Preserving the past, building the future
Posted on Friday, June 6th, 2025
Algonquin College prides itself on its hands-on experiential learning opportunities for students, faculty, employees and industry partners and professionals.
For acclaimed carpenter and construction manager Patrick Moore, his years learning his craft have not only led to accolades and awards but directed him back to the classroom now as an instructor at his own school.
Moore’s credentials include two Red Seal certifications in carpentry and cabinetmaking, two Gold Seal certifications as a construction site superintendent and foreman, certification as a construction professional from the Project Management Institute and designation as a National Construction Safety Officer. He is a member of several professional associations, including the Association Ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir de Tour de France, the Institute of Carpenters, the Chartered Institute of Building in the U.K., the Association for Preservation Technology International, the International Association of World Heritage Professionals, the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and the Timber Framers Guild.
Amongst his academic achievements, Moore graduated from the Algonquin College Perth Campus with two diplomas — one in Heritage Carpentry and Joinery and a second in Heritage and Traditional Masonry. His love of construction led him closer to home where he splits his time working on building projects and training craftspeople in stereotomy, an ancient method used in designing and constructing structures like cathedrals and castles.
Created in 2014, the Professional School of Practical Stereotomy is a private school where students gain hands-on experience in practical stereotomy. This method, known as L’Art du Trait, has been utilized for centuries.
Moore described his time at the College as “a launching pad for the workforce.” He said it was a great place to go to actual work sites, gain work experiences and grown into other positions within the trades.
He has high praise for the College’s programs and how graduates are given the tools needed to succeed in their chosen fields. “It sets them up with a solid foundation to move forward in the industry and they’re miles ahead of someone who doesn’t go through the program. [Graduates] are set up for success.”
Moore said an apprentice system is something that all fields can benefits from. “You take what you’ve learned and apply it practically to perform the task, where you are applying theory to practicality. That’s what an apprenticeship is,” he said. “It’s really about gaining the practical experience and practicing your craft.”
Moore talked about the importance of hands-on learning. “Once you have an idea of a concept, you can apply that technique. It is vitally important that the individual understands the techniques so when we look at the skilled trades, and you’re working with your hands, it’s based on learning and establishing foundations.”
Moore said that a career in the skilled trades is rewarding on many levels. “I think the trades are attractive to students because they are continually learning new skills and techniques, applying them and getting good at something,” Moore said. “Our brains are hardwired for rewards systems and when you start getting good at something your brain really fires off.”
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