Through hands-on construction activities and projects, students will develop many of the skills to build a new home or renovate an old one. Students will learn to work from blueprints, produce basic sketches, develop building details, and create computer-assisted drawings using AutoCAD. Numerous construction aspects will be taught, from jobsite safety to proper tool usage and construction techniques. Carpentry will be taught, from base footings to framing, interior and exterior finishing, and fine finishing techniques. Basic installation techniques will be introduced and practiced for both exterior and interior finishes. Students will hone their techniques on a major home construction or renovation project. On-site learning is supported by classroom instruction in construction principles, Ontario Building Code (O.B.C.), local regulations and by-laws, contract documents, and tenders. Students will learn to interpret the Ontario Building Code as it applies to renovations and new construction, and the process for applying for the necessary permits. Opportunity will be given to obtain industry required certificates in various areas, such as fall arrest/prevention and first aid. The second year focuses on advanced building and renovation skills and includes training in sustainable environmental and alternative building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Students gain an understanding of buildings as complex systems preparing them to address day-to-day operational issues, identify possible challenges and develop solutions. Graduates will be prepared to shape the construction landscape and grow with the industry.

Graduates are prepared for a variety of opportunities working in residential or commercial construction and renovation. They may go on to specialize as a new home builder, renovator, general carpenter, home inspector, building inspector, energy efficiency and green/sustainable builder, fine finish carpenter, project coordinator, manager or estimator. Graduates may find employment with general contractors, subcontractors, new home builders, woodworking shops, restoration contractors, or as independent contractors running their own business. They will also find opportunities in retail, selling building materials in hardware stores, lumberyards and building centres. Graduates of the two-year program will further their skills development and may continue to specialize as a framing or fine finish carpenter. In addition, they will be able to explore and develop capability to work in the areas of energy efficient, sustainable residential construction, green build, and healthy homes (i.e. Low VOC).