Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry

This unique Pre-apprenticeship program prepares students to enter the exciting, dynamic profession of Carpentry. This program incorporates an Academic Upgrading portion which will be delivered online or blended, with courses unique to each student. Theory will be assessed through tests and exams, while performance-based outcomes will be assessed in the lab. Students will each participate in an 8-week, 200-hour, trade-appropriate work placement which may be used for apprenticeship hours. Graduates are eligible to challenge the period one examination administered through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Our enthusiastic, experienced instructors integrate individual learning needs and imaginative, innovative classroom and lab experiences.

Please visit the College Preparation website for the full list of courses available to take through our academic upgrading.

Unfortunately, at this point in time, this program is not available to international students. Please click the link to view all of our international students programs.

Career Potential
Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry prepares students for direct entry into employment and/or further studies.

Admission Requirements

  • Placement testing for the enrollment of English Language Arts 10-2 and Math 10-3, OR
  • The completion of Portage College’s COMM 300 and Math 300 courses OR
  • Completion of English Language Arts 10-2 and Math 10-3

Students who do not meet the admission requirements contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process.

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

Program Start/End Dates
August 28, 2025 - May22, 2026

Fall Term: Upgrading
Winter Term: Trades Training
Spring Term: Placement

Application Deadline:
August 15, 2025

Location
Lac La Biche Campus

Delivery
Blended

Domestic Student Fees

Yearly Fee payment deadline August 15, 2025

Tuition $10,700.00
Student Association Fee $302.35
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $248.13
Recreation Fee $132.68
Course Materials $278.57
Book Rental $438.39
Total $12,426.62


Textbook Rentals
Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore:

By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit  Portage Bookstore for other supplies.

Fee Explanations

Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry

  • SAFETY AND BUILDING MATERIALS

    Course ID: CARP145

    Name: SAFETY AND BUILDING MATERIALS

    Hours: 20

    Credits: 1

    This course will provide information on carpentry materials such as solid wood, manufactured products and concrete and the properties of these materials.

  • TOOLS

    Course ID: CARP150

    Name: TOOLS

    Hours: 57

    Credits: 3

    This 39 hour course will focus on the proper use of hand and power tools in the carpentry industry.

  • SITE PREPARATION, BUILDING LAYOUT, FOUNDATIONS AND FLOOR FRAME SYSTEMS

    Course ID: CARP155

    Name: SITE PREPARATION, BUILDING LAYOUT, FOUNDATIONS AND FLOOR FRAME SYSTEMS

    Hours: 55

    Credits: 3

    This course will give students the knowledge to identity and design floor frame layouts and systems. 

  • RESIDENTIAL ESTIMATING & DRAWING INTERPRETATION

    Course ID: CARP170

    Name: RESIDENTIAL ESTIMATING & DRAWING INTERPRETATION

    Hours: 48

    Credits: 3

    Students will be introduced to sketching and drawing using instruments and geometry, orthographic projections and learn how to use mathematical applications in relation to carpentry.

  • SHOP

    Course ID: CARP180

    Name: SHOP

    Hours: 180

    Credits: 6

    This course will allow students to demonstrate knowledge and skills with proper safety procedures using common tools and equipment in the carpentry trade.

  • CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TRAINING SYSTEMS (CSTS)

    Course ID: CONT120

    Name: CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TRAINING SYSTEMS (CSTS)

    Hours: 8

    Credits: 0

    This program is offered through a Multimedia Interactive Video CD-ROM Computer system designed to give students some basic training for working in a large construction site, with the emphasis being on safety, students are tested on what they have been taught. The training is done individually and takes an average of 4.5 hours to complete. This Alberta Construction Safety Association program is divided into 12 lessons of various health and safety topics.

  • DIVERSITY AWARENESS

    Course ID: DIAW101

    Name: DIVERSITY AWARENESS

    Hours: 3

    Credits: 0

    This introductory course is designed to allow the learner to develop an appreciation of the value of diversity within our culture. A unique combination of video and animation sets the path of exploration through a fictitious company. The interactive learning environment is designed for learner engagement and participation.

  • COMMON SAFETY ORIENTATION

    Course ID: CMS010

    Name: COMMON SAFETY ORIENTATION

    Hours: 4

    Credits: 0

    TBD

  • FALL PROTECTION

    Course ID: SAFE085

    Name: FALL PROTECTION

    Hours: 8

    Credits: 0

    Fall protection

  • WORK EXPERIENCE

    Course ID: WORK100

    Name: WORK EXPERIENCE

    Hours: 200

    Credits: 4

    Work Experience 100 provides an opportunity for pre-apprenticeship students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through their course work in a workplace environment. Work experience placements are arranged by the student and program coordinator and work integrated learning. Students develop employability skills and are expected to contribute to day-to-day operations under the direction of their workplace supervisor.

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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