Carpentry (Apprenticeship)

Program Overview

Careers in the Trades

Medicine Hat College offers eight apprenticeship programs leading to journeyman status and solid careers in the skilled trades.

Carpenters are the “builders of society” in a sense. They construct, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel, and other materials. Duties that carpenters perform vary with each job. You may complete all four years of this program in Medicine Hat.

What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job and technical training that leads to certification as a journeyman. The apprenticeship program is administered by Alberta Learning through their Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

How Apprenticeship Works
Apprenticeship involves learning a trade through observing, practicing, studying, and attending short technical courses. These courses run from six to twelve weeks in length in each period of your apprenticeship. In the field you will work under a qualified tradesperson and learn the principles, skills, tools, and materials of the trade.

The term of apprenticeship varies in length depending on the trade. It can be from two to four training periods (2 to 4 years.) During this time, you are indentured to an employer who has agreed to provide an opportunity for you to gain work experience in the trade. You are obligated to perform the job to the best of your ability. You must also supply your own tools for most trades.

As an apprentice, you are an employee, and are usually paid an hourly wage. Wages increase according to experience in trade and the current journeyman’s rate of pay. Depending on the trade, wages range from 50% to 90% of a journeyman’s wages.

Funding,/b>
• Human Resources Development Centre may provide some financial support when you attend technical training courses. Contact your local Canada/Alberta Service Centre for more information.
• Other funding is available through Student Finance in the form of grants based on financial requirements.

Special Fees and Expenses
Tuition fees are applicable as per Provincial Government policy. Books and supplies vary with each trade and cost about $400 per training period. A consumable materials fee is applicable to all apprenticeship students.

Last updated: March 29, 2010