Overview

Carpenters are essential in many construction areas, including residential, commercial, industrial, and maintenance projects. Work ranges from residential framing to commercial tower builds.

This program is designed to provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge required to become a proficient carpenter. It aligns with the curriculum of a first-year carpentry apprenticeship, enabling you to work on job sites confidently. 

As a student, you will learn:  

  • how to read and interpret blueprints, essential for planning and executing carpentry projects
  • how to identify and handle suitable materials for different construction tasks, understand their properties
  • to proficiently use manual and power carpentry tools and equipment
  • to precisely measure and mark materials for cutting and assembly
  • cutting and shaping techniques for different building materials
  • joinery and assembly techniques such as nailing, screwing, and using adhesives, ensuring structural integrity
  • safety practices and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize risks and ensure a safe working environment. 
You’ll also have networking opportunities to meet prospective employers, learn how to write a resume, and participate in a job interview.  

As a graduate, you will be well prepared to join the workforce as an apprentice carpenter and challenge the first-year apprenticeship exam. 

With further experience and training, you may advance into roles such as journeyman carpenter, construction foreman, project manager, or even running your own carpentry business.

Carpenters tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.  

You need:  

  • manual dexterity 
  • good balance for working on scaffolding 
  • math skills to quickly and accurately solve problems 
  • the ability to follow and communicate written instructions 
  • the ability to work as a team. 
You should enjoy creating things with your hands, working with wood, and mastering your craft. 

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) Carpenter curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Carpenter apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Carpenter certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 94% graduate employment rate

salary icon $53,820 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 70010, 70011, 72310, 72311, 72013.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Pre-Employment Carpenter program requires 12 credits (4 courses) to complete.

Course Credits

This course covers topics on basics, orthographic drawings, pictorial drawings and sketching, drawing standards, drawing interpretation principles.

Equivalents:
  • BLPR 233
1.5

This course on carpentry construction theory covers topics on worksite safety, fire prevention and control, ladders and scaffolds, WHMIS, rigging, solid wood products and wood joinery, manufactured construction products, fasteners, adhesives and sealants, introduction to concrete, preliminary building operations, construction equipment, foundation supports, concrete flatwork, conventional concrete foundations, and alternate foundations systems.

Equivalents:
  • CNST 201
3

This course on construction laboratory covers topics on the use of hand tools, portable power tools, stationary power tools, explosive actuated tools, pneumatics and fuel powered tools, building layouts, construct footings, concrete flatwork, foundation systems, floor frame and support.

Equivalents:
  • CNST 220
6

Mathematics for carpentry covers topics on basic math concepts: calculate perimeters, centreline perimeters, area, volumes, ratio and proportion, mechanical advantage and percentage, estimate foundation forms and concrete, and estimate residential floor systems.

Equivalents:
  • MATH 243
1.5

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2, AND,
  • Math 10C or Math 10-3.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: March 1, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $5,376 $159 $5,535
Total cost:
$5,535
*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • CSA steel toe boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Hearing protection - will be provided but students may choose to bring their own. 

Required equipment or tools

  • Metric/imperial tape measure (min. 16')
  • Marking pencil

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $5,376 $157 $5,533
Total cost:
$5,533
*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Canada Alberta Job Grant icon

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Construction Advising

Phone
403.284.8367
Email
construction.info@sait.ca