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PGWP program eligibility
International students interested in applying for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) to work in Canada following graduation must review program eligibility requirements. Only some programs are eligible. 

Carpentry Diploma

Learn in-depth aspects of carpentry, from construction safety and the use of hand tools, to building science, floor and wall framing and exterior finishing.

Two carpentry students wearing hard hats and safety glasses look at printed construction plans.
Start Date(s):
September 2025
Typical Length:
2 Years
Credential:
Diploma

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Complete this program in 1 year

We offer an accelerated version of this program. Learn how you can earn your diploma in 1 year through the Carpentry Diploma – Accelerated program.

Overview

If you’re someone who gets along well with others, has good hand-eye coordination, values quality and job safety and are comfortable with heights, this program is for you.  These are a few of the strengths you will need to succeed in this line of work.

This program is perfect for those who want to elevate their carpentry skills and move beyond the basics of carpentry. The profession offers a rewarding career path for those who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. You will participate in construction safety and the use of shop equipment for building science, floor and wall framing, exterior finishing and much more. 

Comprehensive studies in energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, business skills and entrepreneurship are integral components of this program, which is designed to meet the needs of employers looking for carpenters with a solid base across a wide range of applications. Work terms are a critical component that bridges the gap between theoretical and project-based learning into practical application in the workplace.

Work experience

  • Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
    • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
    • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
    • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
    • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
  • For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

Choose NSCC

  • You benefit from our expert faculty who bring years of experience to the classroom and strong industry connections.
  • You learn the latest practices and technologies that employers require. The program is designed with the input of industry leaders to ensure you get current and relevant skills.
  • You experience practical, hands-on learning.
  • This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in certified safety courses.

Other info

  • Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Burridge Campus
Yarmouth
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available
Cumberland Campus
Springhill
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available
Ivany Campus
Dartmouth
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist
Kingstec Campus
Kentville
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist
Pictou Campus
Stellarton
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist
Strait Area Campus
Port Hawkesbury
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist
Sydney Waterfront Campus
Sydney
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist

Admission requirements

Program requirements

  • Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

Career options

  • As the demand increases for construction trades, so does the demand for qualified carpenters. Graduates help fill the demand in the new housing and commercial construction market. Other opportunities exist in the renovation industry.
  • Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

CARP 1010 - Construction Safety
This course is designed to provide an overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) as applied to the carpentry trade as well as the knowledge and skills that will allow students to work safely. This course includes Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and construction-specific safety regulations (fall protection, scaffolding). The course emphasizes the need to wear personal protection equipment and the importance of safe use and maintenance of equipment.

CARP 1011 - Hand Tools
This course is designed to teach the selection, safe use and care for a wide-variety of hand tools and non-powered equipment. Also included will be the use of fasteners and wood joints as used to securely join materials in carpentry projects. The application of safe work habits and good housekeeping in a workshop setting will be included.

CARP 1012 - Portable Power Tools
This course is designed to introduce common portable power tools used in the carpentry trade. Students will use tools in a workshop setting for a variety of tasks, Inspection, are and maintenance of portable power tools will be addressed. Safe procedures will be covered and stressed throughout the course.

CARP 1013 - Foundations I (Site Layout)
This course is designed to include the fundamental principles of site layout, the theory of basic footing forms and foundations. Safe excavation practices will be emphasized and covered in detail.

CARP 1016 - Foundations II (Forms and Footings)
This course is designed to introduce basic footing forms and theory of foundations. Building on CARP 1013, this course will examine form construction and estimation of quantities is included. Energy efficient principles will be discussed.

CARP 1017 - Stationary Power Tools
This course is designed to cover the safe and efficient operation of the stationary power tools used in the carpentry trade. Students will be evaluated on safe practices and accuracy in the use of this equipment.

CARP 1023 - Construction Mathematics and Estimating
This course is designed to reinforce basic mathematical skills and introduce mathematical concepts and operations used in the construction trades. Course material provides a basic and broad overview of estimating materials. The necessary calculations will be introduced as the course progresses.

