Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) General Carpenter Pre-Apprenticeship

Program Handbook Guidelines

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program-specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly, and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the website and in the Student Guide. The information in the Student Guide and on the college website applies to all students, regardless of program.

The Student Guide provides details regarding Student Services, Safety and Security, Student Rights and Responsibilities and more.

Welcome

Message from the Executive Dean

Welcome to the School of Trades & Apprenticeship and thank you for choosing Conestoga for your post-secondary education in skilled trades.

Conestoga offers a comprehensive array of programs in the Construction, Motive Power, Industrial and Service sectors to suit your interests and career aspirations. Our established partnerships with many successful local, national and international companies, result in program enhancements and significant career opportunities for our students.

We deliver current and relevant skills-based education and training ensuring our students and graduates the opportunity for successful careers in the skilled trades. We are proud to add the brand new Conestoga Skilled Trades Center (CSTC) on Reuter Drive in Cambridge to our list of trades' campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Brantford, and the training facility in Ingersoll.

I encourage you to take full advantage of the learning opportunities and resources available.

Sincerely,

Tony Thoma, MBA, PEng
Executive Dean

Message from the Dean

Welcome to Conestoga College and the School of Trades and Apprenticeship. I am happy that you are pursuing an education in the skilled trades. It can lead to a very rewarding career with endless possibilities.

We want to ensure that your time at Conestoga provides you with the training you need to be successful. Please ensure that you make yourself aware of the many supports that are available for you at the college, and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

I wish you success in your academic year.

Suzanne Moyer
Dean, Trades and Apprenticeship

Program Academic Team

Program Administration

Admin Office Area 2014, 2nd floor, Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus: Reuter Drive, Cambridge

Program Chair

Jeff Willsie
519-748-5220 ext. 5558
jwillsie@conestogac.on.ca

Liaison Officer - WIST

Nadine Jannetta
226-338-8764

njannetta@conestogac.on.ca

Administrative Assistant

Amal Merabti
519-748-5220 ext. 5552

amerabti@conestogac.on.ca

Program Manager

Rachel Banham
rbanham@conestogac.on.ca

Program Faculty

Program Coordinators

Rob Gilchrist
rgilchrist@conestogac.on.ca

Isaac Thomas
Ithomas@conestogac.on.ca

Other Faculty

In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will work with you for the duration of this program. These include faculty from other Schools for breadth and or / general education courses, as well as faculty with particular expertise in specific areas of program focus.

Contact information for these faculty members will typically be provided on the first day of related courses.

Communication – Program Standard

Conestoga College student email accounts will be used to communicate to students. Students are expected to regularly check their college email accounts. Faculty and staff are not expected to respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses. Faculty will respond to student emails by the end of the next business day after receipt of an inquiry.

College Support Services

Technical Support

IT Service Desk
Main Desk - Room 1E12 - Doon Campus / Various Campuses
519-748-5220 ext. 3444
itsdesk@conestogac.on.ca

Academic Assistance

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The program liaison officer, coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course information such as adding / dropping courses, special timetabling, etc. Students can also access the Student Success website for detailed information on the academic services they provide, including learning skills, peer services, math and writing assistance.

Conestoga College is committed to providing a safe and accessible environment for students with disabilities. Accommodating disabilities at the College is a shared responsibility between students, faculty and administration. Students are responsible for providing relevant and up to date documentation of their disability to Accessibility Services, when they first register. This documentation will allow the student to be considered for accommodations and access to available services.

College Hours

The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.

Program Overview

Program Description

The 34-week WIST Pre-Apprenticeship Carpenter General certificate program will equip you to enter the trade of general carpentry with the basic skills required to secure a position as an apprentice, and to work safely and successfully in the industry. The curriculum provides basic level apprentice training and additional skills designed to increase general level knowledge about the construction and renovation industry. In addition, the program incorporates components not found in the basic level training, such as job search and communication skills, training in computer literacy and various computer applications.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes can be found on the Women in Skilled Trades program page of the college's website.

