Carpenters

What Do Carpenters Do?
Carpenters possess a great variety of skills and work with a huge diversity of materials; such as wood, tile, insulation, vinyl and more. Carpenters must be able to measure, saw and weld. Tools used by carpenters execute a range of tasks, and include levels, simple hammers and nails and sophisticated saws and electronic devices. Structures built or re-modeled by carpenters include homes, skyscrapers, bridges, highways and tunnels. Carpenters are the largest group of the skilled construction trades, and work on a large variety of projects.

Working Conditions
Many carpenters work for themselves, and in an assortment of conditions. Although much of the work carpenters do is outdoors, there are also many tasks to complete inside as well. Carpenters can install huge construction projects or repair structures on a smaller level. Carpenters do need to be extremely safety conscious, being sure to wear proper clothing and footwear.

Interest and Temperament
The carpenter should enjoy doing precision work, have pride of craftsmanship, be able to work without close supervision and be able to adapt to a wide variety of working conditions.

General Qualifications

• Minimum age of seventeen and a half
• Physically capable of performing the work of the trade

Educational Background Recommended

• Reading, math, blueprint reading Admission

Requirements of the Joint Apprentice Committee

• High school diploma or G.E.D. (provision of high school transcript or G.E.D. certificate/score sheet)
• Interview
• Application
• Tests
• Placement on eligibility list

Terms of Apprenticeship Training

• (Commercial) Apprenticeship shall be four (4) years
• Minimum of 5600 hours of on-the-job training
• Minimum of 160 hours per year of classroom instruction per year
   
• (Residential) Apprenticeship shall be three (3) years
• Minimum of 4200 hours of on-the-job training
• Minimum of 160 hours of related classroom instruction per year

Related Job Opportunities
Superintendent, estimator, contractor, teacher