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CARPENTER |
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Select Alternate Year - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008
There have been no changes to this trade in the year of 2009.
Carpenters construct, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel and other materials.
Duties vary according to the type of job:
In residential jobs, carpenters crib the basement; build the house framework, walls, roof, exterior and interior finishes; and install doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, stairs, handrails, panelling, moulding and ceiling tiles.
In commercial or industrial jobs, they build concrete forms, scaffolding, bridges, trestles, tunnels, shelters, towers and other structures.
In maintenance jobs, they repair and remodel existing structures of all kinds.
Some carpenters specialize in one type of work such as framing, bench work or finishing work.
Most carpentry tasks involve:
Carpenters must work accurately and economically, and follow national and local building codes.
Carpenters may work alone, in teams or with helpers. Working conditions vary from one job to another. On some jobs carpenters work primarily indoors, are permanently employed and work a regular 40-hour week. On other jobs, they work primarily outdoors, are subject to seasonal unemployment, and routinely work overtime in peak periods.
There is some risk of injury from slips and falls, falling objects, and sharp hand and power tools.
The work is most rewarding for those who take pride in creating a variety of things with their hands and honing their expertise in woodcraft.
To be successful in the trade, carpenters need:
Most carpenters are employed by construction contractors, are self-employed, or do construction or maintenance work for government agencies, utility companies or manufacturing firms. Employment prospects for carpenters vary considerably depending upon the season and economic conditions.
Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $22 to $34 an hour plus benefits.
Carpenters may advance to foreman, subcontractor, construction superintendent or contractor. They are involved in every step of construction, and this overall knowledge is an advantage when applying for supervisory positions.
To work as a Carpenter in Alberta, a person must:
Carpenters learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training and, upon successful completion, are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.
A carpenter who holds a valid trade certificate from Alberta or from another Canadian province or territory may apply to write the Interprovincial Exam and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal under the Interprovincial Standards Program. The Red Seal is recognized throughout most of Canada.
A carpenter who holds a certificate that was issued by another recognized apprenticeship authority in Canada (province, territory or federal jurisdiction) may apply for an Alberta Equivalency document under the Equivalency Program.
Carpenters who:
may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a credential that is recognized as equivalent to an Alberta trade or occupational certificate are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
The term of apprenticeship for a carpenter is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1360 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.
To learn the skills required of a carpenter in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. (see Exam Counselling Sheets)
When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.
Grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information see Financial Assistance or contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.
To qualify for a Red Seal, a person must:
To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:
A person who has a recognized certificate, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require an Alberta Equivalency document as proof that the certificate is equivalent to the requirements of the trade in Alberta.
To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on Canadian credentials, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.
This application fee covers the verification and assessment of the applicant's work experience hours/months as well as one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.
