St. Joseph's Technical Institute Kisubi

🪚 Semester 1 woodworking notes now available!   |   📏 Tip: Master hand tools and joinery techniques for better project outcomes.

National Certificate in Woodwork Technology

Hello Woodworkers! Browse curriculum, study resources, and meet your instructors.

Modular Assessment Syllabus

The Ministry of Education and Sports is leading the initiative to modularize assessments as a key component of the ongoing implementation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy reforms, introduced in 2019. This modular approach to assessment is designed to enhance the quality, relevance, and responsiveness of vocational education in Uganda by aligning training outcomes with the evolving demands of the labor market. Modularization allows for more flexible, targeted, and competency-based evaluation of learners, making it easier for trainees to progressively acquire, demonstrate, and be certified in specific skills and competencies that are immediately applicable in real-world work environments.


As part of this reform process, the Modular Assessment Syllabus (MAS) has been carefully developed based on the curriculum framework designed by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) for the National Certificate in Woodwork Technology (2016). This curriculum currently guides the teaching and assessment of trainees enrolled in woodwork technology programs. The MAS breaks down the curriculum into distinct, manageable modules that can be independently taught, learned, and assessed. Each module focuses on specific occupational skills and knowledge areas, thereby promoting a step-by-step acquisition of competencies that align with industry standards and occupational profiles. This modular format supports continuous learning, provides multiple entry and exit points for learners, and facilitates the recognition of prior learning and skills acquired through informal or non-formal means.

The syllabus looked at related content in the curriculum and realigned it into eight (7) modules:

  • Furniture and cabinet making
  • Doors and windows production
  • Temporary structures construction
  • Roof construction
  • Internal fixings and fittings construction
  • Real Life project I & II
  • Industrial training I & II

Emphasizing skills acquisition for the workforce to stimulate service delivery and infrastructural development both in private and public sectors. Six (6) other support modules have been identified and included which have to be done by trainees who wish to pursue further education. The support modules include:

  • Technician Mathematics I & II
  • Communication Skills
  • Computer Applications
  • CAD Drawing
  • Kiswahili
  • Entrepreneurship Skills

The modules are flexible and allow candidates interested in academic progression to join at any time while participating in productive activities for community transformation.

Study Materials

Module Overview

This comprehensive guide has been developed to support trainees enrolled in Semester 1 of the National Certificate in Wood Technology (NCWT), with a specific focus on the Furniture and Cabinet Making module. It is aligned with the official curriculum and structured to progressively build the foundational knowledge, hands-on skills, and workshop discipline essential for success in the furniture and cabinetmaking trade.

The primary objective of this module is to equip trainees with the core competencies necessary to work safely, efficiently, and confidently with timber, tools, machinery, and construction techniques that are standard in today's woodworking industry.

Key Learning Areas:

  • Reading and interpreting working drawings to accurately follow design specifications
  • Preparing material cutting lists and estimating costs for efficient project planning
  • Selecting appropriate materials, fasteners, and adhesives based on project requirements
  • Identifying, selecting, and safely operating hand tools, power tools, and machinery
  • Constructing projects using industry-standard joints and assembly techniques

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  • Confidently interpret technical drawings and specifications
  • Plan and manage small-scale woodworking projects from concept to completion
  • Apply fundamental construction techniques with a focus on accuracy and safety
  • Demonstrate sound judgment in material selection and project execution

Note: Emphasis is placed throughout on precision, safety, and quality workmanship, providing a strong foundation for further technical training and career development.

Programme Structure

The National Certificate in Woodwork Technology (NCWT) curriculum is designed to produce competent and industry-relevant Carpenters and Joiners who are equipped with practical skills, technical knowledge, and a strong work ethic. The programme is learner-centred and competency-based, placing strong emphasis on hands-on training, project-based learning, and the real-world application of skills.

Core Modules Include:

  • Workshop Practice, Material Science, Woodwork Drawing – Develop essential skills in furniture making, interior works, and carpentry.
  • Applied Technician Mathematics – Learn to estimate costs, judge measurements, analyse data, and make informed decisions.
  • Computer Applications, Basic Kiswahili, Life Skills – Improve communication, digital literacy, and interpersonal abilities.
  • Entrepreneurship Skills – Prepare for ethical business startup, management, and sustainability.

Graduates Will Be Able To:

  • Observe safety procedures and administer basic first aid
  • Design and construct wood joints, furniture items, and formwork
  • Fabricate doors, windows, and roofing structures
  • Apply modern finishing techniques to industry standards
  • Initiate and manage small-scale enterprises

Meet the Instructors

Mr. Aloro Francis
Mr. Aloro Francis

Head of Department

Mr. Lutwama Edison
Mr. Lutwama Edison

Assistant Head of Department

Mr. Bukenya Godfrey
Mr. Bukenya Godfrey

Instructor

Mr. Omara Ambrose
Mr. Omara Ambrose

Instructor

Mr. Kasozi Charles Bukenya
Mr. Kasozi Charles Bukenya

Instructor

Ms. Nantumbwe Mary
Ms. Nantumbwe Mary

Workshop Assistant

For official updates and resources, visit the UBTEB website.