Trades & Applied Technology Programs

Carpentry

• 8–month Entry-Level Certificate and Apprenticeship program (24 credits)
• Offered at the Nanaimo, Cowichan and Powell River campuses
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

The Program

This Entry-Level Trades Training (ELTT) program covers the basic carpentry skills required in preparation for employment as a carpenter apprentice in the building industry.

The program has been developed collaboratively by industry and Vancouver Island University, and follows the BC Provincial Apprenticeship Level 1 program competencies. The curriculum seeks an effective balance between hands-on learning activities and specific academic and theoretical components.

The program includes on-the-job training as well as construction of real life projects. Strong ties with the Nanaimo CHBA and other local contractors, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 527, City of Nanaimo building officials, and many other sub-trades and suppliers have resulted in a close cooperative training partnership with the local building industry.

Students will be evaluated throughout the program and will receive letter grades and weighted credits for each of the courses, including applied and theoretical work.

Class times may vary, and students can expect to spend one to two hours a day on homework. Good attendance is mandatory. A minimum 70% grade average in theory and practical is required to receive a graduation certificate.

Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a certificate from Vancouver Island University for Carpentry Entry-Level (Level I Carpentry Apprenticeship).

A free information session is usually held in February/March, and additional sessions may be offered. Check with the Advising Centre for more details, 250-740-6410, or visit viu.ca/infosessions.

Career Opportunities

This unique, high-profile, information-packed program is well recognized by the building industry as an excellent introduction to the residential and commercial building industries. The program provides a path to apprenticeship, a career, and Red Seal Certification.

Graduates of this program have been successful in procuring employment in positions such as apprentice carpenters, concrete formers, wood framers, finishing carpenters’ helpers, cabinet installers, and home renovators. Graduates have also found employment with many other related building industry employers.

Excellent opportunities exist for graduates of this program to obtain carpentry apprenticeships with professional building contractors or the Carpenters’ Unions.

Apprenticeship Information

Graduates of this program may receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Carpenter Apprenticeship program. In order to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyperson, graduates would find an employer in the industry to provide the on-the-job training and return to Vancouver Island University for 6 weeks per year in each of the next three years.

The Carpenter Apprenticeship program consists of 4 years of on-the job experience combined with in-school technical training in order to become eligible to write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson certification.

For more information on apprenticeship training, please visit the website at www.itabc.ca, contact the Industry Training Centre at 1-866-660-6011, or call Vancouver Island University’s Apprenticeship Coordinator at 250-740-6255. Visit Vancouver Island University’s Trades and Applied Technology Apprenticeship page for more information and schedules.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
• Min. 17 years of age.
• Successful completion of assessment testing.
• Personal profile.
• Interview may be required.
• See also Trades general admission requirements.

Notes on Admission

• Physically fit and able to adapt to working conditions.
• Good hand/eye coordination.
• Good health, free of vision, hearing or respiratory ailments.
• For student’s wishing to operate vehicles and equipment a valid driver’s license will be required.
• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and January, and applications are accepted from November 15 to March 31. Assessment test results and all documentation must be submitted by April 15. Applications received after March 31 will be considered late and will be processed as space permits. Classes are limited to 18 students.

Note: Late applications are being accepted for the January 2010 intake.

Program Outline

All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.

Updated December 16, 2009