Carpentry
Industrial Technology and Trades
In the Carpentry program, you will learn how to apply concepts from math, engineering and design to construct solid building structures.
You will learn about blueprints, building layout, framing, roof, wall, and floor systems, interior and exterior finish, and more.
Courses are delivered in the classroom, in the shop, and in our Summerside Waterfront Campus carpentry compound. Throughout the program, you'll continually develop your carpentry skills by building a three bedroom home with your classmates under the guidance of our Red Seal instructors. When you graduate, you can enter the workforce with confidence and start working toward your Red Seal Certification in Carpentry.
September 2026
Summerside Waterfront Campus
Program Length
1 Year
Credential
Certificate, Carpenter
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Waiting list
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Waiting list
Other International Applicants
Waiting list
Notes:
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:BLPR-1025
This course introduces students to working drawings used for construction. Students learn to read drawings and interpret the information contained in the drawings.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:CARP-1010
Students learn to identify and use tools related to the capentry trade in a safe and efficient manner. Students are exposed to a variety of hand, portable power, and stationary power tools, as well as measurement and layout tools that are used during the program and throughout their careers.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:CARP-1015
Students learn the requirements for framing a structure according to the National Building Code. Students also learn about the forces and loads placed upon a structure, as well as types of applications for floor, wall, exterior deck, and roof framing systems.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:CARP-1020
Students gain hands on experience while they learn and apply practical construction skills in the construction of small and large scale projects. Students gain an overview of construction projects from start to finish, with a strong emphasis on framing techniques, and compliance with the National Building Code (NBC). Students also gain experience as safety officers to ensure a safe working environment.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:CARP-1025
Students learn about the building envelope and explore various types of exterior finishes used in modern construction. Students also learn about interior systems and finishes, and how these systems apply to building science principles.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:CARP-1030
Students learn about exterior door and window systems, their characteristics, types of assemblies and accessories, as well as procedures for their layout and installation. Interior doors are also covered, as well as types and methods of applying interior finish such as trim and baseboard.
Credit Value:1
Course Code:CARP-1040
Students learn about the activites, procedures, and equipment used to prepare a site for a construction project. Various types of foundations found in today's construction are discussed, as well as how to layout and prepare for their implementation. Students also learn how to safely communicate on a worksite and how to safely and properly prepare for the hoisting and rigging of materials and components.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:CARP-1045
This course provides students with a thorough introduction to the materials used in residential construction. Categories of materials examined and used include metal, woods, composites, concrete, and glues. Students learn to identify types of woods and explain the process of turning trees into building materials.
Credit Value:1
Course Code:CARP-1050
Students gain practical experience while engaging in the construction of a large project for the interior and exterior finish work. Finishing techniques and compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) are emphasized, as well as preparing for and working with associated trades. Students also gain experience as safety officers to ensure a safe working environment.
Credit Value:6
Course Code:COMM-1005
This course is designed to allow students to develop preparatory skills for securing and retaining employment including; workplace communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving, and customer service. Upon successful completion of this course students are able to use oral communications techniques, and create a variety of written documents and reports used in the workplace. Methods and strategies for job search, preparation and retention are also incorporated.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:COMP-1000
Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:MATH-1005
This course is designed to provide students with a review of fundamental trade related math skills. Students acquire competency in the math skills as they relate to their chosen trade program and future career. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students are challenged to continually make connections between math and their trade, as well as every day applications.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:MATH-1015
This course is designed to enable the student to develop trade-related math skills. Students acquire competency in the math skills as they relate to their carpentry program and future careers. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Students are challenged to continually make connections between math and carpentry, as well as everyday applications.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:NCPR-1001
A comprehensive two-day course offering standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills from a certified trainer. As required by regulation, this course covers CPR and the management of other breathing, airway and circulation emergencies, as well as, the control of bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing fractures and dislocations, head and spine injuries, and more. Also, includes automated external defibrilators (AED). This certification expires in 3 years.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-1002
Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and certification.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-1066
Students are trained and become certified in the application and use of fall protection equipment. Students explore hazards, legislative requirements, as well as various types of fall protection systems and their components. Demonstration of the proper application and use of fall protection is required in order to pass this course.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-1068
Students acquire knowledge, demonstrate proficiency, and become certified in the safe use of elevated work platforms. Please note that Certified Fall Protection training is a pre-requisite for this course, and students are expected to supply their own personal protective equipment, including hard hat, eye protection, and steel toed footwear.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:SAFE-1015
In this course students learn the information needed to prevent accidents and protect themselves and others from injury on the worksite. As well, students learn the appropriate steps to take in the event of an accident. Specific components of the course include provincial legislation regarding workplace health and safety, fires and extinguishers, safe use of ladders and scaffolding, and the role of the safety officer in the workplace.
Credit Value:2
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The most successful path to a Red Seal as a carpenter begins with the Carpentry program. This program enables you to earn 30 hours of apprenticeship time for each week of training and write the apprenticeship year-one block exam, which puts you well on your way to Red Seal certification. Upon graduation, once you are working with a suitable employer, you can register as an apprentice to continue your apprenticeship journey, ultimately completing the Red Seal exam. When you register, Apprenticeship PEI will give you credit for the hours earned and block exams passed while you were at Holland College.
The Red Seal gives you the ability to work anywhere in Canada without further testing or certification.
This program has been even better than I had anticipated … I am a single mom of two children and when I am a few minutes late due to taking them to school or have to miss due to a sickness or other, they have always supported me. I truly couldn't have succeeded thus far without their support.
Graduating Student Survey Respondent, Class of 2024
Become a Heritage Carpenter. Learn how to restore and conserve historic properties using traditional construction techniques & modern technology
Become a Heritage Carpenter. Learn how to restore and conserve historic properties using traditional construction techniques & modern technology