Carpentry and Renovation Technician (Optional Co-op)

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

New Construction Theory I
CONS1800

Description: In this course students will be introduced to the field of carpentry by studying the history, origins and background of the carpentry trade. The course will also cover: methods and materials used in the construction of forms for footings, flatwork, low-rise foundation walls and framing, in addition to quality, craftsmanship, and career opportunities in construction.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

New Construction Practice I
CONS1815

Description: In this course students will apply construction theory in a shop environment through hands on practice and by completing small-scale foundation/framing projects. Students will be instructed on the proper use of common carpentry layout and power tools, and will practice safe use of these and other tools encountered on a construction site.
  • Hours: 140
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Plans, Specifications and Codes I
DRWG1175

Description: In this course students will be introduced to the Ontario Building Code and how it is used in the construction industry. The basic principles of drafting and a study of the relationships involving owner, architect, builder and tradesperson are also included.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Estimating and Calculations
MATH1800

Description: In this course, students will review and study basic mathematics and geometry related to trade problems and construction layout.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Client Relations
BUS1435

Description: This course will enable the student to apply the basic principles of good client relations including good communication, job site safety, and ethical practices in the construction industry. Basic computer skills involving word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, operating systems and the internet to produce business documents, will be used as a means of communicating with and providing information to clients.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR1020

Description: This series of modules will prepare students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Coop Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while developing an awareness of self-reflective practices. Students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and examine available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

New Construction Theory II
CONS1820

Description: In this course students will study materials and practices commonly used to complete the exterior and interior of residential and light commercial buildings. Students will learn proper procedures and methods for application of finishes such as exterior siding, roof finishes, drywall, baseboard, and various door and window trims.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

New Construction Practice II
CONS1835

Description: In this course, students will apply the content studied in New Construction Theory II in a shop environment by completing hands-on projects specific to exterior and interior finishes. Students will be instructed on the proper use of both hand and power carpentry finishing tools, and will practice safe use of the common tools encountered on a construction site. Students will also practice proper installation methods in order to meet industry standards.
  • Hours: 140
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Metal Cutting and Welding
WELD2520

Description: This course will introduce the student to the concepts of Oxy-Fuel Welding (OFW), Brazing (OFB), Cutting (OFC), and the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process. Online theory modules will cover the safe set up and working practices of these processes, as well as introduce the student to the fundamental concepts involved in each process operation. In the shop, the student will implement safe working practices along with skills development in the OFW, OFB, OFC, and the SMAW process. Students will practice welding various joint types on mild steel, while using several different filler metals. The OFC process will be used to make straight and bevel cuts, pierce holes and to cut shapes out of mild steel plate. Students will also learn about the required equipment and demonstrate proper and safe set up procedures.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Co-op Work Term I (Carpentry & Reno Tech)
COOP2510

Description: • This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Through this course, students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 16
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Renovation Theory I
CONS2155

Description: In this course students will study various architectural styles including historical building construction practices, materials and renovation construction health hazards. Students will be introduced to Part 11 of the Ontario Building Code, accessibility and discuss the social, political, and environmental impacts on building and renovating; and they will also produce basic construction drawings using CAD software.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Renovation Practice I
CONS2160

Description: In this course students will apply basic skills and techniques necessary for the structural renovation and finishing of residential buildings for interior and exterior applications. Safe working procedures employed on construction job sites will be practiced throughout the course including site planning and supervision.
  • Hours: 140
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Plans, Specifications and Codes II
DRWG2270

Description: In this course students will use skills learned in Plans, Specifications and Codes I to develop their ability to read and understand drawings and specifications for housing and small buildings. Students will also be introduced to computer-aided drafting software.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Building Science
PHYS2075

Description: In this course, students will describe how to apply good practices of building science, energy conservation, waste management, environmental impact reduction, and indoor air quality management to both new and existing buildings.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 5

Course details

The Renovation Business
CONS2000

Description:

This course provides students with an introduction to operating a renovation business, focusing on aspects such as project management, understanding renovation business stakeholders, and leveraging digital and social media marketing. Students will gain practical knowledge and skills needed to manage renovation projects from inception to completion, explore project management software, and utilize modern marketing techniques to grow their business.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Renovation Theory II
CONS2175

Description: In this course, students will apply skills acquired in Renovation Theory I to produce a project plan, specifications, working drawings, materials take-off and labour estimate for a small scale project. Construction of common outdoor structures will also be discussed.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Renovation Practice II
CONS2180

Description: In this course students will refine their application of basic skills and techniques required for successful renovations of buildings and construction of common outdoor structures.
  • Hours: 140
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  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. Assist in the preparation of material estimations and quotes and complete all work in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligations, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the construction, renovation and conservation building fields.
  4. Incorporate sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction, renovation and conservation projects in accordance with sustainable building guidelines.
  5. Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, co-workers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
  6. Interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  7. Select and use technologies to obtain, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  8. Solve problems related to the implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics, building design and building science.
  9. Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  10. Complete building and renovation stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in accordance with blueprint specifications and conservation principles.
  11. Select a range of materials and equipment for their appropriate application to building construction and renovation projects.
  12. Schedule and assist in monitoring the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying basic principles and strategies of project management.
  13. Apply basic business principles and strategies to the operation of a building construction and/or renovation enterprise.