Student Experience

Learn the basics of carpentry

The Carpentry and Renovation Techniques program at our Waterfront Campus is ideal for students who are interested in carpentry and construction but are unsure which specific area to pursue. This program provides learning experiences in many areas, including framing/carpentry, welding, hoisting/rigging, and Ontario Building Code. Students benefit from a combination of classroom and hands-on shop work, learn a blend of traditional carpentry skills and newer technologies, and work on both individual and group projects. The program emphasizes job skills such as being on time, being responsible and doing your share of the work.

Building Tools and Materials – Learn by Doing!

It is essential for professionals in the carpentry and renovation industry to possess the skills and knowledge for proper selection of materials and safe operation of tools. Students gain the skills and basic theoretical and practical knowledge for the safe use of hand tools, portable power tools and stationary power tools. One of the first projects that students complete to test their knowledge is to build their very own toolbox!

“From the hands-on work in the shop to the teachers, the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques (formerly Construction Techniques) program was way more than I expected. We were right into it from day one, learning a lot about math, the building codes and even plumbing.
It’s a great program that gave me the opportunity to work for a local carpenter immediately after I finished the program this April.”
– Cole Pinder, 2017 Grad and Carpenter, Dugan Hawkins Construction

Residential Framing & Exterior Finish

Students develop skills to frame houses and small buildings. Students examine the Ontario Building Code and the structural requirements pertaining to materials selection, span tables and nailing patterns. Students are provided with the knowledge and skills to install exterior components, such as doors, windows and exterior residential finishes. All this in our beautiful, well equipped 10,000 square foot dedicated shop!

“I’ve had the best experience with a great group of people and learned a lot from Algonquin College’s Carpentry and Renovation Techniques (formerly Construction Techniques) program and the coordinators who taught us what we need to be successful in our chosen career paths. I’m excited to have the chance to apply the skills I’ve learned during my time enrolled here out in the workforce. Thanks go out to everyone involved who made this time not only beneficial but also enjoyable.”

-Ryan Carle, recent grad