Testimonials

“The environment was comfortable, friendly and welcoming.”

Kim Desroches, Carpentry & Joinery – Heritage

“Before attending Algonquin College, I was a college graduate working in a factory. Following a massive lay-off, which affected over 1,200 people, I was a single parent unable to find a position with sufficient income to provide for my daughter and was forced to consider the other alternative — going back to school. Not only was the thought terrifying, but the very idea of going back to school at the same time as my four-year old daughter simply didn’t seem realistic. My options narrowed to this: either work for peanuts or return to school!

I decided that if I were going to invest in re-education, it would be for an occupation that I enjoyed. I made the plunge and chose the Carpentry and Millwork – Heritage program offered at the Perth Campus. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

It had been years since I had been in an academic atmosphere and I had no idea where to start. I was a last minute entry. One day I was unemployed and the next day I was a full-time student. Enrolling at this small campus was a wise choice. Everything was on a more personal level. Instructors knew all students by name in very short order. The environment was comfortable, friendly and welcoming.”


“A small artist’s studio was my first complete building.”

Peter Ramsay, Carpentry & Joinery – Heritage

“Upon graduating from the Heritage Carpentry and Millwork Program in 1994, I was employed with a restoration contractor based in Kingston for two years. This was an excellent learning opportunity for me since I was entrusted to work independently to dismantle and reconstruct old timber frame and log buildings. Through the process of deconstruction and reconstruction of old heritage buildings, I was able to explore intimately the inner-workings (and not-workings) of these structures and develop a further understanding of traditional construction techniques.

In 1996, I became self-employed and began to take carpentry jobs myself. I started doing small construction jobs where I could explore all aspects of the trade. A small artist’s studio was my first complete building. This job provided me with the opportunity to design and build the structure as well as the windows and doors. I continued to work independently for a few years doing small jobs, but always tried to focus on heritage buildings and began to develop a reputation and good working relationships with clients in this niche. Repairing old pine floors, reproducing different types of trim and manufacturing period doors and windows quickly became the mainstay of my business. Small jobs would lead to larger jobs and pretty soon I was expanding my work to include things such as period kitchens and furniture.”