The General Carpenter Apprenticeship requires about four years or 7200 hours including 720 hours of post-secondary, in-school training.
Lambton College offers the in-school portion of the curriculum set out by the Ontario College of Trades.
One must pass an exam to receive a Certificate of Qualification with journeyperson status, which includes an Inter-Provincial Trade Certification (Red Seal.) Prior education and experience may shorten the time to complete all competencies.
In-School Instruction
The in-school instruction component of this apprenticeship includes eight weeks of Basic, eight weeks of Intermediate and nine weeks of Advanced. The ninth week of the Advanced level is dedicated to preparing apprentices to write their Certificate of
Qualification to become a certified Journeyman Carpenter.
All levels must be completed in order and apprentices must achieve a minimum grade of C in all classes in order to receive a pass with the MLTSD and to move onto the next level.
General carpenters construct, renovate, and repair structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials in the residential, commercial and industrial construction sectors and in related industries. More specifically, they:
- Establish building procedures and prepare work sites
- Lay out, construct and install formwork and concrete foundations
- Frame floors, walls, ceilings and roofs
- Finish interiors and exteriors
- Construct heavy framing
- Build stairs, posts and handrails
- Lay out, construct and install door and window systems
- Perform renovations
- Erect scaffolding and other structures on job sites
This apprenticeship program follows the current curriculum set out by the ONtario College of Trades and in accordance with the MLTSD.
Pathways to Apprenticeship
Students who have graduated from the Renovation Construction Technician program will be exempt from taking the basic level of this apprenticeship program, while also increasing the chance
of obtaining a sponsor for a Carpenter Apprenticeship.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent
This is an apprenticeship program.
You cannot apply to this program through ontariocolleges.ca.
Applicants need a sponsor or employer and must register through the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
How to Start an Apprenticeship
Find out if you qualify
To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must:
- be at least 16 years of age
- have legal permission to work in Canada (e.g. have a valid social insurance number)
- meet the educational requirements for your chosen trade
- have a sponsor in Ontario
Find an employer or sponsor
A sponsor is someone who provides you with apprenticeship training and can be a single employer, individual (e.g. contractor), or a group of employers (e.g. unions, non-union consortium)
- Guidance Counsellor
- If you're in high school, ask your guidance counsellor for advice and referral for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program and other programs (e.g. Specialist High Skills Majors, dual credit program)
- Colleges
- Most colleges have a placement office or can direct students to a career centre to help find apprenticeship opportunities.
- Online
- Visit the job bank to post your resume and availability for apprenticeship in your chosen trade.
- Employment Ontario
- Employment Ontario offers employmenet services and training opportunities like matching apprenctices to sponsors.
- Unions or Trade Associations
- Many trades have unions or associations with resources to find and match apprentices to sponsors.
- Local Companies
- Research local companies in the skilled trades. Try your local online resources, newspapers or other directories.
- Your Network
- Ask around to see if anyone you know is in the skilled trades. Ask if they are hiring or know someone who is.
Please Note: If you are a registered apprentice and have not received a letter regarding schooling, contact your local Ministry of Labout, Training & Skills Development office.
This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Course List
CRP-0102: Rigging, Health and Safety
Upon successful completion the apprentice will be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge of proper basic hoisting and rigging procedures including hoisting and rigging hazards, fibre rope, knots and hitches, hardware, wire rope, slings, rigging tools and devices, and hazard awareness in crane operations.
CRP-0203: Plans, Specifications and Codes I
This course introduces the apprentice to the Ontario Building Code; how to use it, how to find needed information about joist sizes, rafter spacing, fire and electrical codes. The apprentice will learn to prepare basic geometric sketches and understand the different types of drawings, views, the alphabet of lines, notes and title blocks. This course introduces the apprentice to the skills required to read and interpret a set of blueprints.
CRP-0304: Estimating, Calculation and Layout I
This course will develop the student's understanding of trade calculations and the ability to apply them to carpentry related problems. The student will start with a full review of basic arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Geometric shapes, similar triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem are then covered in detail.
