HOME : Carpenter
Nature of Work
The carpenter constructs, remodels, alters, and repairs structures of wood in combination with brick, block, cement, or metals. The carpenter works with wood and wood products including plywood, fiberboard, Masonite, pressed wood, plastic and certain metals. The carpenter builds concrete forms, chutes, and platforms. The carpenter lays out structural units, builds small and large wood and combination buildings or works in combination with bricklayers, masons, ironworkers, and other craft workers on construction, altering or remodeling of small and large residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The carpenter may specialize in segments of the trade such as form builder, bridge builder, finish carpenter, estimator, etc. The carpenter’s work is physical in nature, usually outside and requires good health. A carpenter must also be willing to travel.
Entrance Requirements
Age: Minimum 18 years – May be required to furnish proof of age.
Health: Good health— Fit to perform the heavy work of the occupation; must be willing to furnish a doctor’s certificate of examination if asked.
Aptitude: Applicants may be required to take and score a qualifying score on an Industry Aptitude Test provided by the JATC Training Director.
Education: Furnish certificate or transcripts of high school graduation or equivalent.
Term of Apprenticeship
Length of training: Four years or 5,200-8,000 hours.
Related classroom instruction: 144 hours per year.
Credit for previous experience: May be granted by program sponsor after being properly documented (letters from previous employers and transcripts of related instruction) and/or after evaluation by program sponsor.
Working Conditions
The apprentice carpenter works both indoors and outdoors, and in all kinds of weather. Construction areas are frequently muddy, dusty, dirty, and noisy. The apprentice must lift and carry building materials, climb ladders and scaffolding, stand, stoop, and often work in cramped or awkward positions. Generally work a forty-hour week. Work is seasonal in nature; expect nine months of regular work per year when the construction market is good.
Wages
Apprentices are paid a percentage of the Journey-level hourly wage rate with periodic increases (every six months) based on satisfactory performance on the job and in related instruction. Inquire with individual program sponsors for Journey-level wage rates.
Special Characteristics
Knowledge and abilities: Accuracy, ability to plan work sequence, mechanical aptitude, form perception, and manual dexterity.
Interests: Working with hand and power tools and various materials, must want to make the trade his/her livelihood.
Temperament: Dependability; ability to work alone or with others.
Tools Used
Plastic welding |
Acetylene welding torch |
Electric welding |
Lumber mill equipment |
Surveyor’s instruments |
Power tools |
Hand tools |
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Suggested High School Subjects
Basic mathematics |
Blueprint reading |
Trigonometry |
Basic communication |
Architectural drawing |
Plane geometry |
Algebra |
Shop courses |
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Potential Advancements
Apprentice: May be evaluated each six months, but at least once a year, (or 1,000 hours) for increases in wages and advancement