Carpentry Foundation

Why Choose North Island College?

• Industry recognized training. NIC is an Industry Training Authority (ITA) approved training provider for this entry-level program in the Interprovincial (Red Seal) trade of carpentry.
• A great head start. This program will devlop your hand tool, power tool and machine tool skills and your overall carpentry knowledge, including stair and rafter fabrication.

Program Highlights

This 24-week Carpentry Foundation program is the standard provincial program for entry into the carpentry trade and is well-recognized by the residential and commercial building industries. During the program, graduates develop the carpentry skills and knowledge needed for employment in the construction industry.

The program follows the BC Provincial Apprenticeship Level 1 program competencies, while also providing significant time for practical hands-on skill development. Successful graduates of the program will receive an NIC Carpentry Foundation certificate.

On successful completion of this program and upon entering into an apprenticeship, graduates are eligible to receive credit for level one technical training and 450 hours of work based credit towards their apprenticeship hours requirement.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program can find employment as apprentice carpenters, in residential, commercial or industrial construction. Types of initial work might include, concrete forming, framing, finishing, carpenter's helper, renovations and many other related building industry positions.

Supply List

• Weather appropriate clothing and steel toed rubber boots
• 8 ” High Steel Toe Safety Boots (Shoes)
• Safety Glasses
• Hard hat
• Ear Protection
• Sharp Electronic Calculator # EL-520WBBK or EL-520X
• HB pencils
• Highlite marker
• 3-3”Binders and note paper
• Drafting Equipment: Available at the NIC bookstore in a set
  - Set square – 30/60/90 degree, Staedtler 964 16-60
  - Set square – 45/45/90 degree, Staedtler 964 14-45
  - Scale ruler, Imperial, Architects, Staedtler 987 18-31
  - Scale ruler, Metric, Staedtler 987 18-SI
  - Drawing compass, 559-02
  - Good quality white eraser
  - Mechanical pencils in: .3mm lead in 6H lead; .5mm in 2H & 4H lead; .9mm in 2H lead

Personal Tools

• Carpenter Apron
• Tape Measure 25 inch Imperial and 8 meter metric
• Chalk Line & Reel
• 2’ Level
• Nail Puller (cat’s paw)
• Rafter Square (steel or aluminum)
• Cross Cut Handsaw (10 point)
• Utility Knife & Blades
• Speed Square
• 20-24 ounce Framing hammer

Handbook For Carpentry Foundation Students

The Handbook for Comox Valley Carpentry Foundation students is a free information package intended to familiarize students with the services available at NIC as well as what they will be studying and how to prepare. Also included is an outline of topics covered each year, a list of required materials, and a math self test which students can use to assess their current abilities, and if needed, access information about where to get help.
 

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum C in English 10, or NIC ENG 034, or equivalent; and
2. Minimum C in Principles of Math 10 or Applications of Math 11 or A&W 11 or Foundations 11 or NIC MAT 034 or equivalent; or 
3. Successfully complete NIC assessment testing in English and Math

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in science, physics, and drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality tradesperson. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.

Program Requirements

CFN-100 Introduction to the Carpentry Trade & Apprenticeship Training
CFN-101 Introduction to Essential Workplace Skills for Trades
CFN-102 Introduction to Worksite Safety
CFN-103 Documentation, Codes & Drawings
CFN-104 Carpentry Tools & Equipment – 1
CFN-105 Site Layout and Survey Instruments
CFN-106 Footing & Wall Forming
CFN-107 Residential Framing
CFN-109 Building Science
*OFA-001 WHMIS General
*OFA-010 Occupational First Aid - Level 1 

*Note: Students not having current, valid First Aid and WHMIS certification are required to take these courses to meet program requirements. Separate fees will be charged for First Aid and WHMIS.

Completion Requirements

A minimum average of 70% is required to pass the program.