News Releases

A new two-year carpentry program at NBCC targeting international students includes a 22-week paid work placement with a New Brunswick construction firm.

The Carpentry Co-op program, developed in partnership with WorkingNB, combines NBCC’s Carpentry curriculum with on-the-job, paid experience. Successful applicants will get a firsthand look at how New Brunswick’s construction sites function while earning a wage and filling jobs in an in-demand sector.

“As NBCC invests in education that works, we’re working with our partners to deliver relevant training that prepares learners for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Ann Drennan, Vice President Academic, Innovation, and Student Affairs at NBCC. “The Carpentry Co-op program provides paid on-the-job experience with a solid educational foundation that will help them secure employment after graduation, while also helping meet the labour force demands of the construction sector. It’s a win-win.”

“Ensuring New Brunswick has the skilled tradespeople it needs is critical to the continued growth and success of the province,” said Trevor Holder, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. “Skilled trades education and training are an important focus of our government and we’re pleased to partner with NBCC to help deliver this new and unique pathway into carpentry and we appreciate their dedication to training our future workforce.” 

In the first year of the program, learners will study NBCC’s Carpentry curriculum until spring, when they will begin a 22-week paid work placement to coincide with the busy New Brunswick construction season. They’ll return to NBCC following their work placement to complete their studies.

The Carpentry Co-op program will be delivered at NBCC’s Saint John campus beginning in Fall 2023. A French language version of the program will be offered at CCNB’s Dieppe campus. 

Funding for the pilot-program will be provided through the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour’s WorkingNB branch.

About NBCC: As one of New Brunswick’s largest postsecondary education institutions, NBCC drives social and economic wellbeing across the province. NBCC welcomes 11,000 learners each year through quality-assured, relevant training opportunities. Supported by the Going Beyond campaign, NBCC is committed to accelerating skills development, innovating educational delivery, and reaching unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. Find out more at: www.nbcc.ca. 

Note: An earlier version of this news release incorrectly stated that the new carpentry co-op program is targeted at newcomers. The program is targeting all international students.

Media Contact: Tanya Greer, Lead, Strategic Communications 
Tel: (506) 440-9105  
tanya.greer@nbcc.ca