Carol Baldwin
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wakaw Recorder
Carlton Trail College is opening doors for aspiring trades professionals through the Applied Certificate Carpentry program, starting January 2026 at the Humboldt campus location. The instructor for the program, which follows Sask Polytech’s curriculum, is hired locally, drawing from the many skilled professionals in the region. Due to high regional demand for skilled carpenters, tuition for the January 2026 Carpentry Program is fully funded, meaning there is no tuition cost for eligible students in this intake. However, regular tuition fees will apply for the January 2027 intake.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed Grade Ten and be fluent in the English language. If an individual does not have a Grade Ten, they may be eligible for ACCUPLACER testing. ACCUPLACER is a test used to evaluate reading, writing and mathematics skills. Accuplacer testing may be used to help determine placement into a program. See: https://www.carltontrailcollege.com/current-students/learning-support/testing-centre/
Applications are currently open, and with only 12 seats in the program, interested candidates should apply soon. The small class size allows for an excellent instructor-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a more engaging learning experience for every student. There is only one intake period, which is in January, for the carpentry program, as this timing aligns graduates with heightened construction activity.
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions as apprentices in Saskatchewan’s growing construction industry. To address the increasing demand for skilled professionals, the College is removing financial barriers that may prevent individuals from pursuing a rewarding career in carpentry, construction, or related trades. This financial incentive aims to encourage individuals to develop their skills and contribute to Saskatchewan’s thriving construction sector.
In Saskatchewan, the construction industry significantly drove employment growth in 2025, witnessing a year-to-date increase of 16.3 percent in construction jobs as of May 2025. Additionally, there has been a surge in housing starts, with a remarkable increase of 105.7 percent compared to the same period in 2024, along with a 79.6 percent rise in building permits. (https://trendlinesaskatchewan.com/trendline-issue/trendline-june-2025) According to provincial government projections, private capital investment in building construction is expected to exceed $16 billion in 2025, reflecting a 10 percent increase from 2024. (https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2025/may/26/saskatchewans-building-construction-growth-leads-the-country
The Carpentry Applied Certificate program is an approximately 19-week course that provides practical, hands-on training for both residential and commercial construction. This program will teach the fundamentals of carpentry and help participants develop the skills necessary for a career in construction and related fields.
The curriculum includes topics such as blueprints and quantity surveys, concrete work, foundations, framing, scaffolding, and more. In addition to the classroom instruction, students will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through a work experience component at the end of the program. Graduates who secure employment in the trade and register as apprentices may also be eligible for trade time and academic credit.
“This program gives students the chance to develop real, marketable skills and apply them in a workplace setting,” says Yasir Soomro, Post-Secondary Program Manager at Carlton Trail College. “With tuition covered, students can focus on learning and gaining experience to step into the workforce and begin building their careers.”
Carlton Trail College is a post-secondary institution dedicated to delivering quality education and training that empowers learners for success. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and community connection, the College provides a wide range of programs, including post-secondary studies, Adult Basic Education, English language instruction, and workforce development. Carlton Trail College serves communities across east-central Saskatchewan.
For anyone not meeting the eligibility criteria, Carlton Trail College is a recognized Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) testing centre. The CAEC is a high school equivalency credential that meets industry standards as a replacement for the GED. CAEC tests are coordinated out of its Watrous office.
Program highlights:
Tuition-free for eligible students
Applied Certificate credential issued by Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Hands-on experience in key construction skills
Career-ready training for Saskatchewan’s trades sector
For more information, contact: Jennifer Brooks, Carlton Trail College: Tel (306) 682-6851 or email: brooksj@carltontrailcollege.com
Apply online at www.carltontrailcollege.com/program-course/carpentry/ or call 1-800-667-2623
