The General Construction Carpentry Techniques program allows students to develop many of the skills needed to build a new home or structure or to renovate an old one.

Students learn to produce sketches, work from blueprints, develop building details, and assess construction sites. They are taught carpentry skills from base footings to framing, interior and exterior finishing, and fine finishing techniques.

The program also focuses on energy-efficient and green/sustainable construction practices and methods.

Building and installation techniques are practiced through hands-on construction activities and projects and students hone their skills on a major construction or renovation project in their final semester of study.

This program is designed to address the chronic shortage of certified skilled trade workers in the construction industry. Job prospects are favourable and there is a great satisfaction to be gained from working on a project from the design phase through completion.

Program graduates are prepared for a variety of opportunities in residential or commercial construction and renovation. They may go on to specialize as home builders, renovators, general carpenters, exterior siding installers, home and building inspectors, green/sustainable builders, fine finish carpenters, project coordinators, or estimators. Graduates may find employment with general contractors, subcontractors, new home builders, woodworking shops, restoration contractors, or as independent contractors running their own business. Opportunities also exist in the retail sector in hardware stores and at lumberyards and building centres.