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Carpentry Apprenticeship: How to Become (or Hire) a New Carpenter

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Learn about carpentry apprenticeships, combining on-the-job training and classroom learning to start a career or hire skilled carpenters.

Kyo Zapanta

Last updated: November 13, 2024 10 min read

a painting of a man working on a work bench during his carpentry apprenticeship

At a time when 65% of builders report a shortage of carpenters, it makes sense for more individuals to want to join this industry. Besides, the opportunity for carpenters is quite bright, with about 38,600 jobs expected to open in the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

But before venturing into the builders’ world, or, in the case of employers, before you even hire a carpenter, it’s important to look into carpentry apprenticeship.

A carpentry apprenticeship provides structured training, combining hands-on work and classroom learning — an essential step for becoming a carpenter or for companies looking to hire one.

So we’re here to give you an inside look at what’s ahead for a carpenter apprentice or employer. In this guide, you’ll learn:

How to start your journey as a carpenter apprentice.
How carpentry apprenticeships benefit both employers and employees.
Local marketing tips for finding or promoting apprenticeships.

Let’s dive right in.

What is a Carpentry Apprenticeship?

A carpentry apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines hands-on work with classroom learning. It is designed to help individuals enter and advance in the carpentry trade.

Typically lasting four years, it is one of the most effective ways to become a skilled carpenter, offering both practical experience and technical knowledge.

Of course, you earn while you learn. Carpentry apprentices receive a wage from the first day of their apprenticeship, which increases as they gain more experience and skills throughout the program.

Skills Acquired

During the apprenticeship, a carpenter apprentice gains a broad range of skills. These include

constructing frameworks, walls, and roofs,
installing drywall, windows, and doors,
working with various tools (from hand tools to power tools), and
reading blueprints and layouts.

Carpenter apprentices learn safety practices, blueprint reading, construction math, and specific carpentry techniques, such as framing, finishing, and concrete work.

Certification & Experience

By the end of their apprenticeships, apprentices typically complete around 7,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job training and hundreds of classroom hours.

They earn a recognized certification as journey workers, which provides opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming foremen or starting their own business.

The experience is comprehensive, ensuring apprentices are equipped for real-world carpentry work and can meet industry standards efficiently and safely.

How to Become a Carpenter Apprentice

Starting a carpentry apprenticeship is the first step toward a hands-on career. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.

❶ Meet the Qualifications & Requirements

To start a carpenter apprenticeship, you must:

Be at least 18 years old (some programs may allow 17 with parental consent).
Have a high school diploma or GED, or six months of verified construction experience, or completion of a pre-apprenticeship program.
Be physically fit and healthy to perform all the required tasks of a carpenter.
Read and understand English to comprehend instructions on the job and in training.

❷ Find an Apprenticeship Program

Search for local programs through unions, trade schools, or online directories like the Carpenters Training Institute.
Reach out to local training centers to get details about their programs and application process.
Consider pre-apprenticeship programs to gain experience and increase your chances of acceptance.

❸ Understand the Apprenticeship Process & Duration

The typical carpenter apprenticeship lasts around four years.
You will complete approximately 7,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and around 640 hours of classroom instruction.
Training includes working with tools, blueprint reading, safety practices, framing, finishing, and using advanced technology like tablets and robotics.

❹ Know the Costs & Compensation

No cost to attend: Most programs are covered through union and employer sponsorship.
Earn while you learn: Apprentices start earning a wage from day one, which increases over time.
- Year 1: Average earnings range between $33,436 – $46,363.
- Year 4: Average earnings range between $57,748 – $80,077.
- Once you complete the apprenticeship, you may earn even more as a journeyworker or foreman.
Receive benefits like medical, dental, and retirement savings during your apprenticeship.

The Benefits of Being a Carpenter Apprentice

Carpenter apprenticeships offer numerous advantages, from hands-on learning to career growth. According to the BLS, around 76,500 job openings for carpenters are expected annually over the next decade, and the median pay is $56,350 per year.

With apprenticeship programs, prospective carpenters gain a competitive edge on top of valuable experience to advance in a field with steady growth and opportunities.

Here are some of the key benefits:

Learning on the Job

A carpenter apprenticeship combines hands-on training with classroom learning, allowing you to earn while you learn.

Apprentices work alongside experienced carpenters on real construction sites, gaining practical skills like framing, finishing, and reading blueprints.

Wages also increase as apprentices progress in their training.

Career Growth Opportunities

Apprenticeships pave the way for career advancement. After completing your training, you become a certified journeyworker, unlocking opportunities for higher pay and roles like foreman or superintendent. With experience, you can even start your own carpentry business.

Industry Networking

Apprenticeships provide opportunities to connect with professionals. As such, you gain mentorship, guidance, and job opportunities. This network helps them grow their skills and advance in their careers.

Access to Comprehensive Benefits

Carpenter apprentices often receive medical, dental, vision, annuity, and pension benefits through their programs, ensuring overall well-being and financial security.

No Tuition Costs

Many apprenticeship programs are covered by unions or employers, eliminating traditional education fees.

For example, the Carpenters Training Institute and the Carpentry Apprenticeship program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor both offer tuition-free training through employer and union sponsorships.

This allows apprentices to develop skills without incurring student debt.

Transferable Skills and Certifications

The training and certifications gained during an apprenticeship are widely recognized across the industry, and they allow employees to work in different regions or specializations.

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How to Hire a Carpenter Apprentice

Hiring apprentices offers businesses access to motivated, trainable workers who are learning the most up-to-date carpentry skills.

It can also be a cost-effective way to manage your construction budget while ensuring that skilled workers are available to meet your company’s needs.

Employers can shape apprentices into skilled workers who meet the company’s specific needs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hire a carpenter apprentice.

❶ Find Apprenticeship Candidates

Post Job Listings: Advertise on job boards, company websites, or social media. Make sure to include “Carpenter Apprentice” as the title and outline any requirements or skills sought.

Connect with Trade Schools & Unions: Reach out to local carpentry schools, unions, or apprenticeship programs, such as the Carpenters Training Institute, to find potential candidates.

Use Local Job Fairs & Community Events: Participate in career fairs, local community events, or industry expos to find interested applicants.

❷ Conduct Interviews & Assess Skills

Once you receive applications, conduct interviews to assess basic skills, physical ability, and interest in carpentry. Look for candidates eager to learn, committed to safety, and willing to complete the full apprenticeship program.

❸ Handle Legal & Contractual Details

Draft an Apprenticeship Agreement: Create an agreement detailing the training, wages, work hours, and duration of the apprenticeship.

Adhere to Regulations: Ensure compliance with labor laws and apprenticeship program standards, such as proper pay progression and safety standards.

Coordinate with the Apprenticeship Program: Register the apprentice with the relevant training program to start their on-the-job training and coursework.

❹ Onboard & Start Training

Welcome the apprentice to your team, introduce them to their mentor, and outline the on-the-job training plan. Ensure they are aware of safety protocols, work expectations, and their training schedule.

Local Marketing for Apprentices & Employers

Connecting locally is key to finding opportunities and talent for both aspiring apprentices and employers. Market yourself or your business within your community so you can tap into a strong network and reach the right audience for opportunities.

Here’s how to get started.

For Aspiring Apprentices: How to Stand Out Locally

Create a Strong Resume & Portfolio: Highlight any experience – even if it’s unrelated work or volunteer roles – showing your commitment and work ethic. Include hands-on skills and relevant classes.
Network in Your Community: Connect with local carpenters, unions, and trade schools. Attend job fairs, trade events, or community meetups where employers may be looking for apprentices.
Leverage Social Media & Online Platforms: Use platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to search for local apprenticeship opportunities. Post about your interest in carpentry to let local businesses know you’re actively seeking an apprenticeship.

For Employers: Attracting Local Talent

Utilize Local Job Boards & Social Media: Post opportunities on community job boards, local Facebook groups, and LinkedIn. Target posts to reach people in your area looking for trade opportunities.
Partner with Trade Schools & Unions: Build relationships with local carpentry schools, unions, and training programs. Offer to speak at events or sponsor school programs to increase visibility among students seeking apprenticeships.
Engage in Community Outreach: Participate in community events like trade shows, career fairs, or local job expos to meet potential apprentices face-to-face.

Take Advantage of Google Local & Community Engagement

Google My Business: For employers, set up a Google My Business profile to improve your visibility in local searches. Include “Carpentry Apprenticeship” in your keywords to attract interested candidates.
Optimize for Local SEO: Use keywords like “carpentry apprenticeship in [your city]” on your website and posts. Encourage reviews from past apprentices to boost your local search rankings.
Participate in Local Activities: Sponsor or take part in community events like building projects or charity work. These activities showcase your business and attract local talent interested in carpentry.

The Apprenticeship Journey: What to Expect

As we’ve said earlier, a carpentry apprenticeship blends hands-on work with classroom learning. So what does a day in the life of a carpenter apprentice look like?

Here’s a peek.

Day-to-Day Life as an Apprentice

Apprentices typically start their day early, working on construction sites alongside experienced carpenters. Tasks vary but often include measuring materials, framing walls, cutting and shaping wood, and assisting with installations.

They use both hand and power tools while learning to read blueprints and follow safety practices.

Skills Development & Mentorship

Throughout their apprenticeship, they gradually take on more complex tasks, from framing and finishing to understanding advanced carpentry techniques. They even learn to manage a construction punch list to ensure quality and completion on all aspects of a project.

A mentor—a skilled journey worker—guides them, offering feedback, support, and advice as they learn.

Balancing Work and Study

Apprentices split their time between on-the-job training and classroom learning. To balance both, they stay organized:

setting a consistent study schedule,
asking questions on-site, and
seeking help from their mentor to connect what they learn in class with real-world applications.

To balance work and study effectively, understanding various roles within the construction site, such as a dispatcher and its job description, can help apprentices see how different tasks are coordinated and managed.

Tips for a Successful Apprenticeship

Maximizing learning and fostering a supportive environment is key for both apprentices and employers. Here’s how to make the most of the apprenticeship.

For Apprentices

Maximize Learning Opportunities: Be proactive—ask questions, seek feedback, and volunteer for new tasks. Observe experienced carpenters, and understand different roles, including those in offices like an office manager’s job description.
Develop a Growth Mindset: Stay open to learning and see challenges as chances to grow. Mistakes are part of the process; use them to improve your skills.
Stand Out: Arrive on time, be reliable, and show a strong work ethic. A positive attitude and eagerness to learn can make you memorable to mentors and employers.

For Employers

Support Skill Development: Offer apprentices various tasks that become complex as their skills grow. This helps them understand roles on-site roles like the field service manager and its job description.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Regularly give clear and specific feedback to help apprentices improve. Praise progress and guide them through challenges.
Foster a Positive Company Culture: Create an environment where apprentices feel valued and supported. Encourage teamwork, safety, and continuous learning to help apprentices thrive.

Wrapping Things Up

Carpentry apprenticeships offer a path for aspiring carpenters to gain hands-on experience and earn a steady income while employers benefit from cost-effective skilled labor and workforce development. Whether starting as an apprentice or hiring one, exploring these programs is a crucial step.

Additionally, Workyard provides tools that can streamline the process of hiring, managing, and tracking apprentices effectively.

Ready to streamline your hiring and management process? Try Workyard free for 14 days and enhance your apprenticeship experience.

FAQs

How long do most apprentice carpentry programs take to complete?

Most carpentry apprenticeship programs take approximately four years to complete. These programs combine hands-on training and classroom learning to provide apprentices with a comprehensive education. Over these four years, apprentices usually complete around 7,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of classroom instruction.

This training covers various essential skills, including blueprint reading, framing, finishing, and safety practices. Completing a four-year apprenticeship prepares individuals to become skilled, certified carpenters, opening up further career opportunities as journey-level carpenters or in specialized roles.

What is a trainee carpenter?

A trainee carpenter is an individual who is learning carpentry skills under the guidance of experienced carpenters. Trainee carpenters can be part of a formal apprenticeship program or enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program to gain basic skills. During this training period, they learn essential carpentry tasks like measuring, cutting, and assembling wooden structures, as well as blueprint reading and safe tool usage.

Trainee carpenters gain hands-on experience on construction sites and receive classroom instruction to build foundational knowledge, preparing them for advanced levels or a formal apprenticeship.

What is the difference between a carpenter and an apprentice?

A carpenter is a skilled professional who has completed formal training and gained experience in carpentry tasks, while an apprentice is still in the training phase. An apprentice learns under the supervision of experienced carpenters to develop necessary skills such as framing, finishing, and blueprint reading.

Once apprentices complete their training, typically over four years, they become certified as journey-level carpenters. Carpenters often have additional responsibilities and greater autonomy, while apprentices are focused on gaining hands-on experience and expanding their knowledge.

What are the levels of carpentry?

Carpentry typically has three main levels: apprentice, journeyman, and master carpenter.

An apprentice is a beginner learning basic carpentry skills through formal training programs. Once apprentices complete their training and gain certification, they advance to the journeyman level.

Journeymen are experienced carpenters who can work independently and take on more complex tasks.

The final level, the master carpenter, is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience and advanced expertise. Master carpenters often take on leadership roles, mentor apprentices, and oversee larger or more specialized carpentry projects.

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