Carpentry Foundation

As the backbone of vibrant communities, your work as a carpenter will be in high demand, giving your career high earning and growth potential. With this trade, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of being an independent contractor or the security of working for larger organizations.
Program at a Glance
Length
6 months (24 weeks)
Accreditation
Certificate
School
Industry & Trades Training
Delivery Mode
On Campus
Campus
Silver King
Intake Dates
Fall
Winter
Contacts
Rob Schwarzer
School Chair
Phone
1 (250) 352-6601
13212
Direct
1 (250) 354-3212
Contact by email
Program Overview

Students engage in a variety of classroom and shop activities. Theoretical principles of construction are learned in the classroom, while the majority of the time is spent in the shop where students learn and gain mastery of practical carpentry skills. Early activities include the fabrication of small projects where students learn safe practices, proper tool use and fundamental construction techniques. Gradually, students build structures of increased complexity that simulate real-world construction scenarios. Students learn to lay out buildings and to construct concrete formwork, floors, walls, roofs, and stairs in compliance with BC Building Code standards.

Educational Benefits

  • Theoretical principles of carpentry 

  • Practical in-shop training 

  • 450 work-based hours (towards your “on-the-job apprenticeship component”) 

  • Credit for your level one technical training 

  • Knowledge of provincial and national codes 

This 24-week program prepares learners for entry level positions as apprentice carpenters with home builders or building contracting companies involved in residential, commercial, or industrial construction. Students earn credit for the Level One technical training component of the carpentry apprenticeship as well as advance credit for 450 work-based hours of the practical on-the-job component of an apprenticeship.

Job Duties 

  • Concrete, wood and metal frame construction 
  • Installation of interior and exterior finishing 
  • Residential, commercial and industrial projects 
  • Conforming to plans, specifications and local building codes 

Graduates of the Carpentry Foundation Program at Selkirk College typically find employment as apprentice carpenters engaged in the construction of wood, metal and concrete structures in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial settings. You'll get practical experience and detailed in-class training so you’ll know how to create buildings from the ground-up and deliver the results employers want.

Youth Train in Trades

The Youth Train in Trades program is designed to help secondary school students get a head start on careers in the trades while earning credit towards their high school graduation. Learn more online at Skilled Trades BC.

For more information, speak with your high school guidance counsellor or get in touch with Selkirk College’s Industry and Trades administrative assistant.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:

  • Apply safe work practices.
  • Use construction drawings and specifications.
  • Interpret building codes and bylaws.
  • Plan and organize work.
  • Perform trade mathematics.
  • Use tools and equipment.
  • Use levelling instruments and equipment.
  • Use access, rigging, and hoisting equipment.
  • Lay out building locations.
  • Complete concrete formwork activities.
  • Demonstrate wood frame construction techniques.
  • Control the forces acting on a building.

The following admission requirements are specific to the Carpentry Foundation program:

  • Graduation from a British Columbia Senior Secondary School or equivalent
  • Workplace Math 11, or Selkirk AUD Math 46, with minimum of 60% or better
  • Consideration will be given to mature individuals (19 years or older) who are not senior secondary school graduates, provided they are working to complete the recommended education:

- Grade 10 or equivalent including English 10, Mathematics 10

- Grade 12 preferred

  • All applicants are required to complete a computerized placement test using the College Readiness Tool (CRT) in reading, writing and mathematics once they have submitted their application.
  • Employers may require higher level of Math as part of their hiring policies
Additional Requirements
  • A refundable tool deposit of $100 will be required at the start of the program.
  • Physically fit, (mobility/lifting) good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, balance, work at heights & in adverse weather.
  • An interview (in person or by telephone) with the School Chair or designate may be required before entry to the program. Interview results are not used as criteria for admission.
Graduation and Promotion

Minimum of 70% required to receive credential.

Domestic
International
Carpentry Foundation - Certificate, Year Foundation
Tuition
$ 2,644
Mandatory Fees
$ 379
Student Union Fees
$ 434
Total
$ 3,457
Carpentry Foundation - Certificate, Year Foundation
Tuition
$ 11,739
Mandatory Fees
$ 571
Student Union Fees
$ 434
Total
$ 12,744

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