Carpentry student examining piece of lumber in a wood shop

Program Explorer

Carpentry

Take success into your own hands, building your career and a better future for your community.

Learn woodworking tools and techniques and gain experience in framing, roofing and surveying. Build the skills you need for a successful career in carpentry, construction and related fields.

The Carpentry program provides you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in framing, roofing and surveying, as well as an introduction to concrete form construction.

You will learn to safely use hand tools, portable power tools and woodworking machines and understand blueprints and the materials and procedures needed to work in related occupations.

After completing this program, you will have the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to start a career in the construction sector.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Locations
    Notre Dame Campus and Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River Campus
  • Intakes
    Fall and Winter
  • Program Length
    5 months
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $3,700 – $4,100
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Indigenous Pathway
    Program pathway available to Indigenous learners

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll develop the employer-sought skills, practical knowledge and industry connections needed to begin a successful career in construction.

TERM 1

Explore various construction techniques and develop critical thinking skills through training and construction projects, independently and as part of a team.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Residential carpenter   
  • Commercial carpenter 
  • Industrial carpenter 
  • Restoration carpenter
  • Site supervisor 
  • Project manager 
  • General contractor

AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Exterior photo of the Notre Dame Campus
Take advantage of modern workspaces throughout the brand-new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC) building located at our Notre Dame Campus.
Interior photo of the Notre Dame Campus
Our modern facilities create the perfect atmosphere for learning, collaboration and relaxation, supporting you as you prepare for your future career.
Exterior photo of the carpentry shop at the Notre Dame Campus
Get practical experience with industry-standard technology in our state-of-the-art carpentry shop.
Carpentry student living up piece of wood while framing a structure
Develop your carpentry skills and become career ready with our experiential lessons, modern equipment and experienced instructors.
Instructor giving lesson to students in a carpentry shop
Measure twice, cut once! Learn to optimize your work and develop techniques that ensure you’re career ready.
Carpentry student holding a hammer and working with a piece of wood in a carpentry shop
At RRC Polytech, you’ll have access to everything you need to succeed, from tools and modern machinery to student aid and financial supports.
Carpentry student sawing wood in a carpentry shop
Learn like you’re working! Train using the same personal protection equipment (PPE), tools and techniques you’ll find on-site and at work.

Graduate Success

Join a wide network of successful Carpentry grads working across Manitoba. Whether you’re building your own business or just starting your career, RRC Polytech will ensure you have the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to succeed.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Carpentry student sawing wood in a carpentry shop

$40K – AVERAGE NEW GRAD SALARY

We work directly with industry contacts to create strong partnerships between industry contacts, students and instructors. You’ll meet employers and gain valuable experience before graduation, giving you the connections and confidence you need to start your career quickly.

100% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

Thanks to expert instructors, state-of-the-art equipment and a range of student supports, you’ll build meaningful experiences and leave our program as a confident, career-ready grad.

Man in hard hat and safety vest at a construction site
Two people posing at graduation holding a document

100% – NEW GRADS HIRED

Your experience at RRC Polytech is guided and developed by industry experts. Every Carpentry program instructor is a Red-Seal-certified journeyperson with experience working in the residential and commercial sectors – ensuring your education is practical and up to date.

Photo of Joe Froese

“I think Red River College Polytechnic put me far ahead of where I would have been, if I had just worked hard in the trade and ‘worked my way up,’ kind of deal. It definitely helped me get ahead.”

Joe Froese – Carpenter, Co-owner
Access Framing Inc.

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

A career in carpentry ties pride and accountability into everything you do – you’ll see the tangible results of your work throughout the community. Through carpentry, you’ll craft beautiful and functional solutions to dynamic challenges. As a Carpentry student, you’ll need to combine practical skills and critical thinking with coordination and work in physically demanding conditions.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Big-picture thinker
  • Creative
  • Critical thinker
  • DIYer

SKILLS

  • Instruction following
  • Positive attitude
  • Time management
  • Troubleshooting
  • Work ethic

INTERESTS

  • Woodworking
  • Carpentry
  • Construction
  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Surveying
  • Concrete form (formwork)
  • Power tools

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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