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Carpenter

Photo/Video Credit alis.alberta.ca

Carpenters construct, renovate, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel, concrete and other materials.

Duties vary according to the type of job. Typically carpenters' tasks involve:

  • interpreting and applying information found in drawings, specifications, building codes and/or receiving instructions from a supervisor,
  • performing layouts and math calculations,
  • estimating and selecting materials required to complete a job or task,
  • planning sequences of methods of work,
  • measuring and marking materials to avoid  costly mistakes or omissions,
  • operating various hand and power tools,
  • cutting and shaping materials and joining them with various fasteners and adhesives, and
  • verifying the completed works is level, plumb, and the right size, shape and location.

To be authorized to perform Restricted Activities in this designated trade, a worker must be a sponsored apprentice, a certified journeyperson, deemed qualified by their employer, or be self-employed. For more information, see Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship
  • The term of apprenticeship for a carpenter is 4 years (four 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
  • Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
  • Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
  • Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).
Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on:

Work Experience

The requirements for a Carpenter are:

  • A minimum of 72 months AND 9,360 hours of work experience.
  • A successful theory exam.
  • A successful practical exam ($205.00).

Recognized Credentials

The requirements for a Carpenter are:

  • A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
  • A successful theory exam.
  • A successful practical exam ($205.00).

Program Credit

Category Information
High School Credit
Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

  • Cabinetmaker
  • Concrete Finisher

Supporting Resources

 
Description
Description / Resources
Resources
Trade Information Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Job Information View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Entrance Requirement You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide.
Curriculum Guides Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn.
Classroom Instruction View a list of currently scheduled classes.
Financial Assistance Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823.
Examinations Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam.
Legislation For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order.