Be ready to build a solid future.
Our four-year Carpenter Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and technical theory, delivered in the Competency-Based Apprenticeship Training method, meaning you learn at your own pace with help from instructors. You’ll learn how to read blueprints, calculate and select materials for projects, and use a variety of tools.
Not working in the industry yet? Start with our Pre-Carpenter certificate.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Carpenter Apprenticeship at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
At Lethbridge Polytechnic, you’ll work in our well-equipped shops with experienced instructors who will share tips, techniques and experiences they learned while working in the trade. You’ll be ready to frame, do concrete work and finish large and small jobs while learning how to estimate costs and manage plans, and build from the foundation to the rooftop. You’ll spend eight weeks in classroom training each year, with some flexibility as you complete some modules quicker than others.
278
the number of new carpenter positions forecasted to be created each year
$72,252
the average annual salary of a carpenter in Alberta
82%
of people employed as carpenters in Alberta work in construction or manufacturing
Career Opportunities
You’ll have plenty of options available to you following the completion of your apprenticeship. Keep your career goals in mind as you find employment as a:
- Journeyman carpenter
- Foreperson
- Subcontractor
- Construction superintendent
- Contractor
17,400
the number of people employed as carpenters in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Credential / Accreditation
Certified 'Journeyman' Papers
Duration
4 years
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Academic Centre
Admissions
Apply through MyTradesecretsAcademic requirements
- Successful completion of English 10-2 and Math 10-3, or a passing mark in all Canadian General Educational Development (GED) testsor Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests, or entrance exam.
- English 30-2, Math 30-3, Physics 20 or Chemistry 20 or Science 20 and related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) recommended.
Additional information on apprenticeship and industry training is available on Alberta's Tradesecrets website.
Admission
You can apply for apprenticeship and industry training through MyTradesecrets.
To arrange a tour, call 403.320.3366 or toll-free 1.800.572.0103.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board
Provincial Building, Room 280
200 - 5th Avenue South
Lethbridge AB T1J 4C7
Telephone: 1-800-248-4823
Outside of North America: 1-403-476-9757
Fax: 403-381-5795
Ask about the Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarship Program. You might discover you’re eligible for a financial award!
Apprenticeship programs require 8 weeks of classroom training each year in addition to on-the-job training.
Courses include:
- Building layout
- Concrete
- Estimating and plans
- Foundation
- Hand and power tools
- Residential roofs
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 2
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 3
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 4
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Carpentry program is an apprenticeship program delivered face-to-face on campus but may have some blended and hyflex components.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship programs require eight to 12 weeks of classroom training each year in addition to on-the-job training. You’ll work with an employer and our experienced instructors to gain the best of both worlds as you work and earn money while training.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships- visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Nick Parkinson
"I chose the carpentry program because it was a good way to further my carpentry career. The instructors are very helpful, supportive and willing to give one-on-one help. The carpentry shop is a very nice facility with new tools.”
Chuck Wynder
“Anything you do in carpentry goes back to your time at the college. Yeah, you learn new skills on the job, but it doesn’t matter what aspects of the trades you are doing, it all goes back to those basics.”