Program: 12 Weeks (Afternoon)

Location: 64 Saltsman Drive • Cambridge, ON  • N3H 4R7 in the CLAC Training Facility

This program provides theoretical knowledge of the Carpenter Trade and practical skills to complement apprentices' on-the-job training. Carpenters construct, erect, install, maintain and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials. They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

 Students will apply basic principles of construction layout with the fundamental mathematics skills to solve trade-related problems. Students will receive theory instruction together with the safety and hands-on training methodology taught by highly trained instructors in the following subjects:

Safety: Students learn to interpret the carpentry safety requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Students will be able to identify unsafe work areas and apply essential safety procedures. 

Servicing and Installation Methods: Students will be trained in the proper use of hand and power tools, as well as woodworking nomenclature, production methods and techniques. Students will learn interior and exterior residential finishes and apply selected finishes in the program. Students cover the fundamentals of describing and constructing footing, wall, column, pilaster, beam and stair forms. The program allows students to gain experience describing and installing suspended ceiling systems, steel stud and drywall systems, and accessories. It will teach students how to select and identify material used in residential and commercial construction.

 Building Codes: Students will be able to identify types of residential foundations and building code requirements according to the Ontario Building Code, such as the layout and construction of various types of residential framing. Students will be able to estimate material quantities from residential plans and specifications.

Blueprint Reading: Students will obtain knowledge in reading and interpreting, drawings and sketches of layouts to calculate the requirements according to the building code. Students will also gain experience in identifying various types of plans and specifications.

Employability Skills Include: Resume Writing, Interview Skill Training, Customer Service Training, Communications Skills Training and Timesheet Skills Training.

Successful candidates who complete the Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program will acquire the skills to succeed in the following areas of the industry: 

• Estimating
• Product Distribution
• Manufacturing (Sales)
• Management / Supervisor
• Carpenter
• Finish Carpenter
• Maintenance Carpenter
• Metal Framer – Carpentry
• Renovation Carpenter
• Rough Carpenter