Department Contact

John Chenoweth, Dean

Program Description

This 24-week program provides students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to seek employment as an apprentice carpenter in the construction industry. The program introduces students to all aspects of the trades including the use of hand tools, portable power  tools, and other equipment used by carpenters.  Through the construction of a residential wood-frame project, students are given the opportunity to work with a variety of materials used by carpenters including lumber, panel products, concrete, fasteners and hardware.  The focus is on developing practical skills for the construction workplace.

For more information on the curriculum and learning outcomes, please see the Industry Training Authority’s website, Level 1 program information: http://www.itabc.ca/program/carpenter

Graduates of this program receive credit for Level 1 apprenticeship technical training and may also be granted practical credit by the Industry Training Authority.

Entrance Requirements

• 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: Students 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. Students 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.   

Theoretical concepts may be evaluated by written exams, assignments, case studies, presentations, and/or completion of a journal. Practical performance is assessed by instructor observations of students in work experience and field situations, and is based on mid-term and/or final evaluations.  All courses are evaluated consistent with the NVIT Grading System.  The passing grade for all technical training and in-class assessments within a component is 70%.  If a component is not completed satisfactorily, a student may apply to repeat the course the next time it is offered, providing there is space available.

Students receive an NVIT Residential Construction Foundations Program certificate upon successful completion of the program.  Graduates will also receive the Carpenter Foundation – Certificate of Completion from the Industry Training Authority. 

Individuals who complete the ITA Carpentry Foundation program, with a minimum of 70% on the Level One Carpentry Final Exam, will receive the following credit toward completion of the Carpenter apprenticeship program:

Technical Training: Level 1

Work-Based Training: 450 hours

For more information please contact Student Services (250) 378-3300.