Description

This 24 week program prepares students for employment as a carpenter apprentice. Students will develop practical skills through an organized approach to safety, building codes and the use of hand and power tools. Practical projects are performed in indoor and outdoor environments to provide opportunities to erect, install, maintain and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes and other materials.

At the end of the Foundation program students will write the Carpentry Level 1 exam. Students who complete the Foundation program and exam are eligible for SkilledTradesBC credit in Carpentry Level 1 apprenticeship and 450 work-based hours.

Taking a foundation program can build the skills that employers are looking for. To progress as an apprentice you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with SkilledTradesBC. When you are ready for career advancement; KPU delivers Carpentry Apprenticeship in-school technical training levels 2, 3 and 4.

Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.

Who Studies Carpentry/Building Construction?

This program is suited for individuals that like to analyze, build and assemble structures from drawings and sketches. Physical demand can vary; there is a considerable amount of standing, bending, lifting and need for hand-eye coordination. Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/carpentry.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for employment with construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional training and experience.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/trades

Department's website: kpu.ca/trades/carpentry

Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU’s General university admission requirements, including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.

• English:
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • Literary Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • English First Peoples 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • Composition 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • Creative Writing 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades English Reading Assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
• Mathematics:
  • Any Math 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades Mathematics Assessment with a minimum score of 31%.

Notes:

• Group information sessions are regularly scheduled at the Cloverdale campus, and participation is highly recommended. Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.
• Completion of high school shop courses is an asset.

Satisfactory physical health is also recommended. Prior to applying, prospective students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program accommodations, should contact the Office of the Dean of Trades and Technology to discuss required skills and competencies, and Accessibility Services to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Curricular Requirements

• Safe Work Practices
• Basic Hand Tools
• Basic Power Tools
• Pneumatic Tools
• Powder Actuated Tools
• Blueprint Reading and Basic Estimating
• Basic Leveling (Builders Level)
• Introduction to Concrete
• Concrete Quantity Calculating
• Concrete Forms
• Floor Framing
• Wall Framing
• Roof Framing
• Stair Calculating and Building

Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.67 for all required courses:

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will require appropriate safety wear in conformance with WorkSafeBC regulations and includes safety glasses, steel toed boots, hard hat and hearing protection. A list of required tools, equipment or supplies will be provided by the instructor at the start of the program.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Citation in Carpentry/Building Construction.

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to SkilledTradesBC in order for SkilledTradesBC to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.