Taking the carpentry courses in Toronto when it comes to becoming a Carpenter.
Generally, carpenters build, renovate, and repair structures that are made of wood, steel, and concrete, for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
They have solid math skills, they are excellent problem solvers, good team players, and most importantly, they have a natural aptitude for precision work. In this article, we will be looking at carpentry courses in Toronto, and generally, how to become a carpenter in Ontario.
How to Become a Carpenter in Ontario
In order to build a foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, many people choose to begin their carpentry career path with pre-apprenticeship training.
The Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Training
Pre-apprenticeship carpentry training in Ontario takes an average of 4-6 months to complete and covers a range of key study areas, such as:
- Safety
- Production methods and techniques
- Interpreting blueprints
Safety: Here you are taught on-the-job safety procedures and safety requirements that is relevant to carpentry under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Production methods and techniques: Here you are taught how to identify and select appropriate materials, how to apply interior and exterior finishes, learn servicing as well as installation methods; using relevant and power tools.
Interpreting blueprints: Here you learn how to analyze various types of specifications, diagrams, drawings, and building plans.
The Carpentry Apprenticeship Training
Generally, a carpentry apprenticeship takes about a total of 7, 200 hours (three to four years) to finish, and basically consists of on-the-job training and in-class instruction.
The in-school portion part of the training typically takes 720 hours to complete, while the on-site component lasts for 6,480 hours, and is supervised by an experienced journeyperson.
Some pre-apprenticeship programs also help students secure apprenticeships with local employers.
Organizations and associations such as CLAC Union and Merit Ontario, help graduates connect directly with their potential employers or access exclusive job boards.
Furthermore, It is important to note that for you to complete a general carpenter apprenticeship, you must be registered with (become a member of) the Ontario College of Trades.
You must also remain an active member of the OCOT throughout your apprenticeship. More on this next.
General Carpenter Certification with the Ontario College of Trades
The Ontario College of Trades was formed in the year 2009 to oversee the skilled trades in Ontario.
Its mission is to “protect the public by regulating and promoting the skilled trades.”
They are known for enforcing certain training and professional standards. They also investigate complaints that are made against members and can levy charges, tickets, and other penalties if public-reported offenses are proven to be legitimate.
The College is known for regulating trades by deciding which are “compulsory” (and require certification), and which are “voluntary” (need no certification).
There are currently about 23 compulsory trades in Ontario, and that includes general carpenter.
General carpenters must register with the OCOT as an apprentice, journeyperson candidate, tradesperson, or journeyperson.
The annual registration fee for members varies according to “membership class”.
Once you have completed your Apprenticeship, you will be eligible to challenge the OCOT’s Certificate of Qualification ( C of Q) exam.
The exam is not optional; general carpenters must earn a C of Q in order to work in Ontario.
Exams consist of 90-150 questions, all multiple-choice, and students are allowed up to four hours to complete them.
A passing grade is 70% and earns you entry into the journeyperson class.
Get more details HERE.
The List of Institutions with Carpentry Courses in Toronto
To be qualified to become a carpenter, you need knowledge of building and construction, you need the ability to work well with your hands, and most importantly an excellent communication skill is vital. These and more can be gotten when you take carpentry courses in Toronto.
George Brown College – Casa Loma Campus
- Domestic Tuition: $4,014.00
- Starting Months: January, September
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
- 160 Kendal Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada
George Brown’s two-year Carpentry and Renovation Technician program is designed to prepare you for employment in the renovation and light construction field.
You will learn practical hands-on skills in carpentry, construction site safety, and renovations, along with the business skills to succeed in the renovation industry.
York Construction Academy
- 155 Champagne Dr Unit 8a, Toronto, ON M3J 2C6, Canada
This is one of the institutions that offer carpentry courses in Toronto. In this program, you will learn to install and repairing of interior fabricated doors and windows.
You will also learn about measuring, cutting, and installing crown moldings, wainscoting, chair rails, baseboards, and millwork. Check out the course details on Finish Carpentry.
Green Wood Studio
- 915 Dupont Street,
Toronto,
ON, M6H 1Z1
Green Wood studio has programs and workshops that are exploratory and solutions-based, with consideration for social and environmental impact.
Their workshops are kept small at a maximum of 12 participants with at least two facilitators.
Participants are able to follow their curiosity and interests in a self-directed, yet collaborative setting. Visit their website.
Carpentry Courses in Ontario
As we mentioned earlier, completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college, or industry courses in carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Apart from the places listed above where you can take carpentry courses in Ontario, you can find carpentry courses in the following institutions also.
Fleming College
- Carpenter – General Apprentice (Basic – Level 1)
- Find Program Details and Locations
In the Carpenter-General 403A apprenticeship program, you will combine your three in-school sessions (Basic-Level 1, Intermediate-Level 2, and Advanced-Level 3) of 240 hours each with work experience.
Instructors who have many years of practical experience in the trade and related expertise will give you the straight goods on the essentials you need to know to be a competent carpenter.
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you will qualify for the Certificate of Qualification and become a fully certified General Carpenter with inter-provincial status.
Humber Centre for Trades & Technology
Humber Centre for Trades & Technology is located in Etobicoke, Ontario.
Its Carpentry and Renovation Technician diploma program covers both the technical and business aspects of the home renovation industry.
You will study all facets of house construction and basic building systems including building codes.
Your courses will provide you with the business skills that you need to succeed in the industry including management, estimating, finances, and communications. Humber’s labs provide the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience.
This program is offered in an accelerated format, enabling you to enter the workforce sooner by completing the equivalent of four semesters of study in three semesters (one calendar year). See program details.
In Conclusion:
With a current shortage of qualified people in most skilled trades, deciding to take any of the carpentry courses in Toronto puts you in a position for the opportunities out there, particularly in urban areas.
There are plenty of places and projects where you can find employment, including construction companies of various types, or as a self-employed carpenter.
You’ll be able to select the best paying projects based on your personal schedule and career goals. Therefore taking any of the Carpentry courses in Toronto can take you a step closer to your dream.
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