Since 1997 the Carpenter's Square has been proudly and actively involved with the Durham Region Co-operative Programme, working closely with local high schools and the Durham District School Board.

In this programme students who show a genuine interest in the woodworking field are recommended by their individual high school to attend an on site training programme at the Carpenter's Square. Once the student undergoes a successful interview process he/she is given a choice to attend a morning or afternoon 3 hour daily session at the shop.

The student is then introduced to the day to day operations of a woodworking shop, as well as learning the safe and proper operation of woodworking tools. Their time in the shop represents credits toward their yearly grade totals.

During their first days at the shop, the student is given a list of daily tasks and shown how to perform them including assisting in the building of custom pieces and kitchens built in the shop.

As an integral part of the programme the student is asked to pick a project they would like to build for themselves while at the shop. Rob McFarlane, the owner of the Carpenter's Square assists with the design, selection of materials and cut lists and teaches the student how to build their particular project. As an added offering to the student the Carpenter's Square covers the first $100 of the material costs. At the completion of the project the shop professionally stains and laquers the students piece. The finishing touch to a job well done.

Since being involved with this programme over the past 12 years, the Carpenter's Square has with great satisfaction introduced over 40 students to the trade of woodworking. It has proven to be a mutually beneficial partnership, and certainly a wonderful learning experience for our students. As the gallery of pictures show there have been some really beautiful and interesting pieces built by our students.