Get started in the largest trade in the construction industry. You’ll need good problem-solving skills, a solid work ethic and the ability to work on your own or as part of a team. When you graduate, you’ll be qualified for jobs with construction companies, general contractors and subcontractors, or in the maintenance departments of school boards, health districts, mining operations and government departments.
Start date
September - Moose Jaw and Prince Albert
January - Moose Jaw
Length
32 weeks
Locations(s)
Moose Jaw, Prince AlbertCarpentry is a 32-week certificate program offered at the Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Saskatoon campuses. You’ll get the basic training you need to get a job in the trade by building practical knowledge and skills in:
- tools and equipment
- construction documents and quantity survey
- site layout and concrete
- footings and foundations
- framing and building envelope
- exterior finishing and roof coverings
- interior finishing and cabinets
- materials and scaffolds
- trade math and communications
Learn by building
Apprenticeship credit
Trade to degree
Learning Environment
- Each academic year, 28 students are accepted and the Moose Jaw campus and 24 students are accepted at the Prince Albert campus.
- As a student, you will experience engaging classroom instruction combined with practical hands-on training in a shop setting. A two-week work placement is also part of the training. A certified journeyperson carpenter will give instruction in both the shop and classroom.
- Class hours are 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily. As a student, you will complete approximately 10-12 hours of homework each week outside of class time. Time management skills are essential. There are numerous group projects that will require you to work as part of a team.
Career and salary information
Your career
When you graduate, you’ll have the skills you need to work in a wide range of construction jobs. Look for work with general contractors, interior/exterior subcontractors and framing contractors. There are jobs in homebuilding and renovations, commercial construction, at industrial mining and manufacturing facilities, and with health, education, municipal and government departments. Get your journeyperson’s ticket and you could move into supervisory, management, sales and teaching positions.
Potential careers
| Sample job title | NOC classification |
|---|---|
| Framer | Carpenters (72310) |
| Formwork carpenter | Carpenters (72310) |
| Finish carpenter | Carpenters (72310) |
| Renovation carpenter | Carpenters (72310) |
Admissions
Admission requirements
- Grade 10
- English Language Requirement
Note: The admission requirements for September 2026 will be:
- Grade 11 with one of the following math courses: Foundations of Math 20, Pre-Calculus 20, Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 20 (Modified and General Math credits will not be accepted)
- English Language Requirement
Alternative admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.
ACCUPLACER©
Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.
- 250 Arithmetic
- 243 Reading
- 236 Writing
Post-secondary
Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.
If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.
Admission method
First Qualified/First AdmittedThe First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
Tuition and fees
Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.
2024-25 academic year
$9,440
International students
View tuition rates for international students.
Courses
Get credit for what you know
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.
Transfer credit
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
Student awards
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.