Carpentry

Start Date: September
Length: 2 Years
Credential: Diploma
Part-time:
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Full-Time Locations & Availability

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I realized that I loved working with my hands and getting a chance to see what I’d made at the end of the day.

Justin St-Onge

Grad - 2007

Learn all aspects of carpentry from construction safety and the use of hand tools to building science, floor and wall framing and exterior finishing.

Program Overview

This program is perfect for those who want to learn more than the basics of carpentry. Energy efficiency, environmental concerns, business skills and entrepreneurship are integral components of this program. Our two-year diploma is designed to meet the needs of employers looking for carpenters with a firm practical skill base across a wide range of applications. We’ll cover everything from construction safety and the use of hand tools to building science, floor and wall framing, exterior finishing and much more.

Choose NSCC


  • You’ll benefit from our expert faculty who bring years of experience to the classroom and strong industry connections.

  • This program is designed with the input of industry leaders – you’ll be learning the latest practices and technologies that employers need.

  • You’ll experience practical hands-on learning.

  • This program is a first step towards Journeyperson Certification in the Carpenter trade. Graduates are eligible for transfer credit upon registration in the Provincial Apprenticeship Program.

  • Students who complete the first year courses are eligible for advanced standing in the Heritage Carpentry program.

Employment Opportunities


  • As the demand increases for construction trades, so does the demand for qualified carpenters.

  • Graduates help fill the demand for qualified carpenters in the new housing and commercial construction market. Other opportunities exist in the renovation industry.

  • Learn more about labour market information - visit Career Options.

Admission Requirements


  • High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

Part-time


  • A Carpentry Certificate program is available for part-time study through a combination of courses delivered in-class and online. For a schedule and delivery details visit nscc.ca/pt.

  • If you choose a part-time study option, you must still apply to the program and meet all the admission requirements. Once accepted, you will be referred to a Registrar at one of our campuses to discuss your learning plan and schedule.

  • Tuition for part-time study option is calculated on a per course basis and is paid at the beginning of each semester.

Other Info


  • Please be prepared to purchase basic tools for this program. We also recommend you be in good physical shape—and be ready to work in all weather conditions.
  • Red Seal – Carpentry is a designated trade that qualifies for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. The Red Seal allows qualified tradespersons to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated without having to write further examinations.

  • Registered apprentices can apply for the NSCC Journeyperson Diploma. This diploma recognizes your apprentice training, and the completion of NSCC’s employability skills and portfolio requirements.

  • You’re expected to develop a portfolio of your work as part of this program of study. A portfolio is a powerful and convincing way to demonstrate your achievements to future employers over and above a standard résumé.

  • The School of Trades and Technology has specific requirements for health and safety practices and procedures for all shops and labs. Students practice 5S+S quality system throughout the entire program and wear specified personal protective equipment when training in designated shops or labs.

  • Students are required to maintain a work record book or journal.

  • Safety apparel, such as hard hats and safety boots, is mandatory at most industrial or construction training workplaces. Workplaces may also require you to wear additional personal protective equipment.

  • Co-operative Education (Co-op) – This program is eligible for an optional Co-op credit course. Co-op provides an opportunity for paid employment between the first and second year of your program. Employers, as co-educators, provide learning opportunities beyond the bounds of the classroom giving you a well-rounded education enriched by practical application.

Courses May Include

Course descriptions
Code Course
CABC 1009   Basic Casework
CARP 1010   Construction Safety
CARP 1011   Tools I (Hand Tools)
CARP 1012   Tools II (Portable Power Tools)
CARP 1013   Foundations I (Site Layout)
CARP 1014   Building Science
CARP 1016   Foundations II (Forms and Footings)
CARP 1017   Tools III (Stationary Power Tools)
CARP 1021   Floor and Wall Framing
CARP 1023   Construction Mathematics and Estimating I
CARP 1024   Construction Mathematics and Estimating II
CARP 1100   Work Experience I - CARP
CARP 2000   Blueprint Reading I
CARP 3001   Construction Blueprint Reading
CARP 3002   Introduction to Common Stairs
CARP 3003   Roof Framing I (Gable Roof)
CARP 3005   Siding and Cladding
CARP 3006   Exterior Finish
CARP 3007   Trade Communications
CARP 3009   Roof Framing II (Equal Slope Hip Roof)
CARP 3010   Roof Framing III (Intersecting Roofs & Engineered Systems)
CARP 3011   Interior Trim
CARP 3012   Introduction to Renovation
CARP 3100   Work Experience II - CARP
COMM 1227   Communications I
COMM 1228   Communications II
COMP 1217   Computer Applications I
SAFE 1000   Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
SAFE 1001   Introduction to NS OH&S Act
    Open elective course requirement. One unit/credit. NOTE: No two courses can be used to satisfy program requirements that are at the same level, subject area and topical area or that are otherwise deemed to be equivalent.

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