Current Program Design

Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps below:

Log in to the Student Portal
Click on 'My Courses' tab
Select 'View Progress Report' button

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find the courses the student needs to click on the 'Courses' tab on the program page.

Academic Information

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website.

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses.

Awards – College Application Procedure

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders. To be considered for all awards, complete the General Application available through the Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to complete the application will be sent to all full-time Conestoga students' email accounts in the Fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and Winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit the Financial Aid and Student Awards Office on Conestoga's website for more information.

Awards – Program Specific

Every year, the School of Trades & Apprenticeship hosts an awards ceremony in the Spring where over $250,000 worth of monetary and product prizes are awarded to deserving students. Students are to speak with faculty for more information on possible awards.

Attendance and Program Standards

Working Together to Plan Your Success

Your success matters! Regular, punctual attendance, and active participation in scheduled classes, field and clinical placements, labs and any on-campus and off-campus activities scheduled by your program will help you to understand and master the learning complexities of your program.

If extenuating, unplanned circumstances require you to miss a class or an assessment, please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with individual faculty members prior to the class/assessment and access any missed information.

Attendance for Evaluations

Evaluations are critical components of each course and your overall success in your program. It is your responsibility to attend all evaluations (e.g. test, exam, presentation, etc.). If there is a concerning pattern of absence from evaluations across your program, you may be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Advisor to discuss strategies for success.

While circumstances such as religious holidays and academic accommodations may necessitate rescheduling of evaluations and will be accommodated, please note that there will be no special arrangements made for rescheduling evaluations due to personal conflicts such as work, commuting, or vacation plans.

Faculty Responsibilities

To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester through the Instructional Plan.
To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
As per the Religious Holy Day and Spiritual Observance Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc.) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

To review the instructional plan and familiarize with the dates of evaluation.
As per the Religious Holy Day and Spiritual Observance Procedure, inform your faculty member in writing that the religious holiday defined by the College Employer Council will occur during the semester and may require considerations for evaluations to be rescheduled.
If you must be absent from any scheduled evaluation, report your absence on the Student Portal using the procedure below. You must do this prior to the start of the evaluation or risk receiving a mark of zero.

How to Report Absences on the Student Portal

Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
Indicate whether or not there is an assessment scheduled on that day by clicking 'Yes or No', as well as the reason for the absence (illness or other).
Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up.

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.

Attendance - Program Standard

In the case of unforeseen circumstances that result in late arrival or early departure, whenever possible, students are expected to communicate this in advance with their faculty. Otherwise, students who arrive late for a scheduled class may be counted as absent after 20 minutes from the start of the class. Students who leave more than 20 minutes before the end of class may be counted as absent.

The School of Trades and Apprenticeship uses a 'flag' system to track unauthorized absences. As a result, attendance issues may be flagged during the program. Students run the risk of being ineligible for supplemental assessment opportunities due to poor attendance as well as possible discontinuance in the program.

This program standard applies to both on-line and in-person classes.

What is Academic Integrity?

Having academic integrity means acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities.

By having and applying an Academic Offences Policy and Procedure, Conestoga ensures graduates complete their studies fairly and honestly through hard work and dedication, and thus are well-prepared for their future careers.

Copyright at Conestoga

Conestoga facilitates access to print, media, and electronic resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, and research in compliance with the following:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is submitting or presenting work of another person(s)/organization in whole or substantial part as one's own without proper citation and referencing.

Academic Progress Through the Program

Academic Progression

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Promotion Decision Procedure.

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as eligible to continue, graduate, and discontinued.

Progress from one level to the next in a program is dependent upon the successful completion of courses and/or meeting program promotion standards.

Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Standard

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they have fulfilled the program design requirements necessary to graduate. If for any reason a student is concerned about their academic progress, they should arrange to meet with a full-time faculty member or the program coordinator.

Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 70% in all courses (60% in CDEV1480). Failure or withdrawal from any course(s) may result in the student not being promoted to the next academic level, if applicable.

Due to the nature of the WIST program, if a student withdraws from the program for any reason, they are not permitted to return in a subsequent year. If a student successfully completes all of the in-school training but not the placement, the student has five years after the end of the program in order to complete the placement requirements and earn the certificate.

Common Academic Decisions

At the end of each level / semester, the program team reviews students' grades through a promotion meeting which includes the program chair, program coordinator and relevant faculty. Below are the most common academic decisions issued by the program team determined during this meeting:

Decisions (Pending)

Students that have not successfully completed all of the required courses for the program and who may be eligible to complete work or write a supplemental assessment in order to complete the requirements of the level or program.

Supplemental Assessment: Students who have failed any courses may request a supplemental assessment (a "make-up"). It is the student's responsibility to check the grade postings. It is not the responsibility of the professor to contact the student and offer a supplemental. Supplemental assessments may be approved by the program team, if the course is supplemental-eligible and if the following academic criteria is met by the student.

Failing grade must be no less than 50%. If the minimum passing grade for the course is 60% or higher, the minimum failing grade must be no less than 10% below that grade.
Attended 80% or more of the specific course.
Passed at least one formal evaluation in the course.
Has no registered academic offence in the class in which the supplemental is being requested. (Warnings do not constitute an academic offence.)

The test must be completed within three weeks from the end of the semester. To register for a supplemental, the student must meet with the applicable faculty and complete an Authorization for Supplemental form and submit the appropriate non-refundable fee ($40.00) to the Registrar's Office. The student must provide proof of fee payment at the time of the supplemental exam.

Failure in the supplemental will result in no change to the original course grade. Successful completion of the supplemental evaluation will result in the minimum passing grade being awarded. The final grade as a result of the supplemental will be automatic and is ineligible for appeal.

For more information visit the College Policies, Procedures, Practices and Guidelines webpage then click on the Academic Administration side tab and search for the document entitled Clearance of Academic Deficiency.

Discontinuance, Withdrawals and Probation

Students who wish to terminate their studies must officially withdraw from the program in writing by completing the Withdrawal Form located on the Student Portal. Non-attendance does not constitute official withdrawal and academic records may reflect failures.

Discontinuance: Registered but Did Not Attend (DNA)

A missed course, DNA, will be considered as a course failure (mark of "F") for purposes of discontinuance.

Readmission

Readmission to this program will not be available, due to single special funded delivery.

Equipment and Facility Information

Program Technology Requirements

Program technology requirements are posted on the program web page. Students in hybrid delivery courses will require a device, webcam functionality, and reliable Internet access.

Required Equipment, Supplies and Texts

Information about textbooks will be supplied at the beginning of the program and in the individual courses. If the textbooks are provided on loan for the duration of the course then they must be returned in good condition on the last day of classes and students will be responsible for the cost of the textbooks if not returned.

All required tools are available for student use in the shop.

Classrooms, Computer Labs and Shop Access

Generally, no food is permitted in any classroom, computer lab or shop. In some areas, and at the discretion of faculty, beverages may be permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers; however, they must be kept away from any computers or other sensitive equipment.

Access to shops and use of equipment outside of regularly scheduled class times is not permitted without written permission from the faculty and the presence of either the faculty or technologist. For safety reasons, it is recommended that a minimum of 3 people be present at all times.

Basic Safety

Students are required to sign a Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (CCITAL) Acknowledgment of Safety Training and Responsibilities Form (if applicable to program), which will be provided by the faculty at the start of the program.

In situations where an individual's behavior, whether or not it is suspected to be the result of substance use, is deemed to pose a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, the individual's faculty member or supervisor has the right to limit participation in academic or workplace activities.

Conestoga's Substance Use Guidelines were developed to ensure that the college is in compliance with provincial and federal legislation regulating the use of both legal and illegal substances.

