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Diploma

Carpentry and Renovation Technician (Co-op option available)

Durham College
Oshawa , Canada
Easy Apply
Students
Tuition Fee
CAD 15,390
Per semester
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
24 months
Details
About Program
About University
Easy Apply
Details
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Building Design | Carpentry | Construction Management
Area of study
Architecture and Construction
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
CAD 15,390
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview

Carpentry and Renovation Technician (Co-op option available)

Overview

A career in the carpentry and renovation field blends physical hands-on work, skillful precision, and creativity. Successful candidates enter a world of opportunities leading to a variety of rewarding career paths in custom home building, renovation, construction, and general contracting, including self-employment. With the construction and renovation industry steadily growing across Canada, job prospects are expected to remain strong for decades. Market researcher BuildForce Canada projects a need for 44,600 new carpenters in Canada, 12,000 in Ontario alone, over the next 10 years. Our program is focused on hands-on learning both in our state-of-the-art shops and in the community as students complete a field placement so that they have the practical skills to succeed upon graduation.


Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2025 Waitlisted Waitlisted

Program Highlights

  • Success Stories
  • Resources

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.


Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $2,804 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $15,390 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

  • Construction Math & Estimating I (CCCM 1402)
  • Tools II(Portable Power Tools) (CCPT 1404)
  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Tools for Renovation (RENO 1102)
  • Introduction to Foundation Alterations (RENO 1202)
  • Construction Site Safety (SAFE 1408)

Co-operative Education (co-op)

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.


Career Options

  • Renovation technician
  • Assistant to lead carpenter
  • Exterior finisher
  • Finishing carpenter
  • Framing carpenter

Field Placement

Students completing a field placement will participate in a 70-hour, unpaid work placement completed in semester 4, giving them practical experience and the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts they have learned.


Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with several Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:


  • Bachelor of Business Administration (General Business) - Davenport University
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) bridge – Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Educational Studies and Digital Technology - Ontario Tech

Tech Requirements

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.


  • Processor: i7
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
  • Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
  • Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
  • Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
  • Internet connection

Co-operative Education (co-op)

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals.


Students in the Carpentry and Renovation Technician Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students enrolled in the co-op option are required to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third semesters of their program.


Co-op Administrative Fee

Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.


Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
  2. Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  3. Assist in the preparation of material estimations and quotes and complete all work in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligations, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the construction, renovation and conservation building fields.
  4. Incorporate sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction, renovation and conservation projects in accordance with sustainable building guidelines.
  5. Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, co-workers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
  6. Interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  7. Select and use technologies to obtain, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  8. Solve problems related to the implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics, building design and building science.
  9. Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  10. Complete building and renovation stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in accordance with blueprint specifications and conservation principles.
  11. Select a range of materials and equipment for their appropriate application to building construction and renovation projects.
  12. Schedule and assist in monitoring the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying basic principles and strategies of project management.
  13. Apply basic business principles and strategies to the operation of a building construction and/or renovation enterprise.

Program Details

Carpenters represent one of the largest trade groups in the construction industry, using their skills to construct, erect, install, maintain and repair structures and/or their components made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials.


Since they focus on the construction of a building, it is vital for carpenters to understand all of the other aspects of a project, including electricity and plumbing. The Carpentry and Renovation Technician program offers a comprehensive program of study that includes courses such as Building Science, Kitchen and Bath Renovation, HVAC Building Science, Demolition and Deconstruction, to give graduates a well-rounded foundation in all aspects of their craft and the principles of construction, with a particular emphasis on sustainable design, theory and energy conservation renovation principles in keeping with today’s industry trends and best practices.


As a Carpentry and Renovations Technician graduate, you will be able to:


  • Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
  • Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Assist in the preparation of material estimations and quotes and complete all work in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligation, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the construction, renovation and conservation building fields.
  • Incorporate sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction, renovation and conservation projects in accordance with sustainable building guidelines.
  • Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, co-workers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
  • Interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  • Select and use technologies to obtain, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  • Solve problems related to the implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics, building design and building science.
  • Select, maintain and safely use hand tools and portable and stationary power tools when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  • Complete building and renovation stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in accordance with blueprint specifications and conservation principles.
  • Select a range of materials and equipment for their appropriate application to building construction and renovation projects.
  • Schedule and assist in monitoring the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying basic principles and strategies of project management.
  • Apply basic business principles and strategies to the operation of a building construction and/or renovation enterprise.

Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.


