First-Year Apprentice Carpenter

British Columbia has an increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, resulting in rewarding employment opportunities. As a first-year apprentice, you will be starting a career path towards obtaining your SkilledTradesBC trade certification and Red Seal endorsement. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on training while receiving a competitive wage for your work!

A typical day as a carpenter could include working on commercial or residential new construction or renovation projects, or civil infrastructure projects. Carpenters are involved in a variety of aspects of building from site development, foundations, walls, floors, roofs, and finishing work. 

Day-to-day as an apprentice you could be:

• Measuring, cutting, and assembling wood structures
• Building concrete forms
• Using hand and power tools including power drills, table saws, skill saws, reciprocating saws, hammers, levels, etc.
• Accurately reading a tape measure 
• Working from ladders and scaffolding
• Sorting materials and maintaining a clean worksite

BCCA Apprenticeship Services is looking for applicants interested in pursuing a career in construction as a first-year apprentice carpenter. The ideal candidate should be interested in starting a career path towards certification as a Red Seal carpenter and should be motivated to learn, reliable, and hardworking.

To succeed as a first-year apprentice carpenter, you: 

• Communicate, work well with others, and follow directions well 
• Have good dexterity and like to work with your hands
• Enjoy working indoors or outdoors in all seasons 
• Like to solve problems and build solutions
• Are physically fit with stamina for manual labour
• Have experience using hand and power tools
• Are willing to follow safety guidelines at all times
• Understand basic math
• Have strong attention to detail
• Are in good physical condition with good endurance

Other qualifications can include (but are not required):

• Hands-on experience working with carpentry materials
• Occupational First Aid training or SiteReadyBC certification
• High school diploma and/or completion of the Carpentry Foundation Program or Level 1 Carpentry Training from a SkilledTradesBC recognized post-secondary institution
• Valid BC driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Prior experience in construction (hobbies, summer jobs or volunteer activities), agriculture or forestry, manufacturing, marine services or fisheries, municipal work, or other non-construction trades are a bonus

An apprenticeship offers a pathway to a successful career in construction. You will earn an income while gaining work-based training hours, education, and certification. Apprentices are eligible for government grants, tax credits, and employment insurance while attending training. This can help you offset the cost of training and certification and allow you to complete your apprenticeship and minimise student debt.

The starting hourly rate for first-year apprentices is usually between $17-$22/hour. It is determined by each employer and can vary depending on skills, location, and your experience. As a first-year apprentice new to a trade it is customary to begin at the bottom of the pay range but as you ‘earn and learn’ on the job, your pay will increase as you progress in your apprenticeship.

If this sounds like you, and you want to start your career in construction, we encourage you to apply today!

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