This program gives you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to work as a general carpenter in residential and commercial construction. You will spend most of your time in the Tamarack Building shops on the Benchlands Campus, where you will practice framing, roofing, and structural techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. You will also learn essential plumbing basics and project management skills that are highly valued on construction sites. The curriculum is designed to meet provincial apprenticeship standards, so every course builds directly on the last. You will work with hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery, learning how to read blueprints, measure accurately, and follow strict safety protocols. By the end of the program, you will be ready to tackle real-world construction tasks with confidence.
Career outcomes
- General Carpenter
- Roofer
- Formwork Carpenter
- Construction Labourer
- Site Foreman
- Renovation Specialist
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes).
- Grade 12 math (C or U) with a minimum grade of 60%.
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%.
- You must be 16 or older to enter the shops; under-18s need a signed consent form.
Tuition
The tuition is $1,190 per level for the 2026–27 academic year.
Courses
- CARP 1670 General Carpentry Foundations
- CARP 1850 Structural Framing Systems
- CARP 1880 Site Safety and First Aid
- CARP 2600 Roofing and Sheathing
- PLMB 1400 Structural Carpentry Basics
- PLMB 2200 Advanced Framing Techniques
- PLMB 2680 Carpentry Project Management
What you will learn
This program gives you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to work as a general carpenter in residential and commercial construction. You will spend most of your time in the Tamarack Building shops on the Benchlands Campus, where you will practice framing, roofing, and structural techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. You will also learn essential plumbing basics and project management skills that are highly valued on construction sites. The curriculum is designed to meet provincial apprenticeship standards, so every course builds directly on the last. You will work with hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery, learning how to read blueprints, measure accurately, and follow strict safety protocols. By the end of the program, you will be ready to tackle real-world construction tasks with confidence.
How the program runs
The General Carpenter (Apprenticeship) program runs on a full-time schedule at the Benchlands Campus. Classes are offered in September, January, and May, allowing you to start when it works best for your schedule. Each level lasts eight to ten weeks and covers a focused set of topics. You will take seven core courses, including General Carpentry Foundations, Structural Framing Systems, Site Safety and First Aid, Roofing and Sheathing, Structural Carpentry Basics, Advanced Framing Techniques, and Carpentry Project Management. Because this is in-school training for an apprenticeship, you will be paired with an employer or contractor who provides on-the-job training alongside these classroom sessions. The schedule is intensive, so you will need to be available for all classes and shop sessions. Wrenford Transit routes 3 and 7 stop at the Hollis Hall loop, and you can find information about parking on campus through the Parking page.
Admission
To be considered for this program, you must meet the standard entrance requirements for Wrenford Polytechnic. You need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or you must qualify as a mature student, which means you will be 19 or older by the start of classes. Engineering-technology and skilled trades programs require Grade 12 math (C or U) with a minimum grade of 60%. You also need Grade 12 English (C or U) with a minimum grade of 60%. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through an approved test or equivalent qualification. You must be 16 or older to enter the shops; under-18s need a signed consent form. If you do not meet the academic requirements but have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for a prior learning assessment. Contact the admissions office for details.
Tuition and fees
Tuition for the 2026–27 academic year is $1,190 per level. This fee covers your instruction, shop access, and standard tools. You will need to pay an additional $1,125 per year in ancillary fees, which support campus services like the library, student association, and health centre. If you plan to drive to campus, a student parking permit is $210 per term. You can pay your fees through the student portal, and if you need help covering costs, the Student Financial Aid office can guide you through grants, loans, and payment plans. Tuition is due before the start of each term.
After you graduate
Graduates of this program are prepared to continue their apprenticeship and work toward becoming certified journeypersons. You will have the foundational skills to find employment with residential builders, commercial contractors, renovation companies, and municipal maintenance crews. The project management course in the curriculum also prepares you for supervisory roles as you gain experience. Many employers hire directly from the program, and the Co-op & Career Services office can help you connect with local construction firms. You will also be eligible to apply for provincial student financial assistance to support your training. As you complete your on-the-job hours, you will progress through the apprenticeship levels, eventually qualifying for the provincial certification exam.
How to apply
Applying to the General Carpenter (Apprenticeship) program is straightforward. Domestic full-time applicants apply through the provincial college application service, while part-time and Continuing Education students register directly with the college. International applicants submit their application on Wrenford Polytechnic's own form. You can start your application by visiting the How to apply page, where you will find detailed instructions, required documents, and important deadlines. If you have questions about the program, the Carpentry & Construction Trades department can answer them at 519-555-0170, ext. 4201. We look forward to helping you build your future in construction.