Overview
Do you want to develop a foundation for a satisfying and creative career as a carpenter? Learn to create a building from the ground up. 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.
This foundation program will provide entry level practical skills and academic knowledge to prepare you to begin your apprenticeship pathway as a Carpenter. You do not need an employer sponsor to participate. In fact, one of the main reasons to complete a foundation program is to gain experience and familiarity with the trade, giving you a competitive advantage to finding an employer to hire you as their apprentice.
Upon successful completion of the foundation program, you will receive credit with SkilledTradesBC for Level 1 technical training in Carpentry. Students complete 450 work-based hours. Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, you will then be able to complete the work-based training hours (on the job training) and higher levels of Carpentry apprenticeship training.
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.
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.
What you will learn
Classes alternate between classroom instruction and practical experience both in the CNC carpentry shop and on site. Alumni CNC classes have a built a lasting legacy in the community through construction projects for homeowners and community groups. This hands-on program will train you to become an entry level carpenter. Things you will learn include:
- Safe work practice
- Surveying
- Trades math
- Construction drawings
- Rigging
- Site layout
- Concrete form work
- Framing & building science
Governing bodies
Carpenter Foundation Courses
The Carpenter Foundation program combines classroom-based theory learning with hands on practical training in a shop setting. In this program, students will learn the skills to perform and use safe work practices, tools and equipment, survey instruments and equipment, access rigging and hoisting equipment, site layout, concrete formwork, wood frame construction, building science, and documentation and organizational skills.
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.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Spring 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
24 weeks: Feb 3 - July 18 2025 |
| Spring 2025 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
24 weeks |
| Fall 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
26 weeks |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
24 weeks |
| Spring 2026 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
24 weeks |
Entry Requirements
The admission requirements mentioned below are the minimum requirements.
- English Language Arts 10 (Minimum "C") or equivalent
- Workplace Mathematics 10 (Minimum "C") or equivalent
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
CTC Option
High school students may be eligible to take this program. See your school counsellor for details.
Limited Selection
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted”. If you qualify after the program is full, you will be put on a wait list.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $3,200*.
- Tuition: $2,071
- Student fees: $658
- Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260
- Tool Deposit: $200 (Refundable)
*Please note that these fees are for the FALL intake.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.