Heritage Retrofit Carpentry
Industrial Technology and Trades
Developers and communities are seeking to re-use older structures, so the demand for heritage retrofit carpenters is high.
Learn the construction techniques that were used centuries ago and replicate them by combining traditional skills with the latest technology. In this program, you’ll help preserve historic properties by upgrading and restoring them to structural standards and energy efficiency without compromising their character, aesthetic, or charm.
Graduates and students work on heritage projects such as the restoration of Province House, a National Historic Site, the doors of St. Dunstan's Basilica, and the construction of an ice boat replica.
September 2026
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
1 Year
Credential
Certificate, Heritage Retrofit Carpentry
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 |
|---|---|---|
| American College of the Building Arts | Bachelor of Applied Science | Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 30 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. |
SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act...
0
ARCH-1400
This course is an introduction to residential~architectural history with an emphasis on~existing Prince Edward Island buildings. This~course also provides an overview of the~principles and practices of heritage recording. ~This course includes field work to acquire~measurements that are used in the production of~As-Found Drawings.
3.00
BUSI-1110
This course introduces students to the fundamental~principles and tools of project management as they~apply to heritage retrofit carpentry projects.~Students learn to develop work breakdown~structures, network diagrams, and Gantt charts to~plan and schedule construction activities. The~course also examines project risk, budgeting,~contracts, quality management, and resource~allocation while emphasizing effective~communication and project planning within a~construction environment.
2.00
CARP-1305
This course introduces students to working~drawings used for construction. Students learn~to read drawings and interpret the information~contained in the drawings. Students are also~introduced to basic drafting principles and how~they relate to blueprint production and creation.
2.00
CARP-2010
In this course students learn to recreate~windows, doors, and millwork from an existing~example and from drawings. Included in this~course are: stair building and installation, trim~and wall finish creation and installation and~window building. In addition, students learn~to install wood floors and apply various finishes~to wood.
4.00
CARP-2020
This course provides an overview of what it means~to be energy efficient and why this is important.~ The course briefly looks at commercial~applications and focuses mainly on residential~applications, with an emphasis on applying energy~efficient building practices to existing and new~construction.
3.00
CARP-2030
Students learn about timber frame construction~from the planning to construction stages of a~structure. Specialized tools, practices and~building techniques that are unique to timber~frames are explored during the construction of a~timber frame structure.
3.00
CARP-2040
In this course students learn the theory and~practical application of methods in restoration~and repair of existing structures.
4.00
CARP-2045
Building on the knowledge and skills from~Restoration and Renovation Methods I, students~acquire further experience with restoration and~repair methods. In addition, apply the Standards~and Guidelines, as set out by Parks Canada to~compile an estimate and bid for completing a~restoration or repair on a historical structure or~component. Students present their findings to the~class in the form of a polished sales pitch.
4.00
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.
3.00
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.
3.00
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.
2.00
MATH-1017
This course is designed to enable the student to~develop trade-related math skills. Students~acquire competency in math skills as they relate~to their heritage 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.
2.00
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.
0.00
NCPR-1002
Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials~Information System (WHMIS) training and~certification.
0.00
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.
0.00
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.
0.00
SAFE-1010
Students learn the information needed to prevent~accidents and protect themselves and others from~injury on the worksite, as well as the~appropriate steps to take in the event of an~accident. Areas of focus include; provincial~legislation regarding workplace health and~safety, personal protective equipment, types of~fires and extinguishers, proper use of ladders~and scaffolding, hazardous building materials and~substances, and the role of foreperson in the~workplace. Students are also expected to~complete a practical safety component.
2.00
CARP-2055
This course provides students with an opportunity~to research and reproduce an existing piece of~heritage millwork (i.e. mantle piece, stair~railing etc.), or work with a client to document~and produce a modern project that contains~elements of historical woodwork. Students further~expand their basic drafting skills to produce a~set of working drawings that will be used in the~completion of the project.
3.00
PRAC-2150
On-the-job training provides students with an~opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired~in the Heritiage Retrofit Carpentry program to a~relevant work environment. OJT participants are~expected to assume, with appropriate supervision,~the duties and responsibilities normally expected~of an entry-level employee in a similar position. ~Using their own observations and initiative,~students are expected to acquire and apply new~skills as may be expected of a new employee in~their respective workplace setting.
3.00
This program is located in the Centre for Applied Science and Technology on the Prince of Wales Campus in Charlottetown. Take a virtual tour.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The hands-on work contracts the program completes through the year is a highlight of the program. It supplements the projects and theory and connects students to the community by having completed work on real and important buildings in the province. [The instructors] have good judgement at gauging a student’s skill level... a Day One beginner or an experienced carpenter can get a lot out of the program, thanks to the patience and attention of the instructors.
Graduating Student Survey Respondent, Class of 2024