Carpenter apprenticeship students building wooden structures in a workshop

Apprenticeship

General Carpenter Apprentice

In the General Carpenter Apprenticeship program, you will learn how to construct and finish building projects through hands-on training in framing, formwork, and finishing techniques.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
403A
Any Time
2–5 years (varies by trade)
Part-Time
In-Person
Thunder Bay
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted

The General Carpenter Apprenticeship Program (trade code 403A General Carpenter) at Confederation College, a leading carpenter school in Ontario, offers a comprehensive carpentry apprenticeship. This program is designed for individuals aiming to excel as carpenter apprentices, providing essential skills in the following 5 areas:

  1. Exterior Finishing
  2. Formwork and Foundations
  3. Framing
  4. Finishing
  5. Interior Finishing

The curriculum integrates practical experience with theoretical knowledge, ensuring apprentices are well-equipped for the carpentry trade. This carpentry training program emphasizes safety, environmental protection, and hands-on learning, making it an ideal choice for those pursuing a career in this dynamic field.

Top Highlights

  1. Competency Analysis Profile: This is the foundation of the program, ensuring that all necessary competencies are covered.
  2. Skill Sets: Apprentices will learn and master a range of skills:
    • Protect Self and Others
    • Operate Tools and Equipment
    • Establish Building Procedures
    • Prepare Site for Building
    • Execute Form Work
    • Frame Floors and Walls
    • Frame Roofs and Ceilings
    • Construct Heavy Framing
    • Build Stairs
    • Install Doors, Frames, and Hardware
    • Install Windows
    • Install Exterior Finishing Materials
    • Install Finished Materials to Walls and Ceilings
    • Install Interior Finishing Materials and Hardware
    • Perform Landscape and Site Work
    • Perform Renovations
    • Erect and Dismantle Scaffolds
    • Cut and Weld Mild Steel
    • Protect the Environment
  3. Roles and Responsibilities: Clear guidance on the roles and responsibilities of the apprentice, sponsor/employer, and supervisor/trainer.
  4. Important Directions: Detailed instructions for both apprentices and those responsible for their training.
  5. Skill Set Completion Form: Used to track and verify the apprentice's competency in various skill sets.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This program is ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive apprenticeship in carpentry, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various construction and carpentry roles

Contact Information

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (403A)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must:
    • Be at least 18 years of age (16 years of age in limited cases)
    • Have legal permission to work in Canada (i.e., have a valid social insurance number)
    • Meet the educational requirements of the trade.
      Grade 12 or equivalent is the generally accepted standard, however, grade 10 or equivalent may be accepted by some sponsors.
    • Have a sponsor located in Ontario. This can be a private employer, association or union.
  2. Apply for an apprenticeship through Skilled Trades Ontario(opens in new window). This step is usually completed when you have received an offer of employment from a sponsor.
  3. After completing the apprenticeship application, a Registered Training Agreement will be drafted by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The apprentice and their sponsor will both sign this document, officially recognizing the apprentice to begin the training process through their employer.

Admission Requirements for International Students

This program is not currently available for international students.
To enroll in an apprenticeship program, international students must meet specific criteria, including possessing a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and securing a sponsor.

Prerequisites

People who want to become apprentices must apply directly to employers, unions or joint apprenticeship training committees for the trade they are interested in. Most trades require between two and five years of work and training to become certified. During that time apprentices will be notified of offers to attend in-class training at the closest available training facility.

Apprentices are permitted to attend other training facilities within Ontario if they choose by making arrangements with their local Ministry office in advance

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Tuition & Fees

Offering practical carpentry skills, the Level 1 fee for this program is $400.00.

Note

Be aware that fees may change, and it is recommended to verify the latest fees before enrolling.

Note

Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.

Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.

Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:

If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.

Courses

  1. Safety Materials & Tools
    • Trade Introduction: Introduction to the carpentry trade.
    • Health & Safety: Critical knowledge of health and safety in carpentry.
    • Types of Materials: Overview of various materials used in carpentry.
    • Wood & Wood Products: Detailed study of wood and its applications.
    • Joints and Fasteners: Learning about different types of joints and fasteners.
    • Hand Tools: Training in the use of essential hand tools in carpentry.
    • Power Tools and Equipment: Introduction to power tools and their safe operation.
    • Rigging: Basics of rigging in carpentry projects.
    • Access Structures: Knowledge about various access structures in construction.
  2. Plans Specifications & Codes (PSC) I
    • Related Services & Authorities: Understanding of services and authorities related to carpentry.
    • Drawing: Related Equipment and Identification: Skills in drawing and identifying carpentry equipment.
    • Plans and Sketches: Reading: Reading and interpreting plans and sketches.
    • Plans and Sketches: Drawing: Drawing skills for plans and sketches.
  3. Residential – Estimating Calculation & Layout (ECL) I
    • Trade Calculations: Basic calculations used in the trade.
    • Construction Layout Principles: Principles of layout in residential construction.
  4. Welding
    • Basic Oxy-Acetylene & Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Basic skills in welding for carpentry applications.

For a complete list of courses and information regarding the Apprenticeship program for General Carpentry you can review all relevant information at The Ontario Colleges of Trades website(opens in new window) General Carpentry section.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

The aim of the program is to equip apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to excel in the carpentry profession. With a strong focus on practical skills, safety, and environmental protection, the program prepares individuals for the diverse demands of the carpentry trade.

Meet the Program Staff

1 staff member

Careers

Embrace a Rewarding Career in Carpentry

Graduates of the General Carpenter Apprentice program at Confederation College have a world of opportunities awaiting them. The program equips apprentices with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in various sectors of the construction industry.

Diverse Career Paths

  1. Residential Construction: Opportunities range from building and renovating homes to working on interior and exterior finishes.
  2. Commercial Construction: Skilled carpenters are in demand for constructing office buildings, shopping centers, and other commercial projects.
  3. Industrial Construction: Engage in large-scale construction projects, including factories and industrial facilities.
  4. Specialty Trades: Specialize in areas such as framework, roofing, or finishing work.
  5. Self-Employment: Many carpenters leverage their skills to start their own businesses, offering a range of carpentry services.

Competitive Job Market

  • High Demand: Carpenters are consistently in high demand due to ongoing construction projects and the need for skilled labor in both urban and rural areas.
  • Advancement Opportunities: Apprentices can advance to supervisory roles, project management, or even business ownership.
  • Continuous Learning: The field of carpentry allows for continuous skill enhancement and specialization in various sub-trades.

Supportive Career Development

  • Confederation College provides support and resources for apprentices, helping them to connect with potential employers and navigate the job market.
  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals and alumni.

Join the Community of Skilled Carpenters

Start your journey with the General Carpenter Apprentice program and become a part of a skilled, dynamic, and essential workforce that shapes our built environment. Your skills will not only build structures but also contribute to the development of communities and industries.

See Career Opportunities

Clicking the button will take you to a detailed dashboard with up-to-date job data tailored to your program, including salary ranges, job titles, and projected demand.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Students at Confederation College

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