Carpenter Foundation
| Type | Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 months or less |
| Campus | All Campuses |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Estimated at $3,200
International Check fee schedule
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Fall 2027 Spring 2028 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Spring 2026 |
Fall 2026 Applications Closed for Prince George
Applications for the 2027 Fall Intake open in October 2026.
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
Courses
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel, Burns Lake |
Description
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.Entry Requirements
Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:
Note: WorkSafe BC regulations apply to all Trades programs; students are expected to adhere to these regulations. While in the shop, all students must wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the area in which they are working and follow the safe work procedure which applies to the task. This may include, but is not limited to CSA certified safety footwear, safety glasses, hearing protection, and any other PPE dictated by common sense and/or WorkSafe BC regulations. Students must be aware they are working in an industrial setting with potential hazards and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. If a safety concern is identified, you must report this to your instructor immediately.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our options.
Program Specific Recommendations
The following courses or their equivalent, with a minimum grade of "C":
- English Language Arts 10, or equivalent
- Workplace Math 10, or equivalent
This course may include an off-site practical experience component. The scale of the component is dependent on the state of the local economy and community partnerships.
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.
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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 for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities or trades training job board.