The college recognizes the risks associated with substance use and is committed to providing education on harm-reductive use and prevention as well as individualized support for members of our college community.

Machine Operation and Safety

Machine operation and safety requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course, as necessary. Students will sign-off after they have received safety training relevant to the machinery in use. Students must not use any equipment for which they have not received training or which they do not feel comfortable using.

A student who does not follow appropriate safety measures and puts themself and/or others at risk, may be asked to leave the shop by the faculty, technologist or staff. It will be the student's responsibility to make up for the content missed while away from the shop.

Physical Protection / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

For classes with a shop component, the following are the minimum PPE requirements:

CSA-approved (Omega Symbol required) steel toe work boots or shoes
CSA-approved clear-lensed safety glasses

Other physical protection requirements in the shop include:

Long pants (shorts or capris are not permitted)
No hoodies
Sleeved tops which cover the shoulders, either short sleeved or long sleeved
No loose coats or clothing items
Long hair must be tied back
No rings, bracelets or loose jewelry
Hearing protection is recommended

Any additional personal protective equipment requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course. Faculty and staff will monitor the student's compliance with college and class specific safety requirements and may restrict access to the shops if safety policy and requirements are not followed.

Use of Electronic Devices in Classrooms and Labs

Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Professors or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs. Devices used for accommodations are always welcome. Unauthorized devices used in a testing situation constitutes an academic offence and the Academic Offences Procedure will be applied in this situation.

Student Engagement

Student Feedback and Reporting

Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. All students may be required to complete a program reflection and student satisfaction survey at the end of the program.

The provincial and federal governments provide funding so that Conestoga College can offer pre-apprenticeship programs tuition free. Conestoga is required to report on the outcomes of these programs, in part so that the government can determine if these should continue to be funded. As a result, Conestoga will keep in contact with the students to track their status, during the program, and until one year after its completion.

Co-Curricular Portal

Activities within Conestoga's Co-Curricular Portal (CCP) enhance students' growth and development outside the classroom. The Co-Curricular Record is an official document, complementary to an academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that has been achieved through approved co-curricular experiences at Conestoga College.

Conestoga Policies and Procedures

Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on a yearly basis. This will direct students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. All Conestoga College wide academic policies and procedures are listed on the college website under "About Conestoga", "Policies and Procedures".

Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures, including the following:

Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy & Procedure
Academic Offences Policy & Procedure
Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy & Procedure
Convocation Procedure
Co-operative Education Policy
Discontinuance Procedure
Evaluation of Student Learning Policy & Procedure
Grading Procedure
Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure/International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure
Readmission Procedure
Religious Holiday Policy & Procedure
Student Expectations for Online Engagement
Student Feedback Policy
Student Fees Policy & Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure
Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy & Procedure

Students must follow all of the policies and procedures for Conestoga College and it is expected that faculty will accept, fulfil and enforce these standards.

Web-based Tools

Program courses may use web-based services with data centres outside of Canada. Students may be expected to complete assessments where information is transmitted outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.

Course examinations may be administered through a remote proctoring service to assure academic integrity. Ensure that you meet the system requirements that will allow the recording of your computer screen, webcam, and microphone.

Accommodation Disclaimer

Conestoga College provides an equitable environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in College life. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conestoga recognizes its responsibility and legal obligation to provide education, information and services in an accessible manner.

Conestoga's Accessible Learning services provide support for students with permanent and temporary disabilities who feel they are encountering barriers to learning. They work with students to understand the impact of a disability in the college environment and will help develop a success plan that considers student goals and required academic accommodations. Accessible Learning will also communicate necessary accommodations to professors on behalf of the student.

To consult with an Accessibility Advisor about accommodations please make an appointment by emailing accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3232.

Exceptions for non-accessibility focused issues need to be consulted on with your professor. Final approval for exceptions unrelated to academic accommodations rests with the program chair.

Program Handbook Revision Log

Last Updated: July 2022