Education prepares students for meaningful and productive employment in today's workplace. The Saint Paul College Cabinetmaking program takes this to another level inviting students to O'Keefe Millwork to see how they can turn what they are learning into a rewarding career. Fifteen students recently attended this full-day tour to understand how their skills will transfer to the commercial sector of cabinetmaking.
Cabinetry Instructor Tom Hillstead makes this annual trip a cornerstone of his classes as it shows students many real-life options for students to consider as they pursue their craft. Tom shares that this unique partnership with O'Keefe Millwork is a beautiful win-win for the students and this successful commercial employer. Brian Troska, Board Member/CEO for O'Keefe, shares that he values this unique partnership:
The Saint Paul College cabinetmaking students are often a step ahead of the average applicant in that they usually know and are committed to pursuing a specific career path such as Estimator, Engineering, Journeyman, Machinist, or Finisher, which helps validate their career path and passions.
Brian Troska, Board Member/CEO | O'Keefe Millwork
O'Keefe Millwork is a
leading architectural woodworking and custom cabinetry manufacturer serving the Twin Cities regional commercial construction industry. Their products are showcased around the United States in hospitals, clinics, hotels, assisted living centers, casinos, multiple housing, office buildouts, retailers, and institutional environments. They have hired dozens of our students over the years. Many of these alums are grateful for how this education prepared them for a productive career at O'Keefe.
The cabinetry program at Saint Paul College was great. I learned a lot about finishing and found that to be extremely helpful when I started my career at O'Keefe 38 years ago. The cabinetry program helped prepare me for my role in all departments at O'Keefe, from machining, cabinet assembly, and custom building.
Scott Sjoberg, Cabinetry Alum
I am glad I chose the Saint Paul College cabinetry program. I found the machining coursework and experience to be specifically helpful in my career here as a machinist. The firsthand experience in class allowed me to step into this position with the tools I needed to be successful.
Chiolino Sao, Cabinetry Alum
I learned a lot [at Saint Paul College]. It was great to be able to see projects from start to finish. We received an in-depth look and training on the processes starting with shop drawings, creating a cut bill, pricing out materials, to building and finishing the project. The training at Saint Paul College helped prepare me with the necessary skills and industry knowledge to be successful in my role at O'Keefe. I enjoyed learning all steps in the process, as these are skills that you can apply in your role for any size cabinet shop you work for.
Blair Havican, Cabinetry Alum
The training on hardware and the general building process was helpful to me when I started my career in cabinet assembly. I liked that they provided training on all the minor details to create a quality product. This program provides a solid foundation for your career in cabinet making.
Wade Mitchell, Cabinetry Alum
I found the training on solid surface countertops to be helpful. At the time, the solid surface was a newer product. Over the years, we have seen an increase in work orders for solid surfaces, and I was prepared to work with it. The training on Euro cabinetry has also been helpful in my career as a custom builder. It is a great program, and I learned a lot, from how to operate a CNC to working with several types of material.
Brian LeMay, Cabinetry Alum
Interested in working in this exciting and growing field? Check out our
Cabinetmaking program and apply for free today.
