Carpentry certificate

Entry-level trades training

At UCFV we help students build the framework of a carpentry career. The carpentry program will prepare students for entry into the provincial apprenticeship program, as well as directly into employment. Students will get a thorough introduction to the trade, and develop skills expected by employers.
    Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so punctuality and good work habits are essential. This program is part of the entry-level provincial standard taught throughout B.C.

Employment opportunities
After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment opportunities in the construction industry and construction-related businesses such as: carpentry, building equipment and supplies sales, construction, shipping and delivery, building maintenance, and modular housing construction.
    A career in the construction trades offers good opportunities for those willing to spend several years learning their trade.

Program outline
The Carpentry program starts in September and ends approximately the end of June. Students must show that they understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each unit and then applying it to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit.
    Students will be working with the help of learning packages that will give step-by-step instructions. The learning materials may include printed worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, instructions, demonstrations, and/or lectures.
    At regular stages students will be required to move to a shop or lab area to perform various tasks in order to develop their practical skills. Practical hands-on training as a part of the total plan will increase as students progress through the program, and should amount to about two-thirds of the overall training time.
    As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction is patterned after “on-the-job” situations, where a limited amount of direct supervision is required.
    The training follows a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop intermediate and specialized skills required in this industry. The modular curriculum provides a flexible learning path, allowing accelerated learning opportunities for those entering the program with a greater experience or skill level. This performance-paced process allows students an accelerated completion time and/or an opportunity to develop higher levels of expertise in any area of the program.

Sample topics
    • Reading and interpreting drawings
    • Using specialty equipment
    • Site and building layout
    • Building concrete forms
    • Framing a building
    • Finishing internal and external details
    • Technical Communications 115 (three academic credits).

All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam, which is scheduled in June.

General information
The Carpentry program is located in the Trades & Technology Centre at the Abbotsford campus, which is open 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Classes and shops are in session 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
    Carpentry apprenticeship training is also offered at the Abbotsford campus. For information call
604-504-7441, ext. 4438.

Entrance requirements
1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent

2. A math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

How to apply
1. Submit a UCFV application form, along with the $45 application fee to the Admissions and Records office. Students currently in Grade 12 may apply beginning in January of their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be included with the application.

2. You will be notified of your entrance exam date by the Trades and Technology department. If you have not been contacted within two weeks call 604-854-4548. There is no fee for writing these exams.

3. Read the program description and information carefully. If you wish to speak to the instructor, call Richard Janssen at 604-504-7441, local 4386.

4. Prior to the classes starting in September, students will be notified by telephone of the registration procedures. Students who cannot be reached by telephone after three attempts will be removed from the program wait list.

Fees and other expenses
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
    The program fees are approximately $100 per week, which includes the tuition fees plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. In addition, each semester (fall, winter, and spring) students will pay a $25 Student Union Society membership fee and $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee. Full payment of fees is required before the start of classes each semester, by the beginning of September, January, and April.
Note: A deposit (currently $150) must be paid at the time of registration, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester.
    Carpentry students should also budget approximately $350 for basic hand tools, $725 for required textbooks, and $85 for appropriate working apparel.

Medical requirement
A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UCFV official if/when the statement is required.

Faculty
Richard Janssen, Journeyman Carpentry, Instructor Diploma (UBC)
Tim Lynch, Journeyman Carpentry, Instructor Diploma (VCC)

Career Technical Centre
UCFV and School District #34 (Abbotsford) operate a jointly sponsored Career Technical Centre. Carpentry students enter at the Grade 11 level and complete high school and a one-year UCFV Carpentry certificate over two years.

Faculty
Mark Ryan, Journeyman Carpentry, Instructor Diploma (VCC)

Carpentry upgrading
Interested parties should contact the instructor for information regarding the possibility of upgrading.

Fees for upgrading students
Fees stated are in effect for 2004/05 and are subject to change for 2005/06.
Fees are based on one-week blocks of training at approximately $100 per week, which includes the tuition fees plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. In addition, students will pay a $45 application fee, a $25 Student Union Society membership fee, and a $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee. Additional fees may be charged, depending on the topic of the upgrade.

Program advisory committee
Jim Dent, Jim Dent Construction Ltd.
John Fictorie, Country West Construction
Alan Friesen, Swagger Construction Ltd.
Greg Hesketh, Town Millwork
Darryl Johnston, Savage and Johnston Construction Ltd.
Joe Meeres, Meeres Construction & Drafting
Steve Mohr, Carpenters Union Local 1807
Doug Maljaars, Starline Cabinet Co. Ltd.
Larry Mierau, Mierau Construction
 

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