Heritage Carpentry and Joinery
A program that rises above - pursue a career restoring the past for future generations.
- Heavy focus on custom building and fabrication skills in both carpentry and millworking allowing graduates to pursue high end traditional construction plus heritage conservation
- Access to a state-of-the-art facility, tool lending library, a network of conservation partnered projects (National Capital Commission, Parks Canada and the Town of Perth)
- More than 950 hours of hands on applied learning along the theme of working with your hands, head and heart which is the definition of artistry
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
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:...(read more)
Overview
A program that rises above - pursue a career 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 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 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.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ARC9005
Course Name:
Canadian Architectural Conservation
Course Description:
Preserving our heritage resources is a sign of community pride and environmental responsibility. Protecting heritage buildings requires unde... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CON9111
Course Name:
Carpentry: Foundations, Floors, Walls and Basic Roofs
Course Description:
General carpentry and homebuilding skills are introduced through both practical and theoretical methods. Students focus on the skills and kn... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
DRA9113
Course Name:
Drafting for Carpentry and Joinery
Course Description:
Drafting is an essential communication tool in the building industry. Students acquire competency in the basics of drafting for the trades. ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ENL9212
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT9116
Course Name:
Mathematics for Carpentry and Joinery
Course Description:
Focus is placed on the fundamentals of trades calculations and applied mathematics. Applications of course content to carpentry concepts inc... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WOO9254
Course Name:
Joinery Fundamentals
Course Description:
A comprehensive introduction to the use, selection and maintenance of hand tools is provided. Students research and compare woodworking tech... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
WOO9216
Course Name:
Blueprints, Wood, and Geometry
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of blueprint reading and estimating, explore the application of geometry and proportion in class... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WOO9226
Course Name:
Joinery: Architectural Millwork
Course Description:
Millwork provides the finishing touches to a building and helps to define its character. Techniques are introduced for turning and bending w... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
WOO9228
Course Name:
Carpentry: Roofs and Finishes
Course Description:
The study of wood-framed house construction continues with an investigation into the framing of more complex roof systems. Traditional hip, ... + Read More
Hours:
154.0
Code:
GED0530
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BSC9100
Course Name:
Housing, Energy and the Environment
Course Description:
Students examine the impact of the construction/historic conservation industry on the environment. This includes a study of the principles a... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL9202
Course Name:
Communications II
Course Description:
Students write instructions and write for publication, create relevant job-search correspondence and career portfolios, writing various info... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WOO9303
Course Name:
Traditional Carpentry: Timber Framing
Course Description:
An exploration of the time-honoured layout principles and cutting techniques used in traditional and contemporary timber frames is explored.... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
WOO9306
Course Name:
Traditional Joinery: Doors and Windows
Course Description:
Students learn the theory and production of traditional windows and doors. Close examination of these two elements reveal and showcase the s... + Read More
Hours:
168.0
Code:
BSC9400
Course Name:
Conservation Methods: Buildings, Carpentry and Planning
Course Description:
Students learn about restoration and repair techniques for buildings and building elements. By exploring a variety of building deficiencies ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
LFS9441
Course Name:
Site Work
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the practicalities of working on a conservation project. Working on an actual heritage building site challenges s... + Read More
Hours:
20.0
Code:
WOO9401
Course Name:
Culminating Architectural Millwork Project
Course Description:
Topics of investigation include both interior and exterior ornamental features. Students combine theoretical and practical skills to complet... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
WOO9402
Course Name:
Traditional Carpentry: Log Building
Course Description:
The tools, techniques and materials used to build heritage log buildings are explored in theory and in practice. Heritage log buildings are ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
WOO9403
Course Name:
Traditional Joinery: Staircasing and Ornamental Millwork
Course Description:
Designing and building staircases is often considered the pinnacle of a carpenter's craft. Through an examination of design, stringer layout... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Careers & Pathways
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.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities
- Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations
- 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.
- Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, coworkers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
- 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.
- Research, select, maintain and safely use hand tools, power tools and materials when performing traditional and contemporary carpentry, joinery and millwork craft.
- Research and record architectural elements to support and communicate accurate and appropriate historical representations of built heritage.
- Monitor the progression of built heritage, custom carpentry and millwork projects by applying basic principles and strategies of project management and conservation.
- Apply basic business principles and strategies to the operation of a building construction and/or renovation enterprise.
- 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.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and academic supplies cost approximately $1000 in the first year and $400 in the second year.
- In addition, students are required to purchase trade-specific personal protective equipment and tools at a cost of $800-$1500 in the first year and $300-$500 in the second year.
- Students are advised not to purchase tools before attending class. Students are required to have safety footwear and eye and ear protection on the first day of classes.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their
eligibility for admission; OR - Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
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; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
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.
Application Information
HERITAGE CARPENTRY AND JOINERY
Program Code 0530X01FPT
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Local: 613-267-2859
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-267-3950
www.algonquincollege.com/perth
Additional Information
Program Resources
Part-time students may be considered if space is available.
The Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program is a physically demanding program of study. Students can expect to spend extended blocks of time in both shop and outdoor environments with controlled exposure to noise and dust.
Contact
Darren Taubman
Program Coordinator
Mark Duffe
Professor
Patrick Murphy
Professor
After graduating from Algonquin’s Architectural Conservation Technology program, Patrick worked for Parks Canada – Restoration Services, recording heritage buildings. He returned to school and enrolled in the 2-year Heritage Carpentry program. After graduation, he worked for Linster Carpenters and Builders on a variety of large restoration projects in Eastern Ontario, and for Drerup Armstrong Ltd. as a carpenter on R-2000 homes and specialty housing projects for people with environmental sensitivities. Patrick then became a partner in the Lan-Arc Design Build Group, focusing on custom construction projects.
In 1996, Patrick began teaching in the Heritage Carpentry program. In 2002, Patrick took on an ambitious project on Rideau Lake with architect Julian Smith, where he employed a crew of 5 carpenters and a variety of sub-trades for 2 ½ years to complete the project.
Patrick holds his Certificate of Qualification in Carpentry (Red Seal).
Lachlan Oddie
Professor
Lachlan graduated from the Heritage Carpentry Program in 2001 and has extensive experience in restoration and joinery. He has worked for the P.W. Ramsay Company Ltd. in Kingston on a variety of restoration projects where his highly developed joinery skills have been an asset. A capable, talented carpenter and teacher, he has been teaching full time in the program since 2008. Lachlan holds a Certificate of Qualification in Carpentry (Red Seal).
Andrew Pamenter
Professor
Andrew Pamenter is an instructor at Algonquin College, Perth. He is a graduate of the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Program and an Ontario Red Seal Carpenter. He holds a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University and an Honours BA in Canadian Studies from Trent University. Andrew has worked extensively in both formal and experiential education in Northern Ontario, Nunavut, Asia and South America. His site work as a carpenter includes Osgoode Hall, Fort York, Royal Ontario Museum and the University of Toronto as well as a period working in Lanark & Frontenac Counties.