CARP 1100 - Work Experience I
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

CARP 1202 - Partitions and Introduction to Roof Framing
In this course, students are provided with the theory and practical experience required to layout and frame and interior partitions. Students will become familiar with procedures for both load-bearing and non load-bearing walls. An introduction to roof framing systems is also provided.

CARP 1203 - Supports, Beams and Joists
This course is designed to enable the student to layout and assemble floor and deck framing systems. Energy efficient principles will be discussed.

CARP 2010 - Casework Fabrication
This course is designed to provide the skills to construct casework projects. This will include cutting materials to size and laying out the pieces to ensure a well-made assembly in an efficient manner. Students will become familiar with detail machining of wood and wood products, gain the skills required to cut or shape pieces of various sizes and profiles, and test the piece for proper fit. This course will develop the skill required to construct casework for framed as well as frameless cabinets.

CARP 3001 - Construction Drawings
This course is designed to enable students to determine the location, size, shape, and type of materials required for residential buildings. Students will also be able to sketch drawings using trade symbols and interpret basic orthographic and isometric presentations.

CARP 3002 - Introduction to Common Stairs
This course is designed to cover the theory and skills required to build and install common stairs. Material covered includes the fundamentals of stair construction including terminology, calculations required to plan and lay out stairs, and procedures used to build stairs.

CARP 3003 - Roof Framing - Gable Roofs
This course is designed to include roof terminology and basic principles of roof geometry and construction. Students will gain the theory and practical experience to construct shed and gable roofs. Energy efficient principles will form an integral part of the course.

CARP 3005 - Siding and Cladding
Siding and cladding form an essential component of the rain screen of a building. This course introduces a wide range of siding and cladding types. Installation practices required to ensure a weather-tight construction in compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) will also be included.

CARP 3006 - Exterior Finish
This course is designed to cover knowledge and skills required to install exterior trim, roof coverings, exterior windows, and doors. Energy efficiency will be discussed.

CARP 3007 - Trade Communications
This course is designed to expand upon communications skills that relates specifically to the building trades. Material presented covers presentation of proposals and estimates, communication with customers, and record keeping and permits. This course is intended to be delivered as a joint project between the trade and communications instructors.

CARP 3009 - Introduction to Hip Roofs
This course will provide students with theory and practical experience to construct equal slope hip roofs. It is designed to build upon and apply the roofing principles introduced in CARP 3003 (Roof Framing - Gable Roofs). Course material includes hip rafters, hip jack rafters, and roof sheathing and construction. Energy efficient principles will be included.

CARP 3010 - Introduction to Intersecting Roofs and Engineered Systems
This course is designed to extend knowledge of traditional roof framing methods to include intersecting roofs of equal slope. Building upon CARP 3009 (Introduction to Hip Roofs), this course also introduces students to truss packages, engineered systems, and the procedures and practices used in their assembly and installation.

CARP 3011 - Interior Trim
This course is designed to outline the skills required to install residential interior doors, window trim and trim components. Material covered includes types of doors, their installation and hardware, window trim, other interior trim such as baseboards and cornices.

CARP 3013 - Casework Design
This course is designed to introduce various types of casework for both framed and frame-less cabinetwork. Design, material selection, and costing of casework projects are covered. Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for a casework fabrication course.

CARP 3014 - Building Science Fundamentals
An understanding of heat, air, and moisture flows and their relationship to drainage and moisture control is central to the work of the carpenter. This course examines the relationship between a building and its environment. Building science principles are identified and examined in terms of impact on both old and new construction.

CARP 3100 - Work Experience II
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply skills and concepts appropriate for entry level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1025 - Certified Fall Arrest and Protection
This course provides participants with an understanding of the hazards associated with working from heights and compliance with Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (2013). Throughout the course, participants will gain experience in the donning of a harness, an overview and presentation of system components involved when working from heights and learn how to complete a fall calculation and emergency procedures.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.

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