Carpenter

Carpenters build the world around us, from our homes, city centres, and more. They are collaborative and enjoy physical and precise work—as well as the reward of seeing their projects materialize. 

As a Carpenter, you’ll work on a wide range of projects, from furnishings to skyscrapers, mastering numerous materials. While you’re a builder, you’ll take satisfaction in the challenging physical and mathematical nature of the work.  

You can work for construction companies, in maintenance departments, or for yourself, often working as part of a team of trade professionals on the job site.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to read blueprints and follow building codes 
  • How to use construction hand and power tools 
  • How to measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials on site 
  • How to build foundations, install floors, sub-flooring, walls and roofs 
  • How to install doors, stairs, moulding and hardware 

Key Job Skills

  • Critical thinking and coordination  
  • Hand and power tool operation 
  • Construction site layout 
  • Formwork and framing 
  • Finishing materials  

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Technical Training 28 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6360 HOURS
Salary Range Hourly
$19.00 — $37.46
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

Program Updates:

  • February 2024: Carpenter Standardized Level Exams on-hold pending alignment to the 2024 Carpenter Program Outline and 2024 British Columbia Building Code. Please see this Program Update for details.

  • November 2022: For more information regarding transition, please see the Program Update

  • March 2023: OPSN-2022-015.1 (Revised Implementation Date)

  • November 2022: Program Update (Competency Migration Chart)

  • August 2022: OPSN 2022-015 (Updated Program Profile and Program Outline)

  • March 2022: All Current (pre-harmonized) levels have been phased out. Apprentices who have completed Current Level 2 (CL2) or Current Level 3 (CL3) and are interested in registering for Harmonized Level 3 (HL3) or Harmonized Level 4 (HL4) of training are asked to contact their Apprenticeship Advisor before registering to discuss potential gaps in their training. Please see the Transition Update or the Transition Plan for details. 

  • OPSN Archives

Harmonized (2024) Program

Information & resources

In effect starting April 1, 2024

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Carpenters build and repair a vast array of structures made of wood, wood-substitutes and other materials. Many works for construction companies, contractors and maintenance departments, while others are self-employed. They assemble and erect forms for concrete, wood and metal frame construction and use plans and instruments to prepare for excavating and shoring. On smaller projects, they direct concrete placement and install exterior and interior finish materials such as siding, doors, windows and cabinets.

View Program Profile

Exam Information

AND RESOURCES

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

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Updates:

  • February 2024: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2022 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2013 NOA and 2022 RSOS can be found here. 

Information:

Harmonized (2016) Program Information

The documents below offer detailed information specific to the 2016 harmonized program.

Challenge the 

trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.