Carpentry Foundation Certificate at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

In VIU's Carpentry program you get live job site training as well as classroom and shop time. And VIU is one of only two schools in BC to offer live job site training. This active training means you’re well prepared for working in the field when you graduate.

Faculty: Trades and Applied Technology | Duration: 8 months | Study mode: full-time | Intake: This program is offered in Fall and Spring each year. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Occupational Skills, Documentation, Tools, and Safety, Surveying, Layout, and Concrete, Framing and Building Science, Work Experience, Personal Management Skills, Trades Math, Business Operations, The Emerging Workplace.

Career pathways

Roles include contractor; finishing carpenter; framer; formwork carpenter; siding specialist; concrete worker; insurance; energy efficiency.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.; Minimum 17 years of age.; Successful completion of assessment testing.; Personal profile.; Interview may be required.; See also Trades general admission requirements.; Notes on Admission; Physically fit and able to adapt to working conditions.; Good hand/eye coordination.; Good health, free of vision, hearing or respiratory ailments.; For student’s wishing to operate vehicles and equipment a valid driver’s license will be required.; Non-dual credit students attending the Carpentry Foundation program at the Cowichan Campus will require a satisfactory Criminal Record Check through the British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in conjunction with the Criminal Records Review Act. Information regarding obtaining the appropriate CRC clearance will be sent upon acceptance to the program. Clearance must be confirmed and...

Domestic applicants: CAD 4,154 for the whole programme. Tuition (8 months x $519.36 per month); Fees - Nanaimo Campus. Tuition only; excludes student, activity, health plan and other mandatory fees. Source

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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