# Carpenter Apprenticeship

Carpenters build and repair a vast array of structures made of wood, wood-substitutes and other materials. Many work for construction companies, contractors and maintenance departments while others are self-employed. Carpenter is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Red Seal program. Carpenters assemble and erect forms for concrete, wood and metal frame construction and use plans and instruments to prepare for excavating and shoring. On smaller projects, they direct concrete placement, and install exterior and interior finish materials such as siding, doors, windows and cabinets. Levels 1 - 3 reflect harmonized curriculum.

If a student currently works as a Carpenter and has an employer who will provide on- the-job training, s/he is eligible to enroll in apprenticeship training. An apprenticeship is a three-party agreement between the apprentice, the employer, and SkilledTradesBC.

Students receive training according to the provincial apprenticeship curriculum, as established by SkilledTradesBC, pertinent to the apprenticeship level in which the student is enrolled. Upon successful completion of all four levels and appropriate time in the trade, the student may be eligible to write the Inter-Provincial exam as a Carpenter.

The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council.

Career Prospects

Opportunities exist in the local and regional industry for Carpenters. Above average salaries are offered, as well as, excellent working environments.

Details

Intakes

LocationLevelStartingTypeDawson Creek1May 2027CohortDawson Creek2October 2026CohortDawson Creek3January 2027CohortDawson Creek4March 2027Cohort

Length

Level 1 is 210 hours; approximately 7 weeks long.
Level 2 is 210 hours; approximately 7 weeks long.
Level 3 is 210 hours; approximately 7 weeks long.
Level 4 is 210 hours; approximately 7 weeks long.

Estimated Program Fees

Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.

Domestic Fees

TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related 
FeesTotalLevel 1$ 784.98$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 993.71Level 2$ 784.98$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 993.71Level 3$ 784.98$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 993.71Level 4$ 784.98$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 993.71

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
FeesInternational
Medical InsuranceTotalLevel 1$ 3,072.30$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 289.80*$ 3,570.83Level 2$ 3,072.30$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 289.80*$ 3,570.83Level 3$ 3,072.30$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 289.80*$ 3,570.83Level 4$ 3,072.30$ 70.73$ 138.00$ 289.80*$ 3,570.83

*Per four months

Still have questions?

Contact:

info@nlc.bc.ca if you are a domestic student

info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are an international student

trades@nlc.bc.ca  if you are currently an NLC student

Admission Requirements

Level 1: Registered Apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or proof of successful completion of related Foundation Trades Training program.

Level 2: Successful completion of Level 1 Apprenticeship Technical Training or successful challenge of the SkilledTradesBC Level 1 Placement Exam

Level 3: Successful completion of Level 2 Apprenticeship Technical Training or successful challenge of the SkilledTradesBC Level 2 Placement Exam

Level 4: Successful completion of Level 3 Apprenticeship Technical Training or successful challenge of the SkilledTradesBC Level 3 Placement Exam

Important Notes

The program is not eligible for Canada Student Loans.

Students must provide personal protective equipment (footwear having CSA safety-toe protection and CSA safety glasses with clear lenses).  Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.

The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC.

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the DeanMinimum Grade Requirements70% minimum in all courses

Levels: 

CARA 150 - Carpenter Apprenticeship Level 1 (210 contact hours)

CARA 250 - Carpenter Apprenticeship Level 2 (210 contact hours)

CARA 350 - Carpenter Apprenticeship Level 3 (210 contact hours)

CARA 450 - Carpenter Apprenticeship Level 4 (210 contact hours)

Credential

Training results are reported to SkilledTradesBC