Fleming College: Learn | Belong | Become

Program Highlights

In the Carpenter apprenticeship program, you'll combine your three in-school Basic, Intermediate and  Advanced sessions of 240 hours each with work experience. Instructors who have many years of practical experience in the trade and related expertise will give you the straight goods on the essentials you need to know to be a competent carpenter.

There's an increasing demand for carpenters with the current economic trend toward new construction. Take pride in a job well done - as a carpenter, you'll get to see the results of all your hard work, enjoy variety in work and projects, and make a good living.

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming's Carpenter Apprenticeship program is known for the high number of qualified tradespeople teaching the program. Our apprenticeship grads have a great success rate in writing their Certificate of Qualification and maintaining work in their trade. The Carpenter's Union, based in Bowmanville, sends their best students to us to complete their apprenticeship training.

What it Takes to Succeed

You've got to be self-motivated, committed to learning, and naturally, be interested in the carpentry trade. In order to complete the apprenticeship you have to be working in a carpentry position while taking courses at Fleming. Other than these essentials, the following are helpful personal qualities and skills that will help you along the path to success as a Carpenter apprentice:

• an interest in learning on the job
• good problem solving skills
• good time management skills
• the ability to work well under pressure/deadlines
• good stress management skills
• analytical thinking skills
• math/logical thinking skills

Career Opportunities

Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you'll qualify for your trade's examination to work as a journeyperson--a fully qualified, certified carpenter with the "papers" to work in the trade.

With a current shortage of qualified people in most skilled trades, you can apply for all kinds of jobs. Go anywhere in Canada with your qualifications--there are plenty of opportunities, particularly in urban areas. It is an advantage if you can relocate or are able to travel to where the work is.

There are plenty of places and projects where you can find employment, including construction companies of various types, and as a self-employed carpenter. You'll be able to select the best paying projects based on your personal schedule and career goals.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Certificate (Grade 10) is required to be considered for this apprenticeship.

To participate in an apprenticeship program, you must be employed and a registered apprentice. Contact your local Apprenticeship office to determine your eligibility to enter this trade. In Peterborough, contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities at (705) 745-1918.

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Estimating, Calculations, and Layout	32.00
Metal Cutting & Welding Safety	24.00
Plans, Specifications and Codes	32.00
Tools, Material and Safety	152.00

Semester 1

Estimating, Calculations, and Layout

Course Number: CNST003

This course is split into two sections, each of 16 hours duration. Section 1 will review the basic mathematical principles as required by a general carpenter. Topics covered will include fractions, decimals, the metric system, mensuration, ratio & proportion, Pythagorean Theorem and trade related estimating problems. Section 2 will introduce the student to the basic principle of geometry as they apply to construction layout. Topics covered will include line-work, angles & triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, polygons, the ellipse, ratio & proportion and arches.

Units: 32.00
Hours: 32.00

Metal Cutting & Welding Safety

Course Number: MECH043

The apprentice will develop knowledge of both the Oxy-Fuel (OFW) and Arc Welding (SMAW) processes. The theory and practice of safe practices, set-up, and operating principles will be taught. Fusion welding on light and heavy steel in the flat and horizontal positions, and brazing and manual flame cutting will be taught.

Units: 24.00
Hours: 24.00

Plans, Specifications and Codes

Course Number: CNST005

This course provides an introduction to basic drafting fundamentals and practices, including freehand orthographic and pictorial sketching: the interpretation and dimensional calculation of mechanical and architectural residential working drawings: familiarization with the Ontario Building Code: and the use of wood member span tables.

Units: 32.00
Hours: 32.00

Tools, Material and Safety

Course Number: CNST012

This course covers the common types of wood, wood structures, wood joints, and hardware used in today's construction. The selection, safe use, and maintenance of hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary power tools required by the carpenter on a typical construction site will also be covered.

Units: 152.00
Hours: 152.00