Carpenter training
Carpentry Apprenticeship Technical Training (Levels 1–4)
Facts checked 7 September 2026
Report a mistake·How we check facts
Part of the route toCarpenter·Certificate
Apprenticeship technical training teaching wood framing, concrete formwork, roof geometry, and building code standards.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
Money for apprentices
EI, a $4,000 loan per level and a tax creditWhile you are at school for each level. The old federal grants ended in 2025.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- Recommended: Grade 12 graduation with Workplace Math 11 or Foundations Math 11 and English 12
- Recommended: Grade 12 or equivalent with Math 11
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- Recommended: Grade 12 graduation with Workplace Math 11 or Foundations Math 11 and English 12
- Mathematics 12. Requirement varies by school (Camosun College, Okanagan College). Strictest requirement: C.
- High school graduation or mature student status
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC and employer sponsor (or Carpentry Foundation certificate)
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or Carpentry Foundation certificate
- SkilledTradesBC apprentice registration number
- Active employer sponsorship
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC and employer sponsor
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Register for 7-week technical training blocks at BCIT or Camosun College
- Provide SkilledTradesBC apprentice registration number and employer verification
- Apply for federal apprenticeship incentive grants upon successful completion of each level
Step 5 of 8
Carpenter training
⏱ 7 weeks per Level (4 Levels)- 4 levels of technical training (7 weeks per level, 28 weeks total over 4 years)
- Concrete forming, foundation footings, and transit level site layout
- Floor, wall, and engineered roof framing, truss rigging, and heavy timber construction
- BC Building Code compliance, building envelope moisture management, and energy efficiency
- Interior and exterior finishing, custom stairs, door hanging, and architectural millwork
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 6 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 7 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $4,200 for the whole program)
- Camosun College — 4 years (About $2,900 for the whole program)
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University — 7 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $1,100 per level)
- Okanagan College — 7 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $1,100 per level)
- Thompson Rivers University — 7 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $960 per level)
- Vancouver Island University — 7 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $4,200 for the whole program)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- Interprovincial Red Seal Examination
- SkilledTradesBC Certificate of Qualification
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Carpenter
- Explore Carpenter wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(6 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.