Heritage Retrofit Carpentry banner image Heritage Retrofit Carpentry banner image Heritage Retrofit Carpentry banner image

Heritage Retrofit Carpentry


Start Date: September


Location: Prince of Wales Campus


Length: 1 Year


Credential: Certificate, Heritage Retrofit Carpentry


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Open

Other International Applicants: Waiting list


In the Heritage Retrofit Carpentry program, you will learn the construction techniques that were used centuries ago and replicate them by combining traditional skills with the latest technology.

You will help preserve historic properties by upgrading and restoring them to structural standards and energy efficiency without compromising their character, aesthetic, or charm. Courses include timber frame carpentry, restoration and renovation, finishing, energy efficiency, and architectural history. 

Students from this program have worked on some of Prince Edward Island's most historically significant buildings, including Province House National Historic Site. Students continue to work on this multi-phase project. 

Developers and communities are seeking to re-use older structures, so the demand for heritage retrofit carpenters is high.

This program is located in the Centre for Applied Science and Technology. Take a virtual tour.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Heritage Retrofit Carpentry program at Holland College, graduates will:

  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. Develop an awareness and appreciation of local architectural history and characteristics from various periods Interpret and produce blueprints, project plans and technical sketches and documents to support restoration and renovation projects to ensure that they meet specifications.
  4. Apply construction, renovation, and restoration best practices and techniques in the completion of projects, from the selection of materials and equipment to the reinstallation of building components in compliance with the National Building Code, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and guidelines, and ethical practices.
  5. Solve problems related to renovation and restoration projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics, building design, and building science.
  6. Apply traditional methods and techniques involving joinery for various applications including timber frame construction projects.
  7. Communicate and collaborate with clients, supervisors, co-workers and tradespersons to complete building, renovation, and restoration projects.
  8. Select and use technologies to obtain, organize, plan, record and communicate restoration and renovation information.
  9. Identify the importance of ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and to keep pace with industry changes.

RED SEAL


The Heritage Retrofit program enables you to earn 30 hours of apprenticeship time for each week of training, which puts you well on your way to Red Seal certification in carpentry. 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 Interprovincial 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 Interprovincial Red Seal gives you the ability to work anywhere in Canada without further testing or certification. The Red Seal is recognized as the Interprovincial standard of excellence for your chosen trade and is the designation most employers will ask for.
 
The Interprovincial Red Seal gives you the ability to work anywhere in Canada without further testing or certification. The Red Seal is recognized as the Interprovincial standard of excellence for your chosen trade and is the designation most employers will ask for.

DEGREE PATHWAYS


This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
American College of the Building Arts, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A. Bachelor of Applied Science Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 30 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
  • 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:

2023/2024 Academic Year

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

1st Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $4,471 $9,571
Fees $917 $1,667
Other Costs $1,150 $1,150
Total $6,538 $12,388
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition $4,471
Student Union $172
Health Insurance Fee $445
Fitness Centre Fee $80
First Aid/WHMIS $120
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $5,388
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $3,600
2nd installment due first day of second semester $1,788
   

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 $350
Materials/Supplies $200
Personal Protective Equipment $300
Equipment/Tools/Registration Fees $300
     Total $1,150
   
Grand Total $6,538

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition* $9,571
Student Union $172
Health Insurance Fee $1,195
Fitness Centre Fee $80
First Aid/WHMIS $120
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $11,238
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $9,450
2nd installment due first day of second semester $1,788
   

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 $350
Materials/Supplies $200
Personal Protective Equipment $300
Equipment/Tools/Registration Fees $300
     Total $1,150
   
Grand Total $12,388

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Building contractors
  • Custom woodworking shops
  • Self-employment
  • Building supply yards

DEGREE PATHWAYS

Many Holland College programs have degree pathway agreements with other post-secondary institutions. You can receive credit for your Holland College diploma toward a university degree or other post-graduate credential, saving you time and money! Find out more on the Degree Pathways page.

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:ARCH-1400

Heritage Recording and Architectural History

This course is an introduction to residential architectural history with an emphasis on existing Prince Edward Island buildings. This course also provides an overview of the principles and practices of heritage recording. This course includes field work to acquire measurements that are used in the production of As-Found Drawings.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:BUSI-1110

Introduction to Project Management

A study of project management techniques and software. Students write a project statement, develop the work breakdown structure, sequence tasks, assign resources, and apply scheduling techniques to manage a project. The use of project management software to produce Gantt charts and network diagrams is explored.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:CARP-1305

Blueprint Reading & Basic Drafting

This course introduces students to working drawings used for construction. Students learn to read drawings and interpret the information contained in the drawings. Students are also introduced to basic drafting principles and how they relate to blueprint production and creation.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:CARP-2010

Advanced Finish Carpentry

In this course students learn to recreate windows, doors, and millwork from an existing example and from drawings. Included in this course are: stair building and installation, trim and wall finish creation and installation and window building. In addition, students learn to install wood floors and apply various finishes to wood.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:CARP-2020

Energy Efficiency

This course provides an overview of what it means to be energy efficient and why this is important. The course briefly looks at commercial applications and focuses mainly on residential applications, with an emphasis on applying energy efficient building practices to existing and new construction.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CARP-2030

Timber Frame Carpentry

Students learn about timber frame construction from the planning to construction stages of a structure. Specialized tools, practices and building techniques that are unique to timber frames are explored during the construction of a timber frame structure.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CARP-2040

Restoration and Renovation Methods I

In this course students learn the theory and practical application of methods in restoration and repair of existing structures.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:CARP-2045

Restoration and Renovation Methods II

Building on the knowledge and skills from Restoration and Renovation Methods I, students acquire further experience with restoration and repair methods. In addition, students utilize energy audit reports on an existing historical home and compile a complete bid for renovations on the house. Students present their findings to the class in the form of a polished sales pitch.

Credit Value:4


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-1010

Occupational Health and Safety

Students learn the information needed to prevent accidents and protect themselves and others from injury on the worksite, as well as the appropriate steps to take in the event of an accident. Areas of focus include; provincial legislation regarding workplace health and safety, personal protective equipment, types of fires and extinguishers, proper use of ladders and scaffolding, hazardous building materials and substances, and the role of foreperson in the workplace. Students are also expected to complete a practical safety component.

Credit Value:2


Optional courses

Course Code:CARP-2050

Traditional Carpentry Capstone I

This course provides students with an opportunity to research an existing piece of heritage millwork (i.e. mantle piece, stair railing etc.), or work with a client to document a modern project that contains elements of historical woodwork. Students further expand their basic drafting skills to produce a set of working drawings that will be used to in the completion of the project in the final course, Traditional Carpentry Capstone II.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:CARP-2150

Traditional Carpentry Capstone II

This course provides students with an opportunity to re-produce heritage millwork, or a modern project with heritage elements, using the technical drawings created during Traditional Carpentry Capstone I.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:PRAC-2150

Heritage Retrofit Carpentry-OJT

On-the-job training provides students with an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired in the Heritiage Retrofit Carpentry program to a relevant work environment. OJT participants are expected to assume, with appropriate supervision, the duties and responsibilities normally expected of an entry-level employee in a similar position. Using their own observations and initiative, students are expected to acquire and apply new skills as may be expected of a new employee in their respective workplace setting.

Credit Value:4


Heritage Retrofit Carpentry background image Heritage Retrofit Carpentry background image Heritage Retrofit Carpentry background image

I entered the Heritage Retrofit Carpentry program as a mature student. Taking the time to learn and begin working in a new trade has been one of the most refreshing things in my working career since finishing university. The program delivers, and offers lots of history about the skills you learn - giving you a strong appreciation for how they use to do things. I'm proud to have taken the program and I look forward to keeping some of the old-world trade skills alive in my carpentry career.

Oliver, Class of 2022

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