Heritage Carpentry and Joinery at Algonquin College

Pursue a program that rises above, restoring the past for future generations.

The two-year Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Ontario College Diploma program provides you with skills and knowledge related to the preservation, renovation and restoration of historical architecture. Through theoretical and hands-on learning, you study various topics, including:

• traditional joinery
• timber framing
• log building
• carpentry techniques
• architectural millwork
• staircasing
• window and door repair

Absorb the traditions of old world craftsmanship through both theory and practice. Experience more than 950 hours of hands-on learning during the program. You will also participate in a one-week site work to apply your skills in a real-world environment.

You graduate with skills that set you apart from graduates of other carpentry programs. Algonquin College`s program places an emphasis on wood as a material and the role of both buildings and their architectural components. You construct buildings and building components from locally-harvested and market-sourced lumber and timber. The crafting of these projects from beginning to end provides an engaging and satisfying educational experience.

Upon graduation, you are ready to work in heritage carpentry, and in the high-end custom carpentry and millwork industries. Opportunities are available in both private and public sectors.

Some graduates may prefer freelance work, while others will take positions in commercial or residential carpentry or millwork companies, or follow the traditional apprenticeship route.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are passionate about craftsmanship.
• Have a desire to work with their hands.
• Like to problem solve.
• Are self-motivated, inquisitive, creative and ambitious.
• Have an appreciation for wood and built heritage and architecture.

Careers

Graduates are prepared to produce the high-quality work demanded in the growing field of Heritage Carpentry, as well as the custom carpentry and millwork industries. Opportunities are available in both private and public sectors. Some graduates may prefer freelance work while others will take positions in commercial or residential carpentry or millworking- companies. Those who decide to follow a traditional apprenticeship route find themselves in an advantageous position as a graduate due to the unique foundation of skills and knowledge acquired.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
2. Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
3. Apply conservation techniques in accordance with the Ontario and National Building Codes, and in adherence to the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
4. Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, coworkers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
5. Solve problems related to the implementation of built heritage, joinery and millwork artifacts and custom carpentry projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics and building design.
6. Research, select, maintain and safely use hand tools, power tools and materials when performing traditional and contemporary carpentry, joinery and millwork craft.
7. Research and record architectural elements to support and communicate accurate and appropriate historical representations of built heritage.
8. Monitor the progression of built heritage, custom carpentry and millwork projects by applying basic principles and strategies of project management and conservation.
9. Apply basic business principles and strategies to the operation of a building construction and/or renovation enterprise.
10. Perform duties using specialized skillset related to carpentry and joinery in the fields of heritage conservation, high quality residential building and timber frame and log construction.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.