Carpentry

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

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Map
Start Date:
September
Duration:
2 Years
Credential:
Diploma
Delivery:
Full-timePart-Time (Combined In-class/Online)

Locations

+Locations & Full-time Program Availability

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 the program. This program is designed to meet the needs of employers looking for carpenters with a firm practical skill base across a wide range of applications. You learn everything from construction safety and the use of power tools and shop equipment, to building science, floor and wall framing, exterior finishing, and much more. You're also required to complete 2 work terms where you apply your skills and knowledge in a real work setting.

Student Comments

  1. Highlight"Great instructors, they invest a lot into their students."
  2. Favourite"Good learning environment and a class size that allows for more one-on-one time."
  3. Cool Activity"Working with Habitat for Humanity."

Admission Requirements

  • High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

Choose NSCC

  • You benefit from our expert faculty who bring years of experience to the classroom and strong industry connections.
  • You learn the latest practices and technologies that employers require. The program is designed with the input of industry leaders to ensure you get current and relevant skills.
  • You 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.

Part-time Options

  • A Carpentry Certificate program is available for part-time study through a combination of courses delivered in-class delivered in-class at Burridge Campus, Lunenburg Campus or Waterfront Campus and online. No additional campus locations are available for the part-time offering. View schedule and delivery details »
  • If you choose a part-time study option, you must still apply to the program and meet all the admission requirements.
  • Tuition for part-time study is calculated on a per-course basis and is paid at the beginning of each term.

Other Info

  • A Carpentry Certificate program for First Nations students is available for full-time study. Courses are delivered in-class at the Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre in partnership with NSCC's Strait Area Campus. View program details »
  • Be prepared to purchase basic tools for this program. We also recommend that you be in good physical condition—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 practise 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.
  • Co-operative Education (Co-op) – This program is eligible for an optional Co-op credit course. Co-op provides an opportunity for paid employment (of at least 12-weeks) in a field related to your program between your first and second year.
  • Important Abilities & Skills – To be successful in this field, individuals should be physically agile and capable of performing a number of special tasks. This industry is physically demanding and includes moving, lifting, bending and kneeling as well as spending long periods of time on your feet. Work may take place in confined spaces and at varying heights. You may have to work in variable climatic conditions including cold and wet winter weather.

Courses May Include

Course descriptions
Code Course
CARP 1010   Construction Safety
CARP 1011   Tools I (Hand Tools)
CARP 1012   Tools II (Portable Power Tools)
CARP 1013   Foundations I (Site Layout)
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 1100   Work Experience I - CARP
CARP 2010   Casework Fabrication
CARP 3001   Construction Blueprint Reading
CARP 3002   Introduction to Common Stairs
CARP 3003   Roof Framing I - Gable Roofs
CARP 3005   Siding and Cladding
CARP 3006   Exterior Finish
CARP 3007   Trade Communications
CARP 3009   Roof Framing II - Hip Roof
CARP 3010   Roof Framing III (Intersecting Roofs & Engineered Systems)
CARP 3011   Interior Trim
CARP 3012   Introduction to Renovation
CARP 3013   Casework Design
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.

Additional Graduation Requirements

Milestone
Introduction to Fall Arrest / Fall Protection
Introduction to Hazard Identification
Introduction to Lock Out / Tag Out
Introduction to Respiratory Protection
Portfolio Development
Standard First Aid, CPR Level A
Workplace Mentoring I

Next Steps

  1. Application Process

    Who Can ApplyHow to Apply
  2. Explore Related Programs:

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