Program Overview

Carpentry Foundation Harmonized Certificate

Overview

The 24-week Carpentry Foundation program is a great way to start your career in carpentry, recognized in both residential and commercial building industries. It offers hands-on skill development while covering BC Provincial Apprenticeship Level 1 competencies.

You’ll Learn:

• Carpentry skills and knowledge for a career in construction
• BC Provincial Apprenticeship Level 1 competencies
• Practical, hands-on experience in carpentry
• Receive an NIC Carpentry Foundation Harmonized Certificate
• Earn credit for Level 1 technical training through an apprenticeship
• Gain 450 hours of work experience towards your required apprenticeship hours

Foundation vs. Apprenticeship

There are two pathways to your red seal certification.

What's the difference?

Foundation

A certificate program that gives you the basic knowledge and skills to enter a trade. You don't need an employer/sponsor.

Apprenticeship

This pathway combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Pick this option if you're working and sponsored by a company registered with SkilledTradesBC.

Requirements and Courses

Admission Requirements

1. C in English 10 or equivalent or successful English assessment
2. C in Math 10 or equivalent or successful Math assessment for Trades
3. Or successful completion of FSK 030 if the above requirements are not met.
4. High School graduation is preferred provided the applicant meets or exceeds the stated prerequisites.

Course Requirements

• CFH - 110 Safe Work Practices for Carpentry
• CFH - 111 Occupational Skills for Carpentry
• CFH - 112 Power Tools for Carpentry
• CFH - 113 Construction Drawings And Specifications for Carpentry
• CFH - 114 Hand Tools for Carpentry
• CFH - 115 Survey Instruments and Site Layout
• CFH - 116 Select and Build Concrete Forms
• CFH - 117 Building With Wood Systems
• CFH - 118 Access, Rigging, And Hoisting Equipment
• CFH - 119 Concrete Composition
• CFH - 120 Wood Structures
• WSF - 019 Orientation to WHMIS Online
• FAC - 020 Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C

Completion Requirements

• Students will be required to achieve a minimum C (Letter Grade Scale 2) in each course to pass the program.
• Student will be required to pass all industry certificate courses to achieve program completion requirements

Supplies

Personal Protection Equipment

• Weather appropriate clothing
• CSA-approved steel-toed safety boots
• Safety glasses
• Hard hat
• Ear protection

Classroom Supplies

• Sharp Electronic Calculator (# EL-520WBBK or EL-520XTB)
• HB pencils
• Hi-lite marker
• Two 2” binders and note paper
• Drafting Equipment: Available at the NIC bookstore:
  • Set square - 30/60/90 degree, Staedtler
  • Set square - 45/45/90 degree, Staedtler
  • Scale ruler, Imperial, Architects, Staedtler
  • Scale ruler, Metric, Staedtler 987 18-SI
  • Drawing compass, 559-09
  • Good quality white eraser
  • Non-mechanical pencils in: 6H, 4H, & 2H lead

Personal Tools

(Do not purchase until after the 1st day of class)

• Tool belt
• Tape measure 25’/8M (metric, imperial, or combo)
• Chalk line
• 2’ level - (optional)
• Nail puller
• Framing square (steel or aluminum) - (optional)
• Cross cut handsaw (10 point) - (optional)
• Utility knife & blades
• Speed square
• Framing hammer

Careers

After this Foundations Certificate, continue your apprenticeship path to complete your Red Seal certification in Carpentry.

$62,568*

Annual median estimated earnings for carpenters in BC.

Costs

Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.

Domestic*

Tuition| $2,230 ---|--- Lab| $1,060 Student Union| $140 Learner Resource| $120 Health and Dental| $285 Total |$3,835

*Costs are subject to change. Additional fees may be applicable. Estimated additional book costs are $200 per course.