Overview
Learn to create a building from the ground up with the Apprentice Carpentry program. As a carpenter, you can work in the residential, commercial, light industrial or heavy construction fields, doing new construction, renovations, or maintenance. As well, you can go on to become a supervisor, building inspector, site superintendent, and more.
The Carpentry apprenticeship program will train you to become a skilled carpenter, leading towards Red Seal certification (after successful program and work based training hours completion). CNC offers all four levels of technical training:
Level 1 (7 weeks) *
Level 2 (7 weeks)
Level 3 (7 weeks)
Level 4 (7 weeks) + Red Seal Exam
*You may also receive credit for Level 1 by successfully completing the Carpentry Foundation Program
Technical training must be completed in sequence. It is recommended to complete a full year of work based training hours between levels to best prepare for the next level of technical training.
Careers
As a carpenter, you will work on a large variety of projects including:
- Residential (single family homes, apartments, townhouses)
- Industrial (mills, manufacturing plants, mines, oil & gas)
- Commercial (shopping centres, retailers, dealerships)
- Institutional (swimming pools, hospitals, firehalls, schools)
Carpenters may also operate their own business, work as an educator, or further their education to become project managers, building inspectors, or executive level management in large construction firms.
About apprenticeship programs
Apprenticeship programs provide a unique approach to post-secondary education, combining classroom based learning (known as technical training) with on the job training. This enables you to “earn while you learn,” significantly reducing the need for student debt and building your career now instead of waiting until you’ve completed your education.
In addition to earning wages while learning on the job, many apprentices have their technical training paid for by their company, and/or qualify for Employment Insurance while in school. Additionally there are a number of grants and tax credits available to both apprentices and employers. Visit itabc.ca to learn more.
Red Seal carpenters are certified to work across Canada, and may also have their credentials recognized internationally. Certified skilled tradespeople are in demand worldwide, leading to opportunities for international work experience or volunteer opportunities. Many tradespeople also are entrepreneurs, building businesses that may eventually employ others and give back to the local community.
A Red Seal trade can also be a stepping stone to further education, management positions, building your own business, or even returning to college as an educator teaching the next generation of tradespeople.
Training dates & how to apply
For up to date technical training dates at CNC visit tradestrainingbc.ca.
To apply for any level of technical training at CNC Prince George visit: Apply for Trades.
To apply for your first level of technical training at CNC Quesnel call: 250-991-7500 or 1-866-680-7550.
Governing bodies
Apprentice Carpenter Courses
If you like to build structures from bottom to top, the Carpentry Apprenticeship program is a great choice for a satisfying and creative career. Carpenters are needed everywhere, from residential to heavy construction. Take on renovations or maintenance, become a site supervisor, or run your own business.
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
Visit Trades Training BC for the most up to date apprenticeship schedules.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2023 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
Level 3 (Harmonized) Sept 5 - Oct 20, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 |
Prince George |
In Class |
|
The fine print
Once your employer has submitted an Apprentice and Sponsor Registration Form to ITA on your behalf you can apply to attend technical training at CNC. Many of our apprenticeship programs have waitlists so we encourage you to apply early.
ITA doesn’t require Carpentry apprentices to have completed a required number of work-based-training hours to attend technical training. However, because apprenticeship programs are a unique blend of in-class and on-the-job training we encourage you to work with your employer to decide on a training schedule that best combines these two forms of training.
Limited admission
A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Invest in your future
View costs by level
Level 1 Tuition: $939.15-966.44
Level 2 Tuition: $939.15-966.44
Level 3 Tuition: $939.15-966.44
Level 4 Tuition: $939.15-966.44
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.