Red Deer College offers the Carpenter Apprentice program, one of the many apprenticeship training options available for students. Apprenticeship is a career option that involves both classroom and on-the-job training. To learn the skills required of a carpenter in Alberta and to be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice.

The term of apprenticeship for a Carpenter is four years (four 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,360 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year.

Most Carpenters are employed by construction 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 on the season and economic conditions. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $23 to $30 an hour (plus benefits.) Apprentice Carpenters earn at least 60 percent of the journeyman wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70 percent in the second, 80 percent in the third and 90 percent in the fourth. Carpenters may advance to Foreman, Subcontractor, Construction Superintendent or Contractor. They are involved in every step of construction, and this overall knowledge is an advantage when applying for supervisory positions.

If you have a valid Alberta Journey Certificate, you are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.

For fee information, visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.