CRP-0402: Metal Cutting and Welding
This course will introduce the carpenter apprentice to the basic principles and applications of safety, oxy-fuel cutting (OFC), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and the equipment for each. They will demonstrate basic cutting and welding for non-structural components (such as metal door frame, anchor bolts, rebar, etc) to the curriculum standards.
CRP-0509: Hand Tools, Wood and Materials
This course presents material relating to the carpentry/joinery trades and the different types of work available in these trades. The apprentice acquires knowledge about the history of the trade and new technologies emerging in the construction industry. The apprentice is introduced to a variety of materials used in the building trade, and on the care and use of hand tools. The student will construct projects which will enable them to develop expertise in the use of hand tools and materials.
CRP-0609: Power Tools, Joints and Fasteners
Upon successful completion the apprentice will be able to identify, select, maintain and use portable and stationary power tools. Power tool safety will be a main topic using the highest standard. Battery powered and pneumatic powered tools are examined and used as well as powder actuated tool safety. The apprentice will also be able to identify all common wood joints and be able to make woodworking joints using power tool. Fasteners and adhesives common in the carpentry trade are examined and many are used when building shop projects.
CRP-1107: Interior and Exterior Finish
This course presents material which provides the apprentice with the ability to describe and construct the elements found in residential construction. The apprentice acquires knowledge about: installation of interior doors, casing, baseboards, chair rail, crown moulding, cabinets and vanities, wall finishes, flooring, exterior windows and doors, cladding, cornice finish, flashings, and shingles.
CRP-1203: Plans, Specifications and Codes II
This course presents material which will enable the apprentice to develop skill in the reading, interpreting and drawing of residential plans knowing the specifications and provincial codes for housing.
CRP-1303: Estimating, Calculation and Layout II
This course will further develop the student's understanding of trade calculations and the ability to apply them to carpentry related problems. At first, a full review is done concentrating on Pythagorean Theorem and similar triangles. The apprentice will then study percent, percentages and progress to estimating linear, area and volume quantities using direct and computed measurement and finally work with more advanced powers and roots.
CRP-1407: Foundations, Floors and Walls
This course presents material which provides the apprentice with the ability to describe and construct the elements found in residential construction. The apprentice acquires knowledge about: building layout, excavation, footing and foundations, tile drainage, installation of sill plates, installation of floor beams, columns, joists, exterior wall framing, structural and non-structural sheathing, interior walls, and the installation of insulation.
CRP-1509: Ceilings and Roofs
This course presents material which provides the apprentice with the ability to describe and construct the elements found in residential construction. The apprentice acquires knowledge about: the function and installation of ceiling joists, the layout, cutting, and installation of different types of equal and unequal slope roofs, and describe and install roof truss systems.
CRP-2013: Commercial Plans, Specifications and Codes
Through this course the apprentice gains the working knowledge and skill in the reading and interpretation of commercial plans, specifications, and codes.
CRP-2023: Estimating, Calculations and Layout III
This course presents material which will enable the apprentice to develop skill in estimating material quantities and costs for commercial plans.
CRP-2033: Levels and Transits
This course presents material which will enable the apprentice to develop knowledge and skill to establish level points and elevations using a builder's level and a laser level. The apprentice will also be able to establish building layout points using a transit / theodolite and competently use various forms of degree measurements for angles.
CRP-2049: Formwork
This course presents material which will enable the apprentice to develop knowledge and skill in the layout and construction of concrete formwork used in commercial construction. The apprentice will also be able to layout and construct commercial footing forms as well as be able to work safely when shoring and excavating.
CRP-2057: Stairs and Commercial Finishing
Upon successful completion the apprentice will be able to calculate, layout, cut, and assemble stairs and ramps.
CRP-2065: Commercial Finishing
Upon successful completion the apprentice will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the installation of suspended ceiling systems, metal studs, demountable partitions, and commercial hardware. The apprentice will also be able to recognize types of commercial exterior finishes.
CRP-9000: Carpentry Pre-Exam
Program Maps
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities can be found in the industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector as well as residential construction.