Carpentry certificate

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, or for entry 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.

Graduates can also apply to the provincial apprenticeship office (ITAC) for information regarding credit into the Carpentry Apprenticeship program. Call (604) 852-5922.

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

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

Trades & Technology programs at UCFV include Auto Technician, Carpentry, Drafting Technician, Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Technician, Joinery, Parts and Warehousing, and Welding.

All Trades programs, shops and labs, are located in the Trades & Technology Centre at the Abbotsford campus, which is open 7:30 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. Call the local apprenticeship office at (604) 852-5922 for more details.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent

2. A math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

How to apply

1. Make an appointment with the Trades & Technology receptionist to write the entrance exam by calling (604) 854-4548. There is no fee for writing this exam.

2. Read the program description and information carefully. If you wish to speak to the instructor, call Richard Janssen at (604) 853-7441, local 4386.

3. Students may schedule an appointment to pretest for the program while they are completing their prerequisites if they provide a statement from their counsellor or high school principal indicating that they are in their last semester of studies, and are likely to complete them successfully.

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 wait list.

5. Students must attend an orientation session one week prior to the start date of the program. Students will be notified by telephone as to the date and time of orientation. Registration fees and required textbooks must be purchased prior to the first day of classes.

6. Stand-by status will be offered to some wait-listed students prior to the orientation date. Spaces available because of “no-shows” will be offered to stand-by students, according to their wait-list status.

Fees and other expenses

Fees stated are for 1999/2000 and are subject to change for 2000/2001.

The fees are about $35 per week, which includes 6% for Student Activities fee, Student Society fee, and the Legacy Fund. Fees are payable on a 15-week basis. The total fee is about $528 every 15 weeks. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required with the first payment. Students will also be charged a $15 application fee, plus a $12.50 per semester technology fee. Fees are subject to change.

Carpentry students should also budget approximately $350 for basic hand tools, $600 for required textbooks, and $50–85 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 2½ years.

Faculty

Mark Ryan, Journeyman Carpentry, Instructor Diploma (VCC)

Program advisory committee

Jim Dent, Jim Dent Construction Ltd.
John Fictorie, Country West Construction
Greg Hesketh, Town Millwork
Darryl Johnston, Savage and Johnston Construction Ltd.
Casey Klaassen, Mardina Construction Ltd
Joe Meeres, Meeres Construction & Drafting
Steve Mohr, Carpenters Union Local 1807
Doug Maljaars, Starline Cabinet Co. Ltd.
Larry Mierau, Mierau Construction
John Penner, Jonet Construction
Lane Sweeting, Swagger Construction Ltd.
Warren Toews, A & T Contracting Ltd.
Hank Van Dyk, Cheam Countertops

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