Semester 1

  • Construction Math & Estimating I (CCCM 1402)
  • Tools II(Portable Power Tools) (CCPT 1404)
  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Tools for Renovation (RENO 1102)
  • Introduction to Foundation Alterations (RENO 1202)
  • Construction Site Safety (SAFE 1408)

Semester 2

  • Architechtural Styles (ARCH 1201)
  • Construction & Blueprint Reading (CCCB 3400)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Wood Framed Construction (RENO 1101)
  • Kitchen and Bath Renovation (RENO 1201)
  • HVAC Building Science (RENO 1203)
  • Interior Finishes (RENO 2105)

Semester 3

  • Building Science (CCBS 2400)
  • Interpersonal and Group Dynamics (COMM 2326)
  • Business Math for Renovation (MATH 1206)
  • Roof Framing (RENO 2101)
  • Kitchen and Bath Renovation Practical (RENO 2103)
  • Building Layout and Planning (RENO 2104)
  • Working With Trades (RENO 2201)

Semester 4

  • Field Placement Preparation (FDPL 2201)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Demolition and Restoration (RENO 2102)
  • Estimating (RENO 2202)
  • Industrial, Commercial, Industrial (ICI) Retrofit (RENO 2203)
  • Managing A Renovation (RENO 2204)
  • Field Placement (RENO 2205)

Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.


Course Delivery

In person


Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.


In person:


  • Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio. Hybrid:
  • Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio. Online:
  • Fully remote course delivery.

Costs

This program contains a co-op option. Click here for information on program costs for co-op students.


The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.


Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to you achieving your educational goals. DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate a number of financial aid programs to support your education.


Residency


  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • International

Started Academic Year In


  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Spring

Carpentry and Renovation Technician Year 1 Costs

Semester 1 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $442
Ancillary Fee: | $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430
Total: |$2,767.52


Semester 2 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $0
Ancillary Fee: | $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120
Total: |$2,015.52


Carpentry and Renovation Technician Year 2 Costs

Semester 3 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $50
Ancillary Fee: | $474.19
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430
Total: |$2,355.94


Semester 4 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $0
Ancillary Fee: | $474.19
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120
Total: |$1,995.94


Scholarships Available

Learn more about two amazing scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in full-time certificate and diploma programs in some of the most in-demand skilled trades fields:


  • Canerector Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $5,000 each
  • Schulich Builders Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $40,000 each

Career Options

  • Renovation technician
  • Assistant to lead carpenter
  • Exterior finisher
  • Finishing carpenter
  • Framing carpenter

Where You Could Work

  • Self-employment
  • New home builder
  • Renovation firm
  • Construction firm
  • Construction or renovation sites

Co-operative Education (co-op)

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals.


Students in the Carpentry and Renovation Technician Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students enrolled in the co-op option are required to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third semesters of their program.


Program Sequence

| Fall (September to December) | Winter (January to April) | Summer (May to August)
---|---|---|---
Year 1 | Academic semester 1 | Academic semester 2 | Co-op work termYear 2 | Academic semester 3 | Academic semester 4 |


Co-op Administrative Fee

Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.


Co-op Courses

Semester 1

  • Construction Math & Estimating I (CCCM 1402)
  • Tools II(Portable Power Tools) (CCPT 1404)
  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Tools for Renovation (RENO 1102)
  • Introduction to Foundation Alterations (RENO 1202)
  • Construction Site Safety (SAFE 1408)

Semester 2

  • Architechtural Styles (ARCH 1201)
  • Construction & Blueprint Reading (CCCB 3400)
  • Co-op and Career Preparation (COOP 1000)
  • Wood Framed Construction (RENO 1101)
  • Kitchen and Bath Renovation (RENO 1201)
  • HVAC Building Science (RENO 1203)
  • Interior Finishes (RENO 2105)

Co-op Work Term

  • Co-op Work Term 1 (RENC 1000)

Semester 3

  • Building Science (CCBS 2400)
  • Interpersonal and Group Dynamics (COMM 2326)
  • Business Math for Renovation (MATH 1206)
  • Roof Framing (RENO 2101)
  • Kitchen and Bath Renovation Practical (RENO 2103)
  • Building Layout and Planning (RENO 2104)
  • Working With Trades (RENO 2201)

Semester 4

  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • General Elective Credit (GNED 1000)
  • Demolition and Restoration (RENO 2102)
  • Estimating (RENO 2202)
  • Industrial, Commercial, Industrial (ICI) Retrofit (RENO 2203)
  • Managing A Renovation (RENO 2204)

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.


Co-op Administrative Fee

Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.


Co-op Costs

The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.


Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to you achieving your educational goals. DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate a number of financial aid programs to support your education.


Residency


  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • International

Started Academic Year In


  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Spring

Carpentry and Renovation Technician (Co-Op) Year 1 Costs

Semester 1 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $442
Ancillary Fee: | $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430
Total: |$2,767.52


Semester 2 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $0
Ancillary Fee: | $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120
Co-op Fee: | $475
Total: |$2,490.52


Carpentry and Renovation Technician (Co-Op) Year 2 Costs

Semester 3 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $50
Ancillary Fee: | $474.19
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430
Total: |$2,355.94


Semester 4 | | Tuition: | $1,401.75
---|---
Program Fee: | $0
Ancillary Fee: | $474.19
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120
Total: |$1,995.94


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