Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Carpentry certificate program will get students started in the largest trade in the construction industry. Students need good problem-solving skills, a solid work ethic and the ability to work on their own or as part of a team.

When students graduate, they will be qualified for jobs with construction companies, general contractors and subcontractors, or in the maintenance departments of school boards, health districts, mining operations and government departments.

Carpentry is a 30-week certificate program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw campus and Saskatchewan Polytechnic Prince Albert campus. Students will get the basic training needed to get a job in the trade by building practical knowledge and skills in:

• Tools and equipment • Construction documents and quantity survey • Site layout and concrete • Footings and foundations • Framing and building envelope • Exterior finishing and roof coverings • Interior finishing and cabinets • Materials and scaffolds • Trade math and communications

Most of the time is spent in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s well-equipped Carpentry shops where students will be able to polish their skills on the many shop projects Saskatchewan Polytechnic has to offer. There is also a two-week work term at the end of the program which often results in full-time employment. When students graduate, they will have the skills they need to work in a wide range of construction jobs. Look for work with general contractors, interior/exterior subcontractors and framing contractors. There are jobs in homebuilding and renovations, commercial construction, at industrial mining and manufacturing facilities, and with health, education, municipal and government departments. If graduates go on to get their journeyperson’s ticket, they could move into supervisory, management, sales and teaching positions.