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Trades Pathways for Newcomers - Carpentry

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Trades Pathways for Newcomers - Carpentry

Program requirements for January 2026

Academic requirements

Prior Learning Assessment - Entrance Exam

  • Pass mark (70%) on either Exam 2, Exam 4, or Exam 5  

 OR 

 OR 

English language proficiency requirements

This program is designed specifically for newcomer English-language learners. You must submit your English test results to apply. The test must be from the last two years.  

Students with higher scores may be chosen first because the program and safety training can be hard to understand without strong English skills. 

Test scores we accept: 

  • CLBA, CLBPA or CLBPT: No section score below 5
  • IEALTS Academic: 5 
  • TOEFL iBT: 40 
  • Duolingo: 85 
  • NorQuest Coursework:  

Immigration status requirements 

  • Permanent residents   
  • Convention Refugees   
  • Naturalized Canadian Citizens  

Other requirements 

  • 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.
  • Safety equipment
  • You must show that you can do the work and have the strength needed to be a carpenter:
    • You need to be strong. You must stand, bend and kneel a lot. You must lift heavy materials, up to 25kgs.  
    • You must be good at working with your hands. 
    • You must have good balance. For example, if you work on a roof, you must be careful not to fall. 
    • You must be able to do math problems quickly and correctly. 
    • You need to work well with a team.

Progression and graduation

To remain in the program, you must:

  • Come to class every day (no more than one absence)
  • Keep an average mark of 65% or higher

At the end of the program, you will be scheduled to take the 1st period carpentry exam. The passing grade for this exam is 70%.

If you do not pass, CLAC Career Development College will help reschedule you for a second attempt. You will be responsible for paying the required fees for your second attempt. If you pass the training (65%) but are not successful on the first attempt at the 1st period carpentry exam, you will still receive your program completion certificate and be supported to find work with an employer.

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