Carpentry Foundation – Certificate

Program Details

Credential Received

Certificate in Carpentry Foundation, and credit for Level 1 Technical Training plus 450 Work-Based Training (WBT) hours toward completion of apprenticeship

Overview

Program Summary

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.

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.

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 will get practical experience and detailed in-class training so you will know how to create buildings from the ground-up and deliver the results employers want.

Youth Train in Trades

It is designed to help secondary school students get a head start on careers in the trades while earning credit toward their high school graduation. Learn more online at Industry Training Authority (http://youth.itabc.ca/programs/train/)

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:

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

Program Admission Requirements

Academic 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.

Graduation and Promotion

Minimum of 70% required to receive credential.

Additional Program Policies