Construction Techniques (Carpentry)

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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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

New Construction Theory I
CONS1801

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: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Level 2

Course details

Client Relations
BUS1436

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: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

Identify and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the construction field.
Identify and adhere to established health and safety practices.
Perform all construction tasks in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, codes and ethical practices in the construction field.
Work in accordance with established sustainability practices*.
Collaborate with a range of tradespersons and project stakeholders* to maintain effective working relationships.
Communicate technical information to a variety of clients, supervisors and tradespersons to participate in the successful completion of construction projects*.
Identify and use industry-specific technologies to support construction projects*.
Solve on-site trade-related construction problems using mathematical equations and geometric concepts.
Select, maintain and safely operate hand and power tools and equipment used in the building construction trades.
Assist in the preparation of project estimates.
Assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring tasks at construction sites.