Fanshawe Career Guide
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General Carpenter (Block Release) [Apprenticeship] CGA


This is a block release program, meaning that apprentices take an 8 to 12 week break from work to attend classes full time at the college. During these blocks of classes, you will have:

  • 240 hours of class total
  • 140 hours of in class/study/assignments + 100 hours practical
  • 30 hr/week commitment minimum when in school

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

Apprenticeship programs are run at Fanshawe College in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can not apply to an apprenticeship program through the Ontario Colleges Application Service. Your first step is finding an employer who will support you in your apprenticeship training. The employer must register you as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. For more information on the process, please see please see the Fanshawe Apprenticeship website.

Arts & Literacy Apprentices will need a grade 10 education in these subjects at minimum.

Math & Science Apprentices will need a grade 12 education in math at minimum.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal for course material)

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

  • The ability to stand, crouch and kneel for long periods of time
  • Manual dexterity and good balance,
  • The ability to work at heights
  • The ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Good communication and problem solving skills
  • Safety-conscious attitude and work practices

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Licensed carpenter.

Places you may find yourself employed include

New home builders, renovation companies, construction companies, building owners/users, building developers, government agencies and be self-employed.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

  • May work alone, in teams or with helpers
  • May work primarily indoors, be permanently employed and work a regular 40 hour week; or may work primarily outdoors, be subject to seasonal unemployment and routinely work overtime in peak periods
  • Some risk of injury due to slips, falls and falling objects, and when working with sharp hand and power tools
  • Routinely handle items weighing up to 25 kilograms

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

  • Carpenters construct, renovate and repair residential, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials
  • Read blueprints
  • Select materials
  • Plan sequences and methods of work
  • Concrete forming, wood/ steel framing
  • Interior/ exterior finishing
  • Renovations
  • Cut and shape materials and join them with nails, screws, bolts or glue
  • Check completed units to be sure they are level, square, plumb and the right size, shape and location
  • Work accurately and economically
  • Follow national and local building codes

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Links to learn more about apprenticeship in general

Links to learn more about this apprenticeship program

You may also wish to explore Fanshawe Graduate Employment Outcomes Report and the Employment Profile of Ontario College Graduates.

NOC Codes

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Visit the National Occupation Classification website and use the NOC codes below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

  • NOC Code 7271 Carpenters

The Canada Job Bank is an excellent resource for labour market information including wages, jobs available and career planning advice.

Career Outlook

Explore Fanshawe Career Coach to learn more about related careers, employment, job postings and current local data on wages.

Take the next step

View our Admissions Timeline to learn the steps and how to apply.

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Last Modified: June 4, 2024