Carpentry

Carpenters build beautiful wood structures that last for centuries and have one of the highest job satisfaction rates of any career in the construction industry.

Students begin their carpentry training at school, learning to use hand tools for basic woodworking. As they progress, they learn to use portable hand tools used for working with roofing materials and trims as well as large equipment such as table saws. They also learn the fundamentals of computer assisted design. Direct experience at work sites beyond the school building is an important component of Carpentry training. Specific opportunities vary but might include interior remodeling; replacement of roofing, windows or siding; or building renovations.

Some schools offer State-Approved (Chapter-74) programs in Carpentry. These programs provide all of the training required to begin entry-level work in the field. Other schools may offer a more condensed version of this training, which has been designed at the local level. This is known as Non-Chapter 74 or "Perkins-Only." Learn more about the difference between State-Approved and Local CTE programs.