General Carpenter
Apprenticeship

How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship in General Carpentry?

A formal apprenticeship in General Carpentry is 7,200 hours in length—hours that are accumulated through a combination of work experience (about 90% of total hours) and in school training (about 10% of total hours). The apprenticeship period is broken down into four 1,800 hour terms.

In what areas is a General Carpenter apprentice trained?

A General Carpenter apprentice is trained in five main areas:

• Exterior Finishing;
• Framing;
• Formwork & Foundations;
• Finishing (Walls & Ceilings); and
• Interior Finishing.

What are the prerequisites for becoming an apprentice?

To start an apprenticeship, individuals must be 16 years of age or older and have a minimum grade 10 education in Canada or a proven Canadian equivalency.
Strong math and communication skills are essential.

What tools do you need to begin an apprenticeship?

In order to start work or school, apprentices must have a basic hand tool set and personal protective equipment (PPE). (A detailed list of tools and PPE may be obtained through CCAT.)

How much does an apprentice earn?

Apprentice wages increase according to apprenticeship term. The current hourly ICI collective agreement rates for apprentices are:

A fully trained journey level Carpenter currently earns $48.49 per hour under this collective agreement.

These rates do not include 10% vacation pay, health and welfare, or pension benefits.

What schooling is required during the apprenticeship period?

Apprentices are required to successfully complete three mandatory eight week blocks of in-school training throughout their apprenticeships: Basic (8 weeks); Intermediate (8 weeks); and Advanced (9 weeks).

What costs are involved in becoming an apprentice?

Apprentices are required to pay for the following:

• A basic level tool set and personal protective equipment (i.e., hard hat, safety glasses, and safety boots).
  This will cost approximately $400.00.
• $400.00 for each of the Basic and Intermediate in-school courses and $450.00 for the Advanced course *
• Text books and drafting set for all levels of schooling.
• A Union initiation fee ($168.00 - $412.00)

* Note: OYAP students are exempt from paying the $400.00 basic schooling fee

Who tracks the apprentice’s work experience hours?

Apprentices are responsible for keeping track of their own work hours; obtaining an employer’s verification signature; and submitting them to the CCAT on a monthly basis.

How do you obtain a Certificate of Qualification in carpentry?

Once apprentices have completed the required schooling and work experience, they may write the Carpentry Certificate of Qualification examination through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. A provincial C of Q and inter-provincial or “Red-Seal” certificate will be granted to those scoring over 70%.

Are there any additional training or upgrading opportunities for Local 27 members?

In addition to the mandatory apprenticeship schooling, a variety of trade related evening and weekend continuing education courses are available at no additional cost to Local 27 members in good standing. Examples of such courses are: blueprint reading, layout, welding, construction math, etc.

Union members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities as a means of further developing their skills and enhancing their employability.

Click here for a list and descriptions of available continuing education courses.