Carpentry banner image Carpentry banner image Carpentry banner image

Carpentry


Start Date: September


Location: Summerside Waterfront Campus


Length: 1 Year


Credential: Certificate, Carpenter


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Closed

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Closed

Other International Applicants: Closed



Program Availability: Fall 2025 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Open

Other International Applicants: Open


Get your carpentry certificate


 

In the Carpentry program, you will learn how to apply concepts from math, engineering and design to construct solid building structures. You will learn about blueprints, building layout, framing, roof, wall, and floor systems, interior and exterior finish, and more.

Courses are delivered in the classroom, in the shop, and in our Summerside campus carpentry compound. Throughout the program, you'll continually develop your carpentry skills by building a three bedroom home with your classmates under the guidance of our Red Seal instructors. These homes, built in collaboration with other trades programs, will be used by the Province of Prince Edward Island to help support affordable housing options for residents. When you graduate, you can enter the workforce with confidence and start working toward your Red Seal Certification in Carpentry. 

This program is located at our Summerside Waterfront Campus. Take a virtual tour. 

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply health and safety best practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  2. Select, maintain, and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  3. Interpret blueprints and plans to ensure that building projects are completed to specifications.
  4. Apply construction best practices in the completion of building stages, from the selection of materials and equipment to the site layout through to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in compliance with the National Building Code, applicable laws, bylaws, and industry standards.
  5. Solve problems related to building construction projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics, building design, and building science.
  6. Communicate and collaborate with clients, supervisors, co-workers, and tradespersons to complete building projects.
  7. Select and use technologies to obtain building construction information.
  8. Identify strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.

EARN YOUR RED SEAL


The most successful path to a Red Seal as a carpenter begins with the Carpentry program. This program enables you to earn 30 hours of apprenticeship time for each week of training and write the apprenticeship year-one block exam, which puts you well on your way to Red Seal certification. Upon graduation, once you are working with a suitable employer, you can register as an apprentice to continue your apprenticeship journey, ultimately completing the Red Seal exam. When you register, Apprenticeship PEI will give you credit for the hours earned and block exams passed while you were at Holland College. 

The Red Seal gives you the ability to work anywhere in Canada without further testing or certification.  

  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

Notes:

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

Fees are Program Based

1 Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $4,560  $10,560
Fees $943  $1,693
Other Costs $1,100  $1,100
Total $6,603  $13,353
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition $4,560
Lab Fee $75
Student Union $178
Health Insurance Fee $470
Graduation Fee $100
First Aid/WHMIS $120
     Total payable to Holland College $ 5,503
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $ 3,186
2nd installment due first day of second semester $ 2,318
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1 Year

Books $400
Uniforms/Safety Shoes/Licence Fee $400
Equipment/Tools/Registration Fees $300
    Total $1,100
   
Grand Total $6,603

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition* $10,560
Lab Fee $75
Student Union $178
Health Insurance Fee $ 1,220
Graduation Fee $100
First Aid/WHMIS $120
     Subtotal $ 12,253
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $ 9,936
2nd installment due first day of second semester $ 2,318
   

Other Costs

1 Year

Books $400
Uniforms/Safety Shoes/Licence Fee $400
Equipment/Tools/Registration Fees $300
     Subtotal $1,100
   
Total $ 13,353

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Building contractors
  • Self-employment
  • Building supply yards

APPRENTICESHIP

After you graduate from Holland College, your apprenticeship training begins. When you register with your provincial apprenticeship program, you will receive credit for the hours earned and level exams passed while you were at Holland College. Learn more about apprenticeship and the Red Seal program.

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:BLPR-1025

Carpentry Blueprint Reading

This course introduces students to working drawings used for construction. Students learn to read drawings and interpret the information contained in the drawings.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:CARP-1010

Tools of the Carpentry Trade

Students learn to identify and use tools related to the capentry trade in a safe and efficient manner. Students are exposed to a variety of hand, portable power, and stationary power tools, as well as measurement and layout tools that are used during the program and throughout their careers.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CARP-1015

Framing Fundamentals

Students learn the requirements for framing a structure according to the National Building Code. Students also learn about the forces and loads placed upon a structure, as well as types of applications for floor, wall, exterior deck, and roof framing systems.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:CARP-1020

Construction Skills Training I

Students gain hands on experience while they learn and apply practical construction skills in the construction of small and large scale projects. Students gain an overview of construction projects from start to finish, with a strong emphasis on framing techniques, and compliance with the National Building Code (NBC). Students also gain experience as safety officers to ensure a safe working environment.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:CARP-1025

Interior and Exterior Finishes

Students learn about the building envelope and explore various types of exterior finishes used in modern construction. Students also learn about interior systems and finishes, and how these systems apply to building science principles.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:CARP-1030

Doors, Windows, and Trim

Students learn about exterior door and window systems, their characteristics, types of assemblies and accessories, as well as procedures for their layout and installation. Interior doors are also covered, as well as types and methods of applying interior finish such as trim and baseboard.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:CARP-1040

Site Preparation, Building Layout and Foundations

Students learn about the activites, procedures, and equipment used to prepare a site for a construction project. Various types of foundations found in today's construction are discussed, as well as how to layout and prepare for their implementation. Students also learn how to safely communicate on a worksite and how to safely and properly prepare for the hoisting and rigging of materials and components.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CARP-1045

Materials of Construction

This course provides students with a thorough introduction to the materials used in residential construction. Categories of materials examined and used include metal, woods, composites, concrete, and glues. Students learn to identify types of woods and explain the process of turning trees into building materials.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:CARP-1050

Construction Skills Training II

Students gain practical experience while engaging in the construction of a large project for the interior and exterior finish work. Finishing techniques and compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) are emphasized, as well as preparing for and working with associated trades. Students also gain experience as safety officers to ensure a safe working environment.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:COMM-1005

Workplace Communications

This course is designed to allow students to develop preparatory skills for securing and retaining employment including; workplace communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving, and customer service. Upon successful completion of this course students are able to use oral communications techniques, and create a variety of written documents and reports used in the workplace. Methods and strategies for job search, preparation and retention are also incorporated.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:COMP-1000

Computer Essentials

Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:MATH-1005

Math Essentials

This course is designed to provide students with a review of fundamental trade related math skills. Students acquire competency in the math skills as they relate to their chosen trade program and future career. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students are challenged to continually make connections between math and their trade, as well as every day applications.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:MATH-1015

Math for Carpenters

This course is designed to enable the student to develop trade related math skills. Students acquire competency in the math skills as they relate to their carpentry program and future career. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students are challenged to continually make connections between math and carpentry, as well as every day applications.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:NCPR-1001

Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C

A comprehensive two-day course offering standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills from a certified trainer. As required by regulation, this course covers CPR and the management of other breathing, airway and circulation emergencies, as well as, the control of bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing fractures and dislocations, head and spine injuries, and more. Also, includes automated external defibrilators (AED). This certification expires in 3 years.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-1002

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems

Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and certification.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-1066

Certified Fall Protection

Students are trained and become certified in the application and use of fall protection equipment. Students explore hazards, legislative requirements, as well as various types of fall protection systems and their components. Demonstration of the proper application and use of fall protection is required in order to pass this course.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:SAFE-1015

Occupational Health and Safety For Carpenters

In this course students learn the information needed to prevent accidents and protect themselves and others from injury on the worksite. As well, students learn the appropriate steps to take in the event of an accident. Specific components of the course include provincial legislation regarding workplace health and safety, fires and extinguishers, safe use of ladders and scaffolding, and the role of the safety officer in the workplace.

Credit Value:2


Carpentry background image Carpentry background image Carpentry background image

This program has been even better than I had anticipated … I am a single mom of two children and when I am a few minutes late due to taking them to school or have to miss due to a sickness or other, they have always supported me. I truly couldn't have succeeded thus far without their support.

Graduating Student Survey Respondent, Class of 2024

Related
Programs


Heritage Retrofit Carpentry

Become a Heritage Carpenter. Learn how to restore and conserve historic properties using traditional construction techniques & modern technology. You'll learn essential carpentry skills and earn credit towards a Red Seal in this one-year certificate program.

Construction Technology and Management

Become a Construction Technician and learn to plan and manage construction projects from start to finish. This two-year diploma program will help you start your career in the construction industry.

Additional
Resources