Carpentry and Woodworking

Assiniboine’s nine-month Carpentry and Woodworking certificate pre-apprenticeship program that prepares graduates with key employment skills to work in both carpentry and cabinetmaking.

Register as an apprentice within two years of completing the program, and you may be granted credit towards Level 1 Carpenter apprenticeship as you continue to gain valuable industry experience.

Carpenters construct, renovate and repair residential, civil, institutional, commercial and industrial (ICI) structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials. They can work for construction and renovation companies, property managers, building developers, pre-fabrication plants and government departments. Carpenters may work in a union or non-union environment or be self-employed.

They must be prepared to work in a variety of working environments. Carpentry can be a physically and mentally demanding occupation requiring the lifting of heavy tools and materials. Safety is of prime importance to all carpenters. Experienced carpenters may advance to supervisory positions or become independent contractors.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Complete work in compliance with provincial and/or national codes, applicable laws, standards and ethical practices in industry. 
• Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations. 
• Interpret project plans and produce shop drawings to support construction and renovation projects. 
• Select a range of materials and equipment for their appropriate application to building construction and renovation projects. 
• Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations, and standard woodworking machinery. 
• Solve problems related to the implementation of building construction and renovation projects by using basic mathematics, building design and building science. 
• Apply surface preparation, stains and finishes to specifications. 
• Construct cabinetry projects according to specifications, plans and cutting lists. 
• Use a variety of layout and joinery techniques to design and construct projects. 
• Complete building and renovation projects, ranging from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes. 
• Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities. 
• Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, coworkers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships. 

Examples of what carpenters can do: 

• Read and interpret blueprints and specifications to determine requirements and calculate materials. 
• Prepare layouts in conformance with building codes, using measuring tools. 
• Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join a variety of materials. 
• Construct foundations, install floor systems and erect wall and roof systems. 
• Fit and install finishing components, such as wall and floor coverings, doors, stairs, moulding and hardware. 

Examples of what cabinetmakers do:

• Build furniture and cabinets from specifications and drawings. 
• Operate woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, mortisers and shapers. Use hand tools to cut, shape and form parts and components. 
• Assemble components using glue and clamps, and reinforce joints using nails, screws or other fasteners. 
• Sand wooden surfaces, apply veneer, stain or polish to finished products. 
• Repair or refurbish wooden furniture, fixtures and related products and estimate amount, type and cost of materials required. 

Success Factors 

You might be a good fit for this program if you have or would enjoy: 

• Working with wood and other materials to construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures. 
• Thinking creatively and finding solutions to unexpected problems. 
• Managing projects and time effectively to meet deadlines. 
• A physically demanding occupation. 
• Envisioning and building projects. 
• Working in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires. 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 

• Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend. 
• Move around and work within the environment, navigate different areas including stairs and ladders, confined spaces, heights, uneven terrain and scaffolds. 
• Complete tasks requiring standing, kneeling, bending, and climbing. 
• Have the strength, dexterity, balance and stamina required to work in or on equipment. 
• Work in noisy, dusty and/or fume-filled areas with appropriate personal protective equipment. 
• Interpret documents, drawings, specifications, building codes, regulations, bylaws and standards. 
• Communicate effectively with suppliers, co-workers, other trades people, safety and building inspectors, and customers.  
• Work in industry-specific shifts, schedules, and conditions. 
• Listen to direction and act accordingly. 
• Demonstrate safety-conscious attitudes and work practices. 
• Work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.