Students can develop knowledge and practical skill in areas of carpentry, including blueprint reading, residential and commercial construction, framing, finishing, stair manufacture, surveying, fine woodworking, commercial building practices, and more. They will spend 1/3 of each week in a hands-on carpentry lab setting.

This program is designed to help alleviate the chronic shortage of skilled trades workers in the construction industry. Job prospects are favourable and the satisfaction of creating or enhancing buildings and structures can be immense.

Program graduates are prepared for a variety of opportunities working in residential or commercial construction and renovation. They may go on to specialize as a home builder, renovator, general carpenter, exterior siding installer, home and building inspector, green/sustainable builder, fine finish carpenter, project coordinator, manager, or estimator. Graduates may find employment with general contractors, subcontractors, new home builders, woodworking shops, restoration contractors, or as independent contractors running their own business. They will also find opportunities in retail including selling building materials in hardware stores, lumber yards, and building centres. Although Carpentry is a physical career, students will find that their level of skill is more important than their strength.