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  4. Carpentry Foundation

Industry & Trades Training

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Carpentry Foundation - Certificate

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)
Credential
Certificate
School
Industry & Trades Training
Delivery Method
On Campus
Campus
Silver King
Intake Dates
Fall
Winter
Contacts
Have Questions?
Student Recruiters
Direct
1 (250) 304-5071
Contact by email
Rob Schwarzer
School Chair
Phone
1 (250) 352-6601
13212
Direct
1 (250) 354-3212
Contact by email
    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.

    News

    says James Bourget, RDH Building Science principal and construction specialist speaks with students
    Carpentry Students Gain Building Science Insight
    Thu, 03/13/2025 - 12:00
    A pilot project focused on energy efficiency is providing Carpentry Program students with leading-edge learning about building science.
    Program Outcomes

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

    1. Apply safe work practices
    2. Use construction drawings and specifications
    3. Interpret building codes and bylaws
    4. Plan and organize work
    5. Perform trade mathematics
    6. Use tools and equipment
    7. Use levelling instruments and equipment
    8. Use access, rigging and hoisting equipment
    9. Lay out building locations
    10. Complete concrete formwork activities
    11. Demonstrate wood frame construction techniques
    12. Control the forces acting on a building
    Admission Requirements

    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 a 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 and 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.

    General

    a) Applicants must submit a completed admission application form and other required documents (i.e. secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts) to the admissions office, Selkirk College.

    b) Applicants are required to complete pre-admission College Readiness Tool in reading, writing and mathematics.

    c) Consideration will be given to mature individuals (see below).

    Mature Student (see Policy 8611: Admission)

    a) A "mature student" is at least 19 years and has been out of the school system for at least one year on or before the first day of classes of the program.

    b) A mature student with reasonable potential for success on the basis of work experience or other criteria may be admitted, notwithstanding some deficiency in prior formal education, at the School Chair’s Discretion.

    c) A mature student shall normally meet the specific program or course prerequisites.

    SELECTION

    Applications will be separated into two levels as identified in Selkirk College Policy 8611: Admission, namely "fully qualified" and "partially qualified".

    1. Fully Qualified

    The applicant meets all of the requirements stated in Part I, A, above.

    2. Partially Qualified

    The applicant is deficient in meeting some or all of the admission requirements stated in Part I, A, above.

    3. Order of Selection see Policy 8611: Admissions, Section 5.2 (8) and (9)

    APPLICATION PROCEDURE

    1. Before an applicant's file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions office:

    a) Completed application form.

    b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is currently a student).

    c) The results of College Readiness Tool (CRT).

    2. Applications for admission will be received until the program is full.

    Graduation and Promotion

    Minimum of 70% required to receive credential.

    PROMOTION

    Students should keep records of their grades and strive to maintain a Progress Grade of 70% or better. Students should be aware of their Progress Grade at all times.

    GRADUATION

    1. Certificate Requirements

    a) Completion of all courses in the program. (See below)

    b) A Cumulative Average of 70% or better.

    Note: The courses of study, curriculum and weighting of each are prescribed by the BC Industry Training Authority and are subject to change without notice.

    Tuition & Fees
    Domestic
    International
    Domestic
    2024/25
    Carpentry Foundation – Certificate, Year Foundation
    Tuition
    $2,696
    Mandatory Fees
    $387
    Student Union Fees
    $455
    Total
    $3,538
    2025/26
    Carpentry Foundation – Certificate, Year Foundation
    Tuition
    $2,750
    Mandatory Fees
    $395
    Student Union Fees
    $455
    Total
    $3,600
    International
    2024/25
    Carpentry Foundation – Certificate, Year Foundation
    Tuition
    $12,140
    Mandatory Fees
    $610
    Student Union Fees
    $455
    Total
    $13,205
    2025/26
    Carpentry Foundation – Certificate, Year Foundation
    Tuition
    $12,380
    Mandatory Fees
    $820
    Student Union Fees
    $455
    Total
    $13,655

    All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.

    Find Out More

    We look forward to connecting with you! Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you.

     

     

    A member of our recruitment team will be contacting you shortly, keep an eye on your inbox!

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