General Construction Carpentry Techniques

Program Overview

The General Construction Carpentry Techniques program at St. Lawrence College equips students with the skills to build and renovate structures. Through hands-on projects and industry-standard practices, students learn carpentry techniques from foundations to finishing, emphasizing energy-efficient and sustainable construction. The program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in construction and renovation, addressing the skilled trade worker shortage.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Title: General Construction Carpentry Techniques
• Credential: Ontario College Certificate
• Campus: Cornwall
• Program Length: 1 Year (3 Semesters)
• Delivery: Full-Time
• Overview: This program equips students with the skills needed to build or renovate structures.
The curriculum covers carpentry skills from foundations to framing, interior/exterior finishing, and fine techniques. It emphasizes energy-efficient and sustainable construction practices. Students hone their skills through hands-on projects, culminating in a major construction or renovation project in their final semester.

Outline:

• Semester 1:
• CARP 21 General Construction Math:
Covers linear measurement, surface area, and volume calculations in metric and imperial measurements.
• CARP 107A Fundamental Skills in Carpentry: Introduces hand tool and power tool usage, overviews construction careers, and covers the residential construction process.
• CARP 150 Safety, Materials, and Tools: Introduces the carpentry field, safety risks, PPE, access equipment, rigging/hoisting, material applications in construction, joints/fasteners, and tool usage/maintenance.
• CARP 151 Plans, Specifications, and Codes 1: Defines stakeholder relationships, introduces different plans/drawings, and covers freehand sketching.
• COMM 62 Skilled Trades Applied Communications: Develops communication skills, focuses on organizing and expressing ideas clearly.
• COMP 201 Basic Computer Applications: Explores advanced features of word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
• GENE General Education Course: N/A
• Semester 2 (Weeks 1-8):
• CARP 250 Residential Construction:
Covers all key elements of residential construction, from site requirements to finishes. Emphasizes building science principles and prepares students for culminating projects and the workplace.
• CARP 251 Plans, Specifications, and Codes 2: Further develops blueprint reading skills with emphasis on residential plans.
• CARP 252 Estimating, Calculations, and Layout 2: Focuses on estimation skills for residential construction materials.
• Semester 2 (Weeks 9-16):
• CARP 350 ICI Construction:
Focuses on commercial construction practices, including excavation, foundations, concrete forming/reinforcement, ICF/masonry/precast structures, suspended ceilings, metal studs, timber frame layouts/fabrication/erection, and stairs. Includes construction-related math problem solving.
• CARP 352 Estimating, Calculations, and Layout 3: Focuses on estimation and problem-solving skills for commercial construction materials.
• Semester 3:
• CARP 143 Computer Aided Design:
Provides basic understanding of CAD terms/techniques, applies principles learned in previous plan/code courses, produces mechanical/architectural drawings, and uses trade/technical terminology effectively.
• CARP 117 Culminating Carpentry Project: Students undertake a large-scale residential construction project under supervision, applying knowledge and skills from previous semesters and enhancing employability.

Careers:

• Program addresses skilled trade worker shortage.
• Job prospects are positive with satisfaction in working on projects from design to completion.
• Graduates can specialize in various areas like home building, renovation, carpentry, siding installation, home inspection, green/sustainable building, fine finish carpentry, project coordination, or estimation.
• Graduates find employment with general contractors, subcontractors, new home builders, woodworking shops, restoration contractors, or as independent contractors.
• Retail opportunities exist in hardware stores, lumberyards, and building centres.

Other:

• Estimated additional costs:
• Books and supplies: $300
• Personal protective items: $150
• Tools: $200
• Expected student workload: 5-10 hours per week outside of class.

Conclusion:

This program provides comprehensive training in carpentry techniques, preparing individuals for diverse career opportunities in construction and renovation. It emphasizes hands-on learning, industry-standard practices, and sustainability.