Carpentry has the most campus options of any BC trade on this site, from Burnaby to Hazelton. Here is the path and where to start.
Carpenters frame, form and finish everything from houses to high-rises, and the work is both physical and mathematical: layout, measuring and reading plans all day (SkilledTradesBC). Carpenters work for builders, renovation contractors and building maintenance departments. If you plan to build or renovate your own place later, the trade also teaches the code basics behind our permit guides.
| Levels | Foundation, then Apprenticeship Levels 1–4 |
|---|---|
| Technical training (school) | 28 weeks over 4 years |
| Work-based training (on the job) | 6,360 hours |
| Certification | Red Seal |
| Compulsory in BC? | No |
Carpentry is not a compulsory trade, so you can be hired without registering, but registering as an apprentice is how your hours count toward certification. SkilledTradesBC launched Standardized Level Exams for Carpenter Levels 1, 2 and 3 in July 2025, so expect an exam at the end of each school level (SkilledTradesBC).
Fees as each school publishes them.
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Carpentry Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 2): Closed; Nov 2, 2026 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Closed; Nov 2, 2026 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 4): Closed +5 more (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Carpentry Framing and Forming Foundation Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 23–25 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Feb 8, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby): Limited/WL (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Cloverdale | Carpentry Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–7 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Cloverdale, Level 3): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Cloverdale | Carpentry Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 24–26 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Cloverdale): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| University of the Fraser Valley Trades and Technology Centre (CEP) | Carpentry – certificate Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–7 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Trades and Technology Centre (CEP), Level 1): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (Trades and Technology Centre (CEP), Level 3): Limited/WL; Mar 1, 2027 (Trades and Technology Centre (CEP), Level 4): Limited/WL +1 more (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| University of the Fraser Valley Trades and Technology Centre (CEP) | Carpentry – certificate Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 25 weeks | Sep 8, 2026 (Chilliwack): Full (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camosun College Interurban | Carpentry Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Interurban, Level 3): Open; Nov 2, 2026 (Interurban, Level 2): Closed; Nov 2, 2026 (Interurban, Level 4): Open +9 more (TTBC schedule) | Carpentry Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Carpentry Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 2 $810.25 Level 3 $810.25 Level 4 (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Carpentry Foundation, Certificate Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 25–27 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban): Open (TTBC schedule) | Carpentry Foundation, Certificate / $2,894 (domestic) (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Comox Valley | Become a Carpenter Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–7 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Comox Valley, Level 2): Open; Nov 2, 2026 (Comox Valley, Level 4): Limited/WL; Nov 2, 2026 (Comox Valley, Level 1): Open +4 more (TTBC schedule) | Tuition / $755 Lab / $0 Student union / $50 Learner resource / $40 Total / $845 (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Campbell River, Comox Valley, Port Alberni - Tebo | Carpentry Foundation Harmonized Certificate Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 23–24 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Winter term (no date posted) (Comox Valley) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Tuition / $2,320 Lab / $1,100 Student Union / $145 Learner Resource / $125 Total / $3,975 (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Cowichan, Nanaimo, tiwšemawtxw (Powell River) | Carpentry Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 30–31 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Feb 1, 2027 (Nanaimo): Waitlisted; Feb 1, 2027 (Cowichan): Waitlist; Sep 7, 2027 (Nanaimo) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Amount / Tuition (8 months x $519.36 per month) 497.34 / Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.78 per month) 166.24 / Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) 183.52 / VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) 400.64 / Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) Application Fee: / $46.98 (source) | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Carpenter Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 3, 2026 (Main Campus, Level 3): Open; Jan 5, 2027 (Main Campus, Level 4): Limited/WL; Mar 2, 2027 (Main Campus, Level 3): Open +1 more (TTBC schedule) | Application Fee: / $30.00 Tuition: / $817.32 Student Association Fee: / $16.10 Total / $863.42 (source) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Carpenter Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 25 weeks | Sep 7, 2027 (Cranbrook) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Merritt | Residential Construction Foundations Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 24 weeks | Not published | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, 5054 48th Ave SE Salmon Arm, BC | Carpenter Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 1): Open; Nov 2, 2026 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 3): Limited/WL; Nov 3, 2026 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 4): Limited/WL +9 more (TTBC schedule) | Domestic students / $1,251 estimated cost per level Estimated cost per level / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $1,251 Estimated cost per level / Vernon: $1,199 Domestic students / $1,251 Collapse all / Level 1 - estimate: $1,251 Tuition / $920 … (source) | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, 5054 48th Ave SE Salmon Arm, BC, Duncan Ave. Penticton | Carpenter Foundation Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 29–31 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 25, 2027 (5054 48th Ave SE Salmon Arm, BC): Open; Jan 26, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC): Open (TTBC schedule) | Domestic students / $5,374 estimated total program cost Estimated first-year cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $5,374 Estimated first-year cost / Vernon: $5,272 Estimated total program cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $5,374 Estimated total program cost / Vernon: $5,272 Domestic students / $5,374 … (source) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Silver King Campus - Nelson | Carpentry - Apprenticeship Level 1 to 4 Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level 2): Open; Jan 4, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level 3): Open; Feb 22, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level 4): Open (TTBC schedule) | Tuition / $872 Mandatory Fees / $136 Student Union Fees / $92 Total / $1,100 Book Costs / $358 Supply Costs / $1,251 … (source) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Silver King Campus - Nelson | Carpentry Foundation - Certificate Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 23–25 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Feb 1, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson): Open (TTBC schedule) | Tuition / $2,850 Mandatory Fees / $403 Student Union Fees / $183 Health and Dental Insurance / $285 Total / $3,721 Book Costs / $846 … (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops | Carpenter Foundations Program and Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Kamloops, Level 2): Open; Nov 2, 2026 (Kamloops, Level 4): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (Kamloops, Level 1): Open +2 more (TTBC schedule) | Tuition / $3,477.67 Student and lab fees / $1,195.81 Learning guides and/or textbooks / $650.00 Health and Dental Plan / $248.00 Tools / $150.00 Total / $5,921.48 … (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops, Williams Lake | Carpenter Foundations Program and Apprenticeship Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 24–32 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Feb 22, 2027 (Kamloops): Limited Space; Jul 5, 2027 (Kamloops): Available; Jul 5, 2027 (Williams Lake): Available; Feb 22, 2028 (Kamloops): Available (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Tuition / $3,477.67 Student and lab fees / $1,195.81 Learning guides and/or textbooks / $650.00 Health and Dental Plan / $248.00 Tools / $150.00 Total / $5,921.48 … (source) | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Mountain College Terrace | Carpenter (Harmonized) Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–7 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (Terrace, Level 4): Open; Jan 4, 2027 (Terrace, Level 1): Open; Mar 1, 2027 (Terrace, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Coast Mountain College Hazelton, Smithers, Terrace | Carpentry | Foundation Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 20–21 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Feb 8, 2027 (Smithers); Feb 8, 2027 (Terrace); Sep 7, 2027; Feb 7, 2028 (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Tuition: / $2,671.20 Student Union Fees: / $115.36 Mandatory Fees:1 / $882.00 Total Tuition and Fees: / $3,668.56 Books & Resources / $950.00 Classroom Supplies: / $100.00 … (source) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Prince George - Main Campus, Quesnel | Apprentice Carpenter L1 Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Quesnel, Level 4): Open; Jan 11, 2027 (Prince George - Main Campus, Level 2): Limited/WL; Jan 11, 2027 (Prince George - Main Campus, Level 3): Open +2 more (TTBC schedule) | Fees* / Starting at $939 View costs by level / Level 1 Tuition: $939.15-966.44 View costs by level / Level 2 Tuition: $939.15-966.44 Level 3 Tuition: $939.15-966.44 Level 4 Tuition: $939.15-966.44 Work BC offers financial support to apprenticeship students. / Apprentices may qualify for interest free loans of up to $4,000 per level of technical training through the Canada Apprentice Loan program. (source) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Prince George - Main Campus, Quesnel | Carpenter Foundation Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 23–26 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Spring 2027 (Prince George); Spring 2027 (Mackenzie); Spring 2027 (Burns Lake); Fall 2027 (Prince George) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Fees* / Estimated at $3,200 Invest in your future / The estimated cost for this program is $3,200*. Invest in your future / Tuition: $2,071 Student fees: $658 Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260 (source) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek | Carpenter Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Carpenter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Dawson Creek, Level 3): Open; Mar 8, 2027 (Dawson Creek, Level 4): Open (TTBC schedule) | Level 1 / $ 784.98 Level 1 / $ 70.73 $ 138.00 $ 993.71 Level 2 / $ 784.98 Level 2 / $ 70.73 … (source) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek | Enhanced Carpentry Foundation Certificate Foundation · Carpenter — Foundation | 36 weeks | September (yearly cohort) (Dawson Creek) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Year 1 / $ 3,588.48 Year 1 / $ 168.46 $ 521.46 $ 4,278.40 Year 1 / $ 14,044.80 $ 289.80* … (source) | Program page |
Find a sponsor (usually an employer), register together on the SkilledTradesBC Portal, then complete 28 weeks of school and 6,360 work hours and pass the certification exam (70% pass mark, up to 4 attempts). A foundation program is optional and can count toward Level 1. Full walkthrough: how to register an apprenticeship; rules from SkilledTradesBC.
Foundation (optional)Usually a few months full-time. The length is on each school’s page in the table above.
Apprenticeship28 weeks of technical training spread over 4 years, in blocks of school between work periods
Work-based training6,360 hours with your sponsor
CertificationExam with a 70% pass mark and up to 4 attempts. Trade Qualifiers must pass within 24 months of approval.
Program length per SkilledTradesBC trade pages. Exam rules per SkilledTradesBC.
Published school fees, usually without tools or student fees.
| Item | Published amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation program · Camosun College | Carpentry Foundation, Certificate: $2,894 (domestic) | school page |
| Foundation program · Coast Mountain College | Tuition:: $2,671.20 | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of New Caledonia | Fees*: Starting at $939 | school page |
| Foundation program · College of New Caledonia | Fees*: Estimated at $3,200 | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of the Rockies | Tuition:: $817.32 | school page |
| Certification exam as a Trade Qualifier (challengers only) | $120 application, which includes your first attempt. The 2nd attempt is free; the 3rd and 4th cost $100 each. | SkilledTradesBC |
Job Bank wages for Carpenters in British Columbia (2023–2024 reference period; Job Bank wage report). Journeyperson ranges, not apprentice pay. See also BC trades salaries.
EI, loans, grants and tool deductions for apprentices: apprentice funding in BC.
No. A foundation program is optional. You can register as a Level 1 apprentice once you have a sponsor. Foundation programs can make you easier to hire and usually count toward Level 1.
No, but only hours worked as a registered apprentice count toward certification.
Possibly, as a Trade Qualifier ($120, see the cost table). With less experience you can challenge a level exam instead.
Usually, yes, if you are eligible for EI. Apply for WorkBC Apprentice Services up to 4 weeks before your training starts to get the reference code you need for the EI claim.
SkilledTradesBC lists 28 weeks of technical training over 4 years and 6,360 work-based hours. A foundation program adds time at the start, but it may count toward Level 1.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.