What kind of equipment is required?
Tools and safety equipment are required, including hardhat, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, rain gear, carpenter's apron, hammer (20-22 oz.), 25 foot measuring tape, combination square/ speed square, chalk line, utility knife, and a nail puller. Please note it is recommended that you wait to purchase any items until after a lecture and demonstration in the beginning of the program.
Will I have to travel in order to find employment in this field?
No.
On average, what percentage of the graduates find employment in this field?
90-100% of those who want to continue working in the trade, and are willing to promote themselves.
VIU Carpentry graduates generally have a professional attitude, a higher level of safety awareness, good skill level, and are well informed on the understanding of how to be successful in the building industry.
How many students are admitted into the program each September intake?
18 students. Women as well as men have enjoyed great professional and personal satisfaction upon completing this program.
What is the weekly time schedule?
Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 2:45 pm.
With a 15 min. coffee break from 10 am to 10:15 am, and a half hour lunch break from 12 pm to 12:30 pm.
How much homework should I expect?
From September to when we start full time house construction off campus in mid November, approximately 2-3 hours a night.
Then while working full days out on the student house project, 1/2 hour a night.
During separate times when we are back at the college classroom full time, learning about the next individual phases of construction, (example: floor, wall, and roof framing) approximately 1-2 hours homework a night.
A major homework assignment for the program consists of a complete set of house drawings, designed individually by each student and with enough information to apply for a building permit.