College GalleryCarpenter Apprenticeship
The carpentry trade can be a stepping-stone to unlimited possibilities. Carpenters may advance to foreman, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or contractor. They are involved in every phase of construction and create the base buildings that most trades will follow in the construction cycle. Complete your Carpenter Apprenticeship education with Northern Lakes College and learn from field-experienced tradespeople so you are ready to hit the ground running. Start your carpenter trade certification today!
We offer the following Carpenter apprenticeships:
- Carpenter Apprenticeship First Period
- Carpenter Apprenticeship Second Period
- Carpenter Apprenticeship Third Period
- Carpenter Apprenticeship Fourth Period
Apprenticeship Trades programs are delivered face-to-face at a Northern Lakes College campus. Student housing is available at select campuses.
Not sure where to start in your trades’ career? See the Trade Pathways document to help you determine where to begin.
Program Dates
+Carpenter Apprenticeship First Period
Onsite: Slave Lake - October 1, 2024 – November 22, 2024
Onsite: Wabasca - March 24, 2025 - May 16, 2025- CANCELLED
Onsite: High Level - May 26, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Carpenter Apprenticeship Second Period
Onsite: Slave Lake - January 6, 2025 – February 28, 2025
Carpenter Apprenticeship Third Period
Onsite: Slave Lake - March 10, 2025 – May 2, 2025
Carpenter Apprenticeship Fourth Period
Onsite: Slave Lake - May 5, 2025 – June 27, 2025- CANCELLED
Applicants qualified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training may apply up to 1 week prior to the program start date.
Areas of Study
+The Carpenter Apprenticeship First Period program will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. Carpentry courses include:
- Safety and Building Materials
- Tools
- Site Preparation, Building Layout, Foundations, and Floor Systems
- Residential Estimating and Drawing Interpretation
- Lab / Shop
Carpenter Apprenticeship Second Period courses include:
- Frame Structures
- Wood Frame Roofs
- Interior and Exterior Finishes
- Wood Stairs
- Light Commercial Estimating and Drawing Interpretation
- Lab / Shop
Carpenter Apprenticeship Third Period courses include:
- Concrete and Building Layout
- Commercial Form Work
- Commercial Interiors and Exteriors
- Commercial Estimating and Drawing Interpretation
- Lab / Shop
Carpenter Apprenticeship Fourth Period courses include:
- Workplace Organization and Interior Finishes
- Advanced Roof Framing and Stairs
- Renovations, Building Design, Energy Efficiency, and Building Science
- Industrial Estimating and Drawing Interpretation
- Lab / Shop
See the carpenter occupational profile on Alis Alberta.
Career Potential
+Most carpenters are employed by general contractors, are self-employed, or do construction or maintenance work for government agencies, utility companies, or manufacturing firms. Employment prospects for carpenters vary considerably depending upon the sector or type of employer. Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $25 to $38 per hour plus benefits. The carpentry trade can be a stepping stone to unlimited possibilities. Carpenters may advance to foreman, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or contractor. They are involved in every phase of construction, and create the base buildings that most trades will follow in the construction cycle. This overall knowledge is an advantage when applying for supervisory positions.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Once you have your Journeyperson Certificate, you can pursue becoming Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsed or an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate. Continuing Education & Corporate Training and Business & Administrative Studies programs offer management courses for Blue Seal.
The program was really accessible to me because of the location. I grew up in Slave Lake, so I didn’t have to find a new apartment or leave everyone I’ve ever known to go to school.”
– Alumni, Quentin Lindbergh
