OVERVIEW

This program provides students with the experience and necessary skills to seek employment as an apprentice electrician.

The Carpenter Foundation program reflects updated standards based on the 2022 Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS) and was developed by British Columbia industry and instructor subject matter experts.

Level 1

Carpenter Level 1 includes general areas of competency and associated learning tasks. Carpenters construct, install, renovate, maintain, and repair residential, civil, industrial, commercial, and institutional structures made of wood, steel, concrete, composite, and other materials.  While the scope of the Carpenter trade includes many aspects of building construction, a growing number of carpenters work for contractors in areas of trade practice such as concrete forming, framing, finishing, interior systems, renovations, and surveying.

The Carpenter Foundation Program introduces learners to developing practical skills for the construction workplace. Learners will learn proper safety and usage of hand tools, power tools, and other equipment used by carpenters. Through constructing a residential wood-frame project, learners are given the opportunity to work with various materials such as lumber, panel products, concrete, fasteners, and hardware.

Level 2

Carpenter Level 2 is designed to support apprentices registered with SkilledTradesBC in preparation for writing their Interprovincial Red Seal Exam. Carpenters construct and maintain a broad range of building projects composed of composite materials, wood, and wood substitutes. Along with using blueprints and tools to prepare for excavation and shoring, carpenters put together and situate forms for pouring concrete and install interior and exterior finish components including cabinets, doors, windows, and siding on smaller projects.

Carpenters might be self-employed, work for contractors, maintenance departments, construction companies, or other organizations. The Interprovincial Red Seal program designates carpentry as a nationally recognized trade.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Level 1

• B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
• One of: English 10, English 10 First Peoples, an equivalent Provincial Level Adult Basic Education English course, or equivalent assessment.
• Math requirement: Learners graduating from secondary school in or prior to 2012: Mathematics 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course, or an equivalent assessment. Learners entering Grade 10 in  or after 2010 and/or completing the new mathematics curriculum: One of: Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11 or, Pre-Calculus 11, or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course or an equivalent assessment.

Level 2

• Carpenter apprentice who has successfully completed Level 1 of the Carpenter Apprenticeship program (harmonized curriculum) or Carpenter Foundation program (harmonized curriculum).
• Registered as a Carpenter Apprentice with SkilledTradesBC.
• Education recommendation: Grade 10 (Grade 12 preferred); English 10 or English-language proficiency; Math 10; Science 10.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

CAREER PATHWAYS

A Carpenter Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate provides foundational skills and knowledge for various career pathways in the construction industry. Here are some potential career pathways for individuals with these certifications:

• Apprentice Carpenter
• Construction Laborer
• Framer
• Formwork Carpenter