highly sensitive to their reputation and market in order to sustain their viability. Therefore, they normally exhibit high standards of skill and professionalism to justify clients’ expectations and willingness to pay. The cabinet/furniture maker may work with designers, CNC operators, finishers and site fitters. However, in smaller firms, they may also act as finishers and fitters, on site.

The cabinet/furniture maker produces, interprets, and/or adapts drawings, sets out and measures, cuts, and forms joints using both traditional and modern techniques. They form curved elements using either conventional or modern techniques, use commercially available fittings, assemble, install if necessary, and finish to a high standard. The quality of their work will show in:

the selection of the wood and other materials
the placing of the wood to bring out its particular characteristic
construction techniques which allow for the natural movement of timber to achieve longevity and quality
the selection of additional materials, including veneers and fittings
the fit of each part following accurate measurements, cutting and assembly, and
the final appearance of the item.

Work organisation and self-management, communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving, innovation and creativity, and working precisely and accurately are the universal attributes of a cabinetmaker. They assume a high level of personal responsibility and autonomy. From working safely through to exceptional planning and organisation, accuracy, concentration, and attention to detail are essential to achieve an excellent finish. Every step in the process matters, and mistakes are largely irreversible and very costly.

Modern technology is impacting on cabinet/furniture making. For example, carcasses and other individual elements are often produced by CNC machines and then incorporated into finished items. Modern technology allows techniques which had become unviable to be revived. These include marquetry and carved elements produced using laser cutters and CNC machines, before being incorporated in the finished product, and hand finished.

The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

General notes on the WSOS

The WSOS specifies the knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities that underpin international best practice in technical and vocational performance. These are both specific to an occupational role and also transversal. Together they should reflect a shared global understanding of what the associated work role(s) or occupation(s) represent for industry and business (www.worldskills.org/WSOS).

The skill competition is intended to reflect international best practice as described by the WSOS, to the extent that it can. The Standard is therefore a guide to the required training and preparation for the skill competition.

In the skill competition the assessment of knowledge and understanding will take place through the assessment of performance. There will only be separate tests of knowledge and understanding where there is an overwhelming reason for these.

The Standard is divided into distinct sections with headings and reference numbers added.

Each section is assigned a percentage of the total marks to indicate its relative importance within the Standards. This is often referred to as the “weighting”. The sum of all the percentage marks is 100. The weightings determine the distribution of marks within the Marking Scheme.

Through the Test Project, the Marking Scheme will assess only those skills and capabilities that are set out in the WorldSkills Occupational Standards. They will reflect the Standards as comprehensively as possible within the constraints of the skill competition.

The Marking Scheme will follow the allocation of marks within the Standards to the extent practically possible. A variation of up to five percent is allowed, if this does not distort the weightings assigned by the Standards.

WorldSkills Occupational Standards

Section		Relative importance (%)
1	Work organization and management	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: Health and safety legislation, obligations, and regulations which control the work process The principles of working safely with electrical equipment and tools Emergency procedures and reporting processes for accidents, first-aid, and fire The situations when personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used The uses, care, maintenance, and storage of tools, machines, equipment, and materials The significance of keeping a clean and tidy work area Ways in which working practices can minimize wastage and manage/control costs Sustainability measures applying to the use of ‘green’ materials and recycling Principles of work planning, operations, and time management The significance of planning, accuracy, checking and attention to detail in all working practices The role of the individual in maintaining a successful business The value of managing own continuing professional development.
	The individual shall be able to: Follow health and safety standards, rules, and regulations Maintain a safe working environment Identify and use the appropriate personal protective equipment including safety footwear, ear, eye, and dust protection Procure and use sustainable materials (e.g. certified wood, recycled content, low-VOC adhesives) Select, use, clean, maintain, and store all hand and powered tools and equipment safely Select, use, and store all materials safely Plan the work area to maximize efficiency and maintain the discipline of regular tidying and cleaning Plan and work efficiently, checking progress, and outcomes regularly to avoid unnecessary costs or other penalties Critically evaluate own work.
2	Communication and interpersonal skills	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: The importance of establishing and maintaining client confidence and trust Non-verbal communication Digital tools and software for general and specific business purposes Communication using technical drawings using ISO symbols, lines, sections The negotiation process The communication needs of associated trades and professions Effective methods of communication with different groups and individuals The need for cultural, ethnic, and gender awareness in communication The value of building and maintaining productive working relationships with colleagues and managers The importance of swiftly resolving misunderstandings and conflicting demands Reporting methods.
	The individual shall be able to: Gain the trust of clients and manage expectations positively Visualize and interpret clients’ wishes, giving advice and making recommendations or providing options which meet/improve their design and budgetary requirements Liaise with suppliers to negotiate prices and place orders Produce estimates for clients Recognize, respect, and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements Order components from other departments, allowing for enough time for production, and in a timely manner for own production to continue without hindrance Communicate with others with reference to drawings, variations to documents, and restrictions Follow instructions, meet deadlines, and report on progress in the appropriate formats.
3	Problem solving, innovation, and creativity	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: Principles of style, form, and aesthetics The available options for enhancing quality through style and technique The common types of problem which occur during the work process Diagnostic approaches to problem solving Principles for options appraisal and selection How to adapt design intent without compromising quality when facing practical constraints The challenges of complex projects Trends and developments in the industry.
	The individual shall be able to: Consider, explore, and discuss style, form, and aesthetics with clients and specialists Take a creative approach to production issues Use unconventional materials (e.g. metals, acrylics, leather, glass, stone) in creative furniture solutions Construct curved forms, reflecting modern industry aesthetics Check work regularly to minimize problems at a later stage Recognize, clarify, and resolve problems swiftly, and through appropriate processes Develop creative solutions to challenges when working on complex projects Contribute ideas to improve the product and overall level of client satisfaction Keep up to date with changes and trends in the industry Show willingness to try new methods.
4	Project and Production Planning	5
	The individual needs to know and understand Alternative methods of project and production planning How to estimate manufacturing timings and material quantities to support project estimates and planning How to estimate manufacturing timings and material quantities to support project estimates and planning How to organize, manage, and adapt the workshop area for optimal efficiency and safety How to plan for sustainability throughout the production process The logistical requirements of projects, in relation to workflow, costs, timings, workspace, and storage.
	The individual shall be able to Develop production plans with estimated timings work within production timings and the estimated material quantities change workshop layouts to suit the products being manufactured Adapt production plans to meet changes Appraise workshop layouts and identify improvements to take account of all logistical needs Ensure the plan optimises sustainability in sourcing certified materials (e.g. FSC), minimizing waste, and reusing offcuts.
5	Working with drawings	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: The essential information that should be included in a working drawing The ISO standards which govern drawings Geometry and trigonometry Software tools such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or SketchUp for collaborative adjustments. The significance of an accurate working drawing as a basis for high quality work The importance of identifying and correcting errors and omissions The options for adding value through construction style and technique.
	The individual shall be able to: Establish the required uses and environment of the finished product Establish the required or appropriate materials for the product Establish the dimensions, characteristics, and style of the required product Read and modify digital technical drawings and 3D models (CAD/CAM) Produce drawings both to scale and full size Produce drawings which clearly indicate the type of construction Interpret given drawings, optimizing the potential for high quality construction Clarify and correct missing or incorrect information Determine the types and quantities of the required materials for the product.
6	Selecting and preparing materials	22
	The individual needs to know and understand: The importance of thinking through each project to ensure that everything is in place to enable completion The implications for the business/organization of not setting out correctly Calculations to assist accuracy and the efficient use of time and materials The characteristics and uses of hardwood and softwood The characteristics and uses of board materials The characteristics and uses of diverse materials in furniture, such as brass inlays, leather, metals and acrylics The characteristics and uses of veneers The integration of prefabricated or CNC-/laser-cut parts into planning and layout processes Methods for identifying defects and limitations in the materials selected The characteristics of the selected material when in use by the client How to prepare materials to reduce waste for example nesting of multiple components within boards” How to dispose of waste in a environmentally friendly way The basis for selecting fittings for hinges, locks, catches, stays, handles, and shelves
	The individual shall be able to: Visualize whole projects to identify and resolve challenges Appraise and select prefabricated or CNC-/laser-cut parts optimise the preparation of materials to minimise waste and ensure any waste is disposed of safely Select the material in order to avoid defects and enhance appearance Select fittings for use and appearance Set out materials in order to determine all the measurements, sections, angles, mitres, and joints Use geometric methods to determine complex angles, joints, and intersections Label material and items as appropriate Transfer points, measurements, and angles accurately from plans to materials Set out directly on materials where appropriate Produce components which will fit together with items from CNC machines. Make jigs for stationery machines, based on drawings and within safety requirements Produce shaped elements, using jigs on stationery machines Plan for the use of prefabricated or digitally produced components (e.g. CNC or laser-cut).
7	Joining and assembly	21
	The individual needs to know and understand: How solid wood and manufactured panel material components are joined to create and assemble items The balance to be struck between the quality of joinery and the available time The properties, uses and limitations of glues, and other fixing materials Methods of fitting doors and drawers into cabinet carcases
	The individual shall be able to: Use prepared solid wood to set out the required type and size of joints for an assembly Use traditional hand tools, portable power tools and assorted stationary woodworking machines to cut and prepare a wide range of joints including mortise and tenon, finger joints, mitres, dowel joints, halving joints, and dovetail joints Assemble components including electronic or mechanical parts (e.g. lighting systems, drawer systems) Incorporate parts of the projects supplied by others and made by CNC and Laser, such as curved components, carved elements, marquetry and inlays, ensuring compatibility and precision Use woodworking machines or a combination of machines and hand tools to produce woodworking joints of various types Use woodworking machines to form grooves, rebates, and mouldings Cut manufactured panel materials and prepare joints using a dimension saw Apply edging strips and face veneers to panels Work with parts from external suppliers, such as mechanical parts for drawers and doors.
8	Preparation of surfaces and finishing	13
	The individual needs to know and understand: How various components are prepared for polishing (finishing) (e.g. PU lacquer, oil-wax systems, special coatings) The uses and limitations of preparatory techniques and materials such as abrasives The uses and limitations of polishing materials and agents The importance of checking finish against client requirements and expectations and personal standards
	The individual shall be able to: Position and fit hinges Produce surfaces that are free from defects Produce surfaces on complete assemblies that are free from defects Produce soft edges to components or assemblies Polish components or assemblies Finish the edges of curved or composite surfaces Prepare and apply high-end finishes (e.g. PU lacquer, oil-wax systems, special coatings). Review items for harmony, proportion, fit, and finish.
9	Project assembly	9
	The individual needs to understand: The range of ways that doors can be hung, operated and fitted How the fit of doors can be adjusted depending on the way they are hung How to fit drawers that are piston-fitted, side-hung or on mechanical runners The ways that drawers can be adjusted to ensure smooth operation The different types of fittings used during the assembly of project components How to resolve assembly issues Quality checks that will need to be carried out upon the completion of each project How to rectify damage to finished courses during the assembly process.
	The individual shall be able to: Fit drawers and other moving items into carcases Fit doors using a range of hinge types and on runners Adjust the operation and hanging position of doors to ensure smooth operation and equal clearance gap around the door Control the fit around door edges Fit drawers that are piston-fitted, side-hung or on mechanical runners Adjusted drawers to ensure smooth operation and a consistent gap around the drawer Use a range of types of fittings during the assembly of project components Resolve assembly issues Carry out quality checks on the completion of the project Identify and rectify damage to finished courses during the assembly process Carry out quality checks on the surfaces, checking for any damage done during the assembly process.
	Total	100

References for industry consultation

General notes

WorldSkills is committed to ensuring that the WorldSkills Occupational Standards fully reflect the dynamism of internationally recognized best practice in industry and business. To do this WorldSkills approaches a number of organizations across the world that can offer feedback on the draft Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards on a two-yearly cycle.

In parallel to this, WSI consults three international occupational classifications and databases:

ISCO-08: (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/)
ESCO: (https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/home )
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org/)

References

The WSOS (section 2) appears most closely to relate to Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-7011.

and Cabinet Maker:
http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/e1416610-ad08-4f37-8b46-9f99632a5c0f

Adjacent occupations can also be explored through these links.

ILO 7522.

The following table indicates which organizations were approached and provided valuable feedback for the Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards in place for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Organization	Contact name
Craftsmen Zone Workshop	Cynthia WU, Owner
Normandie Woodworks	Bruno Hervieux, Owner
Otto Interiors and Workshop	Sam Brister, Director
Prestige Japan Co.	Yasushi Yoshida, Senior managing director