Carpenters build, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. Skilled in both interior and exterior finish work, carpenters can read blueprints, measure accurately and calculate dimensions.

They interpret blueprints, analyze technical specifications, and follow instructions on what and where work is to be done. They plan their work in a logical sequence; coordinate it with other trades, perform work in a quality manner and in a reasonable amount of time. They choose appropriate tools, equipment, and materials to perform their duties. They communicate effectively and are good team members.

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Terms of Apprenticeship

  • 4-year program
  • 6,240 hours of on-the-job training
  • 400 hours of paid related classroom instruction
  • Transition-To-Trainer Course in the final year of the apprenticeship

Get Started

Curriculum

First Term

Construction Carpentry Safety 36 Hours

#50-410-715

Apprentices will be introduced to safe work practices, safety requirements, and personal protective equipment. Instruction includes the OSHA 10 course requirements, with an optional recommended Mine Safety and Health Act (MSHA) 6-hour safety certification. In addition, first aid, CPR, and AED training is included. Forklift safety and operations training and certification, rough terrain vehicle operations and safety, and aerial lift certifications are included. Construction trade safety best practices will be discussed. Hands-on training in construction vehicle operation as required for certification may be included in the course.

Scaffold Erector and Tool Safety for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-716

Apprentices will learn about scaffold systems, safety, and assembly in this course. Additional topics include tool safety and basic blueprint reading. Tube and clamp, welding frame, and mobile towers will be compared. Common scaffold systems and set-ups for various job site situations will be discussed. Beginning tool safety for protecting workers, equipment and property will be examined. Blueprint reading skills will be introduced. Optional scaffold certifications may be included in the course.

Second Term

Basic Welding for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-717

Basic welding for the trade will include arc and wire welding. Welding principles will be discussed and basic processes examined. Safety, set-up, and welding techniques commonly used by the trade will be addressed. Skill development will include basic arc and wire welding as well as burning, torching, and plasma cutting. Blueprint reading, safety, and applicable commercial building codes will be reviewed.

Rigging & Signaling for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-718

Apprentices will examine safety and operating requirements associated with rigging and signaling. Rigging hardware and operations will be reviewed. Skills using voice signals and hand signals will be developed. Rigging and signaling safety certifications are recommended and may be optional course topics based on need.

Third Term

Site Development for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-719

This course will expose apprentices to trade practices related to site development. Use of a transit and level will be covered and skills developed related to working with building layouts. Elevation specifications and symbols will be examined. Total station fundamentals will be applied to various job sites. Blueprint reading, commercial building codes, safety, and related concepts when working on a job site.

Concrete Forms for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-720

Apprentices will explore trade practices related to concrete forms. Course topics include Symons handset forms, MEVA gang forming, hardware and rebar requirements, reinforcement techniques and concrete science. Key principles involved in slump testing and preparing concrete will be discussed. Blueprint reading, safety, commercial codes, and related requirements will be addressed in the course.

Fourth Term

Shoring & Floor Construction for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-721

Apprentices will learn trade practices involving concrete shoring and floor construction. Course topics include elevated slabs and beams, EFCO systems, decks and Ellis clamps, plywood and concrete systems, precast and tilt-up slabs, and slab-on-grade with slopes. Hands-on learning opportunities related to the course topics are included. Codes, safety, blueprint reading and other related requirements will be included.

Wall Construction for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-722

Apprentices will learn about wall construction techniques involved with wood framing. Course topics include stick framing walls and headers, wood framing practices, drywall and insulation, drywall taping, and wall finishing. Blueprint reading, safety, and tool use are included. Commercial building codes related to wall construction will be reviewed.

Fifth Term

Metal Framing for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-723

Apprentices will learn about metal framing requirements related to commercial building codes. Blueprint reading and safety related to metal stud work are included. Course topics include structural studs, walls and shafts, soffits, joists, firestops, and other related concepts. Hands-on skill development in cutting studs for various job requirements is included.

Interior Finishing for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-724

Apprentices will explore interior finishing techniques related to the trade. Trim and paneling will examine baseboard, casing, sills, jams, trims, and paneling installations. Cabinets and backing installation and blueprints are included in the course. Laminate and solid surface installation and manufacturing will be discussed. Acoustical ceiling basics, layouts, mains, and math are addressed.

Sixth Term

Exterior Finishing and Doors for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-725

Apprentices will examine exterior finishing and doors systems in this course. Exterior finishing topics include installation of windows and siding following specifications provided on blueprints. Door systems include hollow metal door frames; doors; door hardware, hangers and closures; and other related components. Blueprint reading, commercial building codes, and other requirements for doors and exteriors will be covered.

Roof Framing for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-726

Apprentices will apply blueprint reading skills to roofing systems and framing requirements. Rafters, gables, hips, intersecting, valleys, cornices and trusses will be covered. Course includes the installation of pre-engineered components as well as the awareness of how to make trusses and related components. Applicable commercial building codes, safety requirements, and related concepts will be addressed.

Seventh Term

Stair Design and Building for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-727

Examine stair design, layout, and building in this course. Interpret blueprints and building codes related to stairs and ADA accessibility. Layout and frame wood, metal and concrete stairs based on codes and standards. Build stairs in team or class projects. Apply use of concrete forms to stairways. Review and apply commercial codes to stairway construction for public buildings.

Final Capstone Course for Carpentry Apprentices 36 Hours

#50-410-728

This course is intended as a final review and comprehensive assessment. Review blueprint reading, math, commercial building codes, and other material covered in the program will be reviewed as needed. Apprentices may explore current issues, and emerging trends or technologies as appropriate. Opportunities for capstone hands-on projects or team activities may be designed by instructors for this course. The course may also provide opportunities to refresh trade certifications and could include the Transition to Trainer course based on need.

Get Started

To apply for an Apprenticeship, you must be employed by a business or organization that participates in an apprenticeship program and has a completed Department of Workforce Development (DWD) contract. Each employer sets its own requirements for entry into the program. To determine your eligibility and explore available opportunities, contact your employer’s human resources department.

Questions?

If you have questions about this apprenticeship or the application process, please contact our Recruitment team.