Trades Pathways for Newcomers - Carpentry

What to expect from the program

This program gets you started as a carpenter in Alberta. After you finish, you will know enough about carpentry to take your first-year Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) carpenter exams. If you pass your exams and complete enough hours working as a carpenter with an employer, you will be credited for your first-year carpenter apprenticeship. You will also receive five certifications during your studies.

You will learn

• 1st period apprentice carpentry theory and practical skills
• Safety skills
• English skills for carpenters and construction
• Canadian workplace skills

You must come to class every day and keep an average mark of 65% or higher to stay in the program.

Supplies

You will need safety equipment for this program that costs about $250–$300. The list of the safety equipment you will need is found on CLAC Career Development College’s website. NorQuest may be able to help you buy the equipment if it is hard for you to afford it.

Work placement

• Gain 100 hours of unpaid Canadian work experience with an employer.

Program schedule

This program is full-time, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. The program is held in three locations in Edmonton:

• Weeks 1-3 – English and workplace skills at NorQuest College
• Weeks 4-16 – Pre-Employment 1st Period Carpenter Program and safety courses at CLAC Career Development College
• Weeks 17-19 – Work placement at a work-site, organized by NorQuest College

Who should take this program

This program is for people who:

• Are immigrants to Canada
• Do not have a job or are working very little, and you are not receiving EI (Employment Insurance).
• Have a reliable way to get to class, work placements, and job sites that are hard to get to by bus.
• Are interested in working in carpentry but are having a hard time getting started.
• Want help with their English language skills to work in the construction trades.
• Meet all the entrance requirements for this program.

Questions about this program? Email trades@norquest.ca.

In partnership with CLAC Career Development College

Funded by

The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.