General Carpenters (403A)

General Carpenters primarily work with wood, wood-substitutes, and other materials such as drywall, plaster, steel, copper, or tiles. They are responsible for constructing, erecting, installing, maintaining, or repairing various structures, and for framing, forming, or finishing cabinets, doors, stairs, and other major wooden structures. The General Carpenter trade is recognized under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establishing building procedures and preparing work sites
• Laying out, constructing, and installing formwork and concrete foundations
• Framing floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs
• Finishing interiors and exteriors
• Constructing heavy framing
• Building stairs, posts, and handrails
• Laying out, constructing, and installing door and window systems
• Performing renovations
• Understanding job site safety procedures and effectively using them to work safely
• Using power tools and equipment related to the job at hand

Apprenticeship Program

An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. The Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario, under the authority of section 14 of the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, has established the apprenticeship training hours for the General Carpenter trade at 7,200 hours (approximately four years). This includes 6,480 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training. These hours are consistent with those previously set under the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act, R.S.O 1990. A grade 10 education is required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Qualification in Carpentry

The General Carpenter trade has an apprenticeship program administered by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Upon completion of the program, the Ministry issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

To further qualify, there is a certifying exam. Upon passing this exam, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade. As a non-compulsory trade, this certificate does not require renewal, and individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.

In Ontario, the General Carpenter trade is part of the Interprovincial Red Seal Program, which is the national standard for the trade across Canada. More information can be found at www.red-seal.ca

How to Apply for a Carpentry Apprenticeship at Local 18

If you are interested in starting an exciting career as a General Carpenter through our Apprenticeship program, please complete the Local 18 Membership Application and drop off your completed application package, along with all supporting documents, in person at either our Hamilton or Niagara office, whichever location is most convenient. If you are unable to visit us, you may submit your completed application package online, along with all supporting documents and proof of current mailing address within the Hamilton/Niagara area, to local18_info@ubcja.ca