Learn More About Carpentry Apprenticeship Harmonized

1. What is an apprenticeship?
   An apprenticeship is a relationship between an employer and an employee where the employee (the apprentice) commits to learn the trade while working for the employer, and the employer commits to provide on-the-job training, time away from the workplace for the apprentice to attend technical training classes and to pay the apprentice a certain percentage of the journeyperson wage rate, which increases as the apprentice progresses through the training.
2. Does my Red Seal transfer across Canada?
   In many cases, yes. Our harmonized apprenticeship programs allow you to travel across Canada to complete your apprenticeship training.
3. What is a journeyperson?
   A journeyperson is a person who has received a Certification of Qualification in a trade. A journeyperson is then entitled to be referred to by the trade name (ie: carpenter, electrician, millwright, heavy duty mechanic, etc.)
4. What training will I take?
   Apprenticeships normally consist of approximately 80 per cent on the job training and 20 per cent in-school technical training. While working on the job site the apprentice learns the trade under the tutelage of a journeyperson who is assigned responsibility for the apprentice’s training. The apprentice is also required to attend technical training classes for six to 10 weeks during each year of the apprenticeship. NIC offers trades technical training in a wide variety of areas.
5. How long does an apprenticeship last?
   An apprenticeship lasts one to five years, depending on the trade, and the rate the apprentice progresses through the training. Most apprenticeships are four years. The carpentry apprenticeship consists of four levels.
6. How much will I earn?
   The rate of pay depends on the rate being paid a journeyperson in the same trade with the same employer. Rates are often 50 per cent for the first six months and rising through 55 per cent 60 per cent, 65 per cent, 70 per cent, 75 per cent, 80 per cent, 90 per cent at the end of each six month period. Rates vary by trade and by employer.
7. What certification will I receive upon completion of my apprenticeship?
   You will receive a Certification of Apprenticeship and, upon completion of the BC exam, you will also receive a BC Government Certification of Qualification (C of Q). Apprentices in many trades may also write the Interprovincial (Red-Seal) exam. This certification is recognized across the country and enables Red-Seal qualified journeypersons to work in those trades across the country. In some trades in BC, the Red-Seal exam is used as the C of Q exam.

Supply List

Personal Protection Equipment

• Weather appropriate clothing
• CSA-approved steel-toed safety boots
• Safety glasses
• Hard hat
• Ear protection

Classroom Supplies

• Sharp Electronic Calculator (# EL-520WBBK or EL-520XTB)
• HB pencils
• Hi-lite marker
• Two 2” binders and note paper
• Drafting Equipment: Available at the NIC bookstore:
  • Set square - 30/60/90 degree, Staedtler 964 10-60
  • Set square - 45/45/90 degree, Staedtler 964 14-45
  • Scale ruler, Imperial, Architects, Staedtler 987 18-31
  • Scale ruler, Metric, Staedtler 987 18-SI
  • Drawing compass, 559-09
  • Good quality white eraser
  • Non-mechanical pencils in: 6H, 4H, & 2H lead

Personal Tools - Do not purchase until after the 1st day of class

• Tool belt
• Tape measure 25’/8M (metric, imperial, or combo)
• Chalk line
• 2’ level - (optional)
• Nail puller
• Framing square (steel or aluminum) - (optional)
• Cross cut handsaw (10 point) - (optional)
• Utility knife & blades
• Speed square
• Framing hammer