The Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry Program is 12 weeks in length and is designed to train and prepare students to find apprenticeship-level work in the Carpentry trade. The program uses a combination of theory and shop work that covers: Safety, Building Materials, Hand and Power Tools, Site Preparation and Building Layout, Foundation, Floor Frame, and Estimating and Plans. Due to the nature of work in the Carpentry trade, safety is taught and stressed on a continuous basis throughout this program.

Applicants must:

• Be 17 years of age or older;
• Have a desire to work in the Carpentry field;
• Have completed grade 10 or completed Aurora College ABE English 140, ABE Math 140, ABE Science 140 or have passed the Assessment Tool Exam 2.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and be physically capable of performing the work involved in the Carpentry field.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Describe safe work practices related to jobsite conditions.
2. Describe various building materials used in the construction industry.
3. Describe and safely use hand and power tools related to the carpentry trade.
4. Describe and identify site preparation and building layout.
5. Describe and construct residential footing forms.
6. Describe and construct residential foundation forms.
7. Describe and construct residential floor frames.

Students must demonstrate acceptable life skills such as punctuality, attendance, attitude and successfully complete all portions of the program.

Students must achieve a mark of 65% on the college exam and in the shop portion in order to pass this program.

The program is tailored for people interested in becoming an Apprentice Carpenter. This program will prepare individuals to be more attractive to potential employers, as those who complete the program will have gained substantial theoretical knowledge and a skill-set advantage over others who are seeking apprenticeship positions but do not have any exposure, skills or experience in the trade. Students who have completed the program will also have demonstrated an aptitude in the Carpentry trade.

Students are exposed to the program concepts through lectures, discussions and demonstrations, independent and group study. They are then given opportunities for skill development through a series of practical applications.

Students who successfully pass this program may be eligible to write the Carpenter Level 1 apprenticeship exam. Successful students may be granted up to 300 hours work experience towards their apprenticeship, after becoming indentured, and with their employer's recommendation.