Construction Techniques (Carpentry)

About the Program

In this two-semester program, students study and practice carpentry skills related to the interior and exterior construction of residential and light-commercial buildings. The focus of the program is to provide graduates with the skills to gain entry-level employment in residential and commercial construction. The program provides students with safety training (general and specific) and skills development in a number of the construction areas. Graduates may be eligible to enter directly into the second year of the Carpentry and Renovation Technician diploma program.

For more information, please contact our Student Recruitment staff at trades@conestogac.on.ca.

Program Information

Length: 30-week Ontario College Certificate program
Delivery Sequence: Waterloo - September/2019 - Fall | Winter
Location: Waterloo
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 24

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
• Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270)
• Grade 11 Mathematics, C, M (U/C), or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics for Trades (MATH1420)
• For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Admission Procedures

• An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
• Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
• A sound mathematical and English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.

Program Requirements

• Students are expected to demonstrate the same attention to attendance, punctuality and conduct as would be required by the business or industry in which they expect to be employed.
• Students are required to provide their own CSA-approved footwear, hard hats, safety glasses and specified hand tools. The college provides all other tools required.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to work at heights and in various climatic conditions are frequently prerequisites for employment in this field.
• The physical demands of this program reflect industry requirements (e.g. lifting, carrying, climbing) and requires students to be physically fit in order to participate adequately.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition fee details for the 2018-2019 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.

Pathways & Credit Transfer

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions.

Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

Learn more about PLAR.

Program Outcomes

• Identify and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the construction field.
• Identify and adhere to established health and safety practices.
• Perform all construction tasks in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, codes and ethical practices in the construction field.
• Work in accordance with established sustainability practices.
• Collaborate with a range of tradespersons and project stakeholders to maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate technical information to a variety of clients, supervisors and tradespersons to participate in the successful completion of construction projects.
• Identify and use industry-specific technologies to support construction projects.
• Solve on-site trade-related construction problems using mathematical equations and geometric concepts.
• Select, maintain and safely operate hand and power tools and equipment used in the building construction trades.
• Assist in the preparation of project estimates.
• Assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring tasks at construction sites.
• Perform entry level practical skills associated with the trade of general carpenter to include foundations, framing, interior and exterior finishes.

Program Handbook

Handbook