Carpentry programs train students to become some of the most versatile
people in the construction industry. Carpenters must work from blueprints,
measure layouts, cut a variety of materials and do final checks to make sure
everything has been done properly.
An apprenticeship is the ideal way to build a career in carpentry.
Many schools offer four-year programs where students study for four to eight
weeks and then work for the remainder of the year.
Apprenticeship programs are administered by local committees made up of
members from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America,
Associated General Contractors or the National Association of Home Builders.
Usually, applicants must be at least 17 years old. They are often
required to undergo a carpentry aptitude test.
Many carpenters learn their trade through informal on-the-job training.
Smaller firms might only be able to train someone in rough framing. A larger
company can provide instruction in several skills.
At work, fledgling carpenters learn basic structural design. They
become acquainted with the tools, equipment and materials of the trade.
In the classroom, apprentices study safety measures, blueprint reading,
free-hand sketching (transferring an idea to paper without visual aids) and
alternative carpentry techniques.
Instructor Tim Lynch says carpentry hopefuls should concentrate on shop
classes in high school. They should also focus on math, trigonometry
and geometry.
According to Lynch, program coordinators look for specific qualities in
apprenticeship applicants. They seek things like forward personalities, good
hand-eye coordination, critical thinking skills and prior carpentry knowledge.
Textbooks for apprentices are usually supplied free of charge. However, you
must buy your own tools.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Carpenters
How House Construction Works
Get the details
Mr. Handyman
See how one business advertises on the web
Construction.com
Construction news, forecasts and trends