Student Experience
In 1987, the Perth Campus of Algonquin College initiated the idea of training students in the Heritage Trades. With the backing of Heritage Canada, The Ontario Heritage Foundation, and the Association for Preservation Technology, the college canvassed restoration contractors from across Canada who concurred that there was a pressing need for good training. The support from these groups ensured that the best curriculum possible was put in place right from the start. After two years of preparation, the program was launched in the fall of 1989.
Since then, we have had students join the program from Victoria, British Columbia, to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, in other words, from sea to sea. Students from the United States have come from California, New Jersey, Florida, and everywhere in between. We also have grads who travelled from Ireland, France and Chile to study with us.
Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Heritage Carpentry program.
Success Stories & Testimonials
We love to see where the alumni of our program end up and to celebrate their successes. If you have one to share, please let us know.
- Gibson Timber Frames
- Historical Carpentry
- The Broad Axe Research Project (2019)
- Browne’s Millwork and Joinery
Testimonials
Ciaran Brown, Graduate 2015
“I was an International student, I moved from Ireland to Perth specifically to take the program. All that I knew about the course and the college before I arrived was gathered from the college web site, so it was a bit of a gamble on my part to make the move here. Now, looking back at my two years of study, I can honestly say without any hesitation that the course and my experiences at the Perth campus have exceeded to no end, any expectations I could have had.
The facilities for the Heritage Carpentry program are amazing, especially the shop which has both top of the range machinery and hand tools. The library is also an incredible resource for anything carpentry and I still use it frequently. What really made the course for me, however, were the professors. Every teacher that I had during my time there was an expert on the trade. They were always approachable and always made an effort to make the time to help in any way they could, whether it was helping you through a problem if you found an aspect of the course tough, or presenting you with challenges if you were finding certain aspects easy.
Being such a small college I got to form a real and pleasant connection with a lot of the faculty and staff here. The atmosphere at the Perth Campus fostered the best educational experience I have ever had.”
Ciaran has continued his work in Heritage Carpentry, including being part of the above video the 25th Hour Storytelling Project as well as operating his own business Browns Joinery, in Kingston Ontario.
Isadore, Graduate, 2024
Hear firsthand about Isadore’s experience in the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program.
Mackenzie, Graduate, 2021, Timbervalley Post and Beam
Hear first hand about Mackenzie’s experience in the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program.
Matthew Bruins, Graduate 2019
“The teachers here are great; they only want to see the best in you. They really go above and beyond to help.”
Matthew’s final project, titled the Nonsense Door was featured in Lee Valley’s newsletter documenting his experience in the program and his entire final project process. To read the full story visit leevalley.com by clicking here.
Projects
In 2017, the second year Heritage Carpentry and Joinery students really outdid themselves by building not one, but two timber frame structures and the beautiful log shell shown in the picture. These buildings will be finished and remain at the campus for demonstration purposes.
The skill set of timber framing and log building is as in demand today as it has ever been. And, with all that natural sunshine, water, and carbon providing our building materials, timber framing is one of the most sustainable building practices around. Thank you Class of 2017 for leaving our campus with such a great legacy!