Carpentry is a skilled trade that has been around for centuries. In order to become a carpenter in the province of Ontario, there are a few steps that need to be followed.
First, an individual must have a strong interest in carpentry and woodworking. Second, they must complete an apprenticeship program which usually takes four years to complete. During their apprenticeship, carpenters learn the trade through on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction. After successfully completing their apprenticeship, carpenters are then required to pass a provincial exam in order to obtain their journeyman carpenter’s certification.
Once certified, carpenters can then find employment with a construction company or start their own business.
The steps you need to do in order to become a carpenter in Ontario:
Complete all the requirements prior to venturing out there. The list of requirements is listed below for your reference. Having these in your possession avoids delay in the application and speed up the process of getting accepted in the program since it is on "first come, first serve" basis.- Applicant must be registered first in the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). Coordinate with your apprenticeship program coordinator to know more about the registration. Or visit one of the offices of Employment Ontario apprenticeship. To check the nearest office, see this locator.
- Find a sponsor who will provide the on-the-job training. A sponsor is also an employer who will offer you a job as apprentice to work for them. To find a sponsor, do one of the following: ask your school's guidance councilor for referral; inquire with the training provider where you have taken a short course to find apprenticeship sponsor; visit Employment Ontario to see fresh job listings; browse through online job ads websites for available openings; take the apprenticeship program at a union, the union has wide network of employers; ask colleagues and friends in the industry they might know a sponsor.
- Complete the 7,200 apprenticeship program work hours. You spend 90% of the time doing the practical training and only 10% of that time in classroom training. Successful completion of this required number of hours and passing of the an examination will enable you to earn the journeyman level. In the province of Quebec, the apprenticeship hours is 6,000 hours.
- Get certified as a carpenter. This involves passing an examinations. The industry standard certification for carpenters is the Red Seal certification. Having this certification allows you to work anywhere in Ontario and any province in Canada.
Union ang Training Schools and Colleges that Offer Carpenter Training in Ontario
Schools that offer apprenticeship program:
- Skilled Trades Ontario
PO Box 20009, RPO Bay Adelaide, Toronto, ON M5H 0A1
Phone: 647-847-3000 - College of Carpenters and Allied Trades
420 Rowntree Dairy Road., Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 8H2
Phone: 905-652-5507 - Ontario Colleges
60 Corporate Court, Guelph, ON N1G 5J3
Phone: 519.763.4725 - Georgian
One Georgian Dr., Barrie ON L4M 3X9,
705.728.1968 - Niagara College
100 Niagara College Boulevard, Welland, Ontario L3C 7L3
135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0
Phone: 905-735-2211
Here the schools where you can take short course or degree in carpentry:
- Conestoga College
299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4M4, Canada
Phone: 519-748-5220 - Mohawk College
135 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L9C 0E5 - Lambton College
1457 London Road, Sarnia, ON N7S 6K4
Phone: 519-542-7751 - Confederation College
1450 Nakina Drive, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 0E5,
Phone: (807) 475-6110 - Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1V8, 613-727-4723
1 College Way, Pembroke, Ontario, K8A 0C8, 613-735-4700
7 Craig St., Perth, Ontario K7H 1X7, 613-267-2859
1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1V8, 613-727-4723 - Centre for Skills Development
3335 North Service Rd, Burlington ON L7N 3G2
Tel: 905-333-3499 x 315
2020 Appleby Line, Unit B3, Burlington ON L7L 6M6
Tel: 905-333-3499 x 461
3350 South Service Road, Burlington ON L7N 3M6
Tel: 905-333-3499 - Trim Association of Ontario
53 Woodstream Blvd, Unit #10, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 7Y8
Phone:905-856-1424 - Sir Sandford Fleming College
599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1, (705) 749-5530
200 Albert St. S., Lindsay, ON K9V 5E6, (705) 324-9144
297 College Dr., Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0, (705) 457-1680 - Fanshawe
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., London, Ontario N5Y 5R6
Phone: 519-452-4430
Union that offers apprenticeship:
Being union carpenter is what most people preferred to do. Doing so allows you find a sponsor in the earliest possible time to start the program. The union is the one that will find you an employer. Although, you as a member will have to pay monthly dues, the convenience of finding employment is there. If you want to join a union as an apprentice, here are the UBC locations in Ontario:
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (Local 18)
1342 Stone Church East Hamilton, ON L8W 2C8, Phone: (905)522-0752
360 York Road, Unit #24 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Phone: (905)641-1877
UBC Local 1669
1306 Capital Way, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 0A3, Phone: (807) 344-0611
UBC Local 494
2179 Fasan Drive, Tecumseh, ON, N0R 1L0, Phone: (519) 737-1101
UBC Local 93
8560 Campeau Drive, Kanata, ON, K2T 0N7, Phone: (613) 745-1513
UBC Local 249
481 Discovery Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7K 7E8, Phone: (613) 384-3316
UBC Local 1256
100 Business Park Drive, Sarnia, ON, N7W 1A1, Phone: (519) 344-2352
Registration for membership doesn't happen 24x7, you need to wait for application to be available. You may contact your preferred UBC office and inquire about when will be the next registration of carpenters.
Requirements You Need to Become a Carpenter Apprentice
- You need to be at least 16 years old of age.
- Must have a minimum grade 10 education.
- Be in excellent health condition since the nature of the work is physically demanding.
- have a valid social insurance number
- Legal status to stay and work in Canada
Experienced individuals with prior knowledge in construction setting will definitely have the advantage. If you have such experience, you need to submit just two (2) document: letter from previous employer indicating summary of work hours, duration of employment, duties and responsibilities performed, hours summary of carpentry work performed, and proof of employment or T4 slips from previous employer. You need to
You need to safety equipment and tools, and study materials and textbooks. Administrative fees may be collected by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Fees vary, so check with their website to know the exact fee.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Apprenticeship Program
Under the rule of Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act, R.S.O 1990, apprenticeship in General Carpenter takes about 4 years to complete. That's equivalent to 7,200 hours. It is broken down into 6,480 of on-the-job experience and 720 hours classroom instruction. Apprentice has to finish 1,800 hours combination of OJT and classroom training every year.
The General Carpenter apprenticeship is administered by the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. If you have completed the program, the Ministry will issue a Completion of Certificate. Some apprenticeship training implementers administer qualifying exams upon completion of the program. Successful apprentices will be given Certificate of Qualification as proof of competency. The certificate doesn't expire and carpenters don't have to renew it or go through refresher exam.
As an apprentice carpenter, you will be trained in these following areas: framing, exterior Finishing, Finishing of Walls & Ceilings, formwork and foundations, and Interior finishing.
Being an apprentice is great way to make a living while learning the trade. Most people I know in the industry came through this way. Though another option is to take a short course or a degree at college or trade school. See list above of training schools in Ontario.
Apprenticeship Training Program Contents
- Building processes and fastening systems
- Safety, Materials and Tools Theory
- Residential Construction Theory
- Installation of windows, doors, and cabinets
- Safety, Materials and Tools Practice
- Residential Print Reading and Math
- Welding and Metal Cutting
- Construction surveying
- Forming, framing, and stair construction
- Estimating, Calculations And Layout
- Plans, Specifications And Codes
- Interior and exterior finishes
- Advanced wood joinery
- Plan reading, estimating
- Project layout
Job Prospects for Carpenters in Ontario
Carpenters in Ontario have good job prospects. The province has a large construction industry and a high demand for skilled trades workers. There are many opportunities for carpenters to find work in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Carpenters who are certified by the Ontario Carpenter's Association have the best job prospects. They are able to find work more easily and command higher wages. Carpenters who are not certified can still find work, but may have to accept lower wages.
Carpentry is a skilled trade that involves the construction, installation and repair of wooden structures and fixtures. In Ontario, carpenters are in demand in both the residential and commercial construction industries.
There are a number of ways to find carpentry jobs in Ontario. The most common way is to contact a local construction company or contractor and inquire about open positions. Many construction companies post job openings on their websites or online job boards.
Another way to find work as a carpenter is to join a union. The UBC represents over 20,000 carpenters in the province and can help connect members with job opportunities.
There are also a number of private companies that specialize in connecting carpenters with job openings. These companies often have an extensive database of open positions and can provide job seekers with leads and contact information for potential employers.
There are many top areas for carpenters in Ontario. The Greater Toronto Area is one of the most popular areas for carpenters. This area has a high demand for carpenters.
Average Salaries for Carpenters in Ontario
Carpenters in Ontario earn an average salary of $27.48 per hour, or $57,120 per year. The top 10% of carpenters earn more than $38.22 per hour, or $79,480 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $19.74 per hour, or $41,040 per year. Salaries vary depending on experience, education, and geographical location. The highest paid carpenters are those with more than 10 years of experience, or who have a master's degree. Carpenters who work in cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga earn higher salaries than those who work in smaller towns or rural areas.
What are the Challenges that Carpenters Face
Carpenters in Ontario face a number of challenges when it comes to becoming a certified carpenter. The first challenge is finding a registered training program that is recognized by the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT). There are a limited number of programs available and they are often full. The second challenge is passing the certification exam. The exam is challenging and requires a high level of knowledge and skill. The third challenge is finding a job. There is a lot of competition for jobs and many carpenters are self-employed. The fourth challenge is keeping up with the changing code requirements. The Ontario Building Code is constantly changing and carpenters need to be up-to-date on the latest code requirements.
What are the Most Popular Carpentry Tools
There are a few most popular carpentry tools in Ontario that are essential for anyone looking to start a career in carpentry. Firstly, a good set of saws is necessary for any carpenter. A saw is the most versatile tool in a carpenter’s arsenal and can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting lumber to shaping trim. A good set of saws will include a circular saw, a jigsaw, and a hand saw.
Secondly, a drill is an important tool for any carpenter. A drill can be used to create holes for screws and nails, as well as to drill through tough materials like concrete. A good drill will have both a corded and cordless option, as well as a variety of drill bits to tackle any job. Thirdly, a hammer is an essential tool for any carpenter. A hammer is used for driving nails and can also be used to pry boards apart. A good hammer will have a comfortable grip and a head that is not too heavy or too light.
Finally, a set of levels is a necessary tool for any carpenter. Levels are used to ensure that a surface is level and can also be used to measure the depth of a hole. A good set of levels will include a variety of different sizes to fit any need.
