Carpenters Apprenticeship

Woman carpenter workingApprenticeship Program - Carpenters

Apprenticeship Coordinator: Jovan Nieto
Phone: 503-256-7300
Email: jovann@nwcoc.com

Job Description
Carpenters build or remodel almost every kind of structure, including houses and commercial buildings, bridges, churches, factories and highways. They work with power and hand tools to build wood framing for houses, roofs, stairs, decks and sheaths, and forms for concrete. Carpenters install doors, windows and handrails, build cabinets and counter tops. Carpenters perform interior and exterior finish work. They read blueprints, measure accurately and calculate dimensions.

Qualifications

Provide proof of at least 18 years of age with:

  • High School Diploma or GED (Education Substitution: applicant in good standing with 2,000 on-the-job hours. 1st year related training and good standing with a Laborers JATC may be substituted in lieu of a high school diploma or GED)
  • Or: Completion of an Associated Degree or higher that is recognized by the Department of Education.
  • Or: Test scores within 12 months on Alex, COMPASS or Accuplacer with placement at or above Math 20 or higher, Reading 115 or higher & Writing 101 or higher; or completion of the equivalent ABE course.

*Local apprenticeship committee may require additional qualifications.

Working Conditions
Carpentry work is physically demanding and involves a good deal of standing, climbing, kneeling, lifting and squatting. Work conditions vary with each job, either indoors or outdoors, and could include working either 100 feet below ground or on 100-foot-high scaffolding. The location of the job site generally changes several times during the year. Carpenters must be in good health, agile, and have good hand-eye coordination.

Average Journey-level Wage
$31.44 per hour

Recommended High School or College Courses

  • Trade Skills Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Advanced Technology
  • Welding
  • Construction classes
  • Algebra I & II
  • Drafting/CAD
  • Geometry
  • Architecture
  • Trigonometry
  • Blueprint Reading
  • CPR/First Aid

Length of Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship agreement combines both the on-the-job experience and classroom related training instruction over a period of four years. Apprentices must complete a minimum of 144 hours per year of related classroom training and a total of 8,000 hours on-the-job training.

Associate of Applied Science Degree - ** Catalog Listing

Lane's AAS degree in Construction Trades General Apprenticeship can be earned once a student meets the requirements for both related training and general education.