Circular Saw Filer

Program Overview

The program covers three levels: Circular Saw Filer, Benchperson, and Saw Filer. Apprentices must complete work-based training and in-school training to advance through the levels and obtain their certificate of qualification.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Saw filers fit all types of saws, including circular saws, band saws, gang saws, chain saws. They operate, repair and adjust saw sharpening equipment and are competent to bench all circular and gang saws, including tensioning, welding cracks, welding on teeth and any other work that is usually performed by a saw filer in the lumber manufacturing industry.

Outline:

• Three trades make up the saw trades: Saw fitting, circular saw filer, and benchperson.
• Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus, is the only training institution in BC that offers technical training for these trades.

Industry requirements

• To begin an apprenticeship to become a circular saw filer, learners must complete 840 hours of work-based training, working in a saw filing room and assisting saw filers in their work.
• Apprentices must also secure an employer who is approved to provide on-the-job training in saw filing and is willing to register the apprentice and keep a record of their performance.
• Grade 10 education, including English 10, Math 10 and Science 10 or equivalent (Grade 12 preferred).

Saw filer Level 1 requirements

• Requires an additional 1680 hours of work-based training.
• 180 hours (six weeks) of in-school training, plus a minimum score of 70 percent on the Level 1 examination.
• Once Level 1 is successfully completed, the saw filer may move on to Level 2.

Saw filer Level 2 requirements

• 1,680 hours of work-based training.
• 120 hours (four weeks) of in-school training, plus a minimum score of 70 percent on the certificate of qualification examination.
• When Level 2 is successfully completed, the apprentice is granted a certificate of qualification, a certificate of apprenticeship, and becomes a journeyperson.

Benchperson Level 3 requirements

• A saw filer journeyperson may choose to obtain an additional endorsement as a benchperson by completing Level 3.
• Requires an additional 1,680 hours of work-based training.
• 120 hours (four weeks) of in-school training, plus a mark of 70 percent on the Benchperson Endorsement Examination.

Apprenticeship training dates

• Circular Saw Filer - Level 1
• September 16, 2024 - October 25, 2024 (Williams Lake)
• January 13, 2025 - February 21, 2025 (Williams Lake)
• Circular Saw Filer - Level 2
• October 28, 2024 - November 22, 2024 (Williams Lake)
• February 24, 2025 - March 21, 2025 (Williams Lake)
• Circular Saw Filer - Benchperson Endorsement - Level 3
• November 25, 2024 - December 20, 2024 (Williams Lake)
• March 24, 2025 - April 18, 2025 (Williams Lake)

Apprenticeship costs

• Four weeks tuition and fees: $508.47
• Six weeks tuition and fees: $761.29
• One-time application fee: $32.27