Be ready to build a career as a carpenter.
Our Pre-Carpenter certificate is designed for people who aren’t working in the trades. You’ll learn safety, building materials, tools, how to draw and read a building plan.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Pre-Carpenter at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
In our Pre-Carpenter certificate, you’ll spend 15 weeks learning the first-year curriculum you’d find in a four-year Carpenter apprenticeship program. When you successfully complete this program, you’ll also be ready to write the First Period Carpenter Apprentice exam. Employers are often reluctant to hire people who have no experience. With your Pre-Carpenter certificate, you’ll demonstrate you have first-year skills and the commitment to join their team and get started in a career that will always be in demand.
15
Number of weeks to go from no experience to writing the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship exam
$76,478
the average annual salary of a carpenter in Alberta
278
the number of new carpenter positions forecasted to be created each year
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(n):
- Apprentice carpenter
- Construction superintendent
- Contractor
- Foreman/forewoman
- Journeyman carpenter
- Subcontractor
1st
the pre-employment programs provide the first year of the Alberta Apprenticeship curriculum
2 weeks
the length of your work-integrated learning placement
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and March
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
15 weeks
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants are accepted into the Pre-Carpenter program for the Fall (September) or Winter (March) terms.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of Math 10-3 and English 10-2, pass Apprenticeship Entrance Exam or pass mark in all five Canadian General Education Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 10-1 or 10-2 or equivalent
- Math 10-1, 10-2 or 10-3 or equivalent
- OR a passing mark in all five GED/CAEC tests
- OR successful completion of the Apprenticeship Entrance Exam
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Non-Academic Requirements
- The ability to lift heavy objects weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
- Good physical coordination and manual dexterity
- Mechanical ability
- Good hearing and colour vision
- The ability to work as a member of a team and adapt to changing tasks and locations
- Responsibility to do all work tasks expected of a journeyperson
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Pre-Carpenter certificate.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CRP-1100 | Safety and Building Materials | 3 |
| CRP-1101 | Tools | 6 |
| CRP-1102 | Site Preparation | 3 |
| CRP-1103 | Res. Estimating & Drawing Interpretation | 6 |
| CRP-1104 | Practicum Placement | 1.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 19.5 | |
Upon successful completion of the Pre-Carpenter program, you will:
- be prepared to complete the First Period Prior Learning Assessment and the Alberta Apprenticeship practical exam.
- be prepared to be employed within the carpentry industry in Alberta.
- have learned valuable employability skills including cover letter and resume writing, and interview skills.
View course timetables
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,630.00
|
$1,728.00
|
$900.00
|
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 Pre-Carpenter Certificate program is delivered on campus through an apprenticeship-style training but may have some blended and hyflex components.
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.