Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
25 weeks
The most constructive career choice you can make
Your next start date is July
Can't stand the thought of a desk job? Like to work with your hands? The Camosun Carpentry Foundation program will teach you the skills and knowledge necessary to get started as a carpenter and build a solid future for yourself and your community.
![trades-carp-2](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_768/public/2021-03/framing-main.jpg?itok=D2k0EGG1)
Hands-on learning
In the Carpentry Foundation program, you'll develop skills and knowledge necessary for initial entry into the Carpentry trade. You'll learn about site layout, footings and foundations, and wood frame construction. Current best practices for environmental sustainability are emphasized.
You'll be exposed to on-the-job conditions so be prepared to work outdoors regardless of the weather.
The carpentry shop
The carpentry shop is located in the Drysdale Building on the Interurban campus. Our main shop is over 6000 sq. ft. (600 sq. metres) in size.
Other carpentry facilities include both indoor and outdoor platforms for constructing house framing. We also have a well equipped tool room and a large work bench area.
Practical projects will usually be done on site either at the college or in cooperation with local industry.
![A woman in a hard hat working on framing a house.](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1024/public/2023-06/carprentry--square-icon.png?itok=cpP_vLoU)
Information session
Learn more about Camosun's Carpentry Foundation program.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
![An Indigenous Building Trades student stands in front of a house that is only framed in](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_768/public/2020-11/carpentry.jpg?itok=5Uqq93Zo)
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
What to expect
Located at our Interurban campus, this 25 week program is designed to prepare you for initial entry into the Carpentry trade. The program is delivered in two components: 1) site layout, footings, and foundations; and 2) wood frame construction. There is an emphasis on current best practices for environmental sustainability.
This full-time program is comprised of two courses, each running for three months. You can start the program at any of the four intake periods: January, April, July, or October (space permitting).
You'll be exposed to on-the-job conditions so be prepared to work outdoors regardless of the weather. You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Occasionally, you'll have to work longer than normal college hours depending on the project.
![Camosun Carpentry Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1024/public/2024-02/carprentry-logo-icon.png?itok=Tm1PExmh)
Next up: Apprenticeship
As a graduate of the program, you will have skills equivalent to that of a first-year apprentice. While you will obtain training consistent with provincial standards for carpentry core knowledge, you will not acquire the skills and experience necessary to become fully qualified. However, credit for completing this program may be applied to an apprenticeship.
Learn more about the four-year apprenticeship programs offered by Camosun.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program
Carpentry Foundation, Certificate
$2,781 (domestic)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Admission Requirements
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:
- C in English 11
- C in ENGL 058
And one of:
- C in Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11
- C in MATH 038
Note: If you don't have one of the preferred math requirements the college will accept a C or higher in Foundations of Math 11 and Pre-calculus 11, or Principles of Math 11, or Applications of Math 11, or MATH 073 or MATH 137.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Program start dates
Training will take place at Interurban Campus. Contact Registration to confirm seat availability*, 250-370-3550.
Start Date | End Date |
---|---|
April 8, 2024 | Sept 27, 2024 |
July 2, 2024 | Dec 20, 2024 |
Oct 1, 2024 | Apr 4, 2025 |
Jan. 6, 25 | Jun 27, 2024 |
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office.
For questions about the program contact 250-370-3856, tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the Department Chair.
Faculty/staff profile
![Albert van Akker - Program Chair](/sites/default/files/2021-02/vanakker_0.jpg)
Albert van Akker
Chair, Architectural Trades and Carpentry Program Leader
vanakker@camosun.ca
250–370–3802
JD 134A
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
![null](/sites/default/files/2020-05/no-image_0.jpg)
Christian Allen
Instructor, Carpentry
allenc@camosun.ca
250-370-3823
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
![Derek Smith](/sites/default/files/2021-02/derek%20smith.jpg)
Derek Smith
Program Lead, Instructor, Carpentry
smithd@camosun.ca
250–370–3806
John Drysdale
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
![Mark Swanwick](/sites/default/files/2021-02/mark%20swanwick.jpg)
Faculty/staff profile
![Dale Wildman](/sites/default/files/2021-02/dale%20wildman.jpg)
![null](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1280/public/2021-01/small-house.jpg?itok=exdp5ZI-)
Specialty programs
Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for Women and Indigenous people.
Contact information
Trades Apprenticeship Office
Campus location
Centre for Trades and Technology building (CTEI), room 102
Location link
Admissions questions: