Heritage Carpentry

While the demand for carpenters is still rapidly growing, the need for special skills in the area of restoration and renovation is growing even faster. After learning the basic skills for carpentry, you'll learn the unique skills required for the more rigorous tasks used in renovations and the preservation of historic buildings. Quality and craftsmanship will be the cornerstone of the program.

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


• This program, unique in the region, offers you the opportunity to work alongside instructors with hands-on industry experience.


• Students who have successfully completed first year courses are eligible for advanced standing in the Carpentry program.

• Graduates can gain employment in many areas of the carpenter trade, but will have skills suited for sophisticated renovation and historic preservation project work.


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

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

• 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.


• 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.


• Red Seal – Carpenter 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.


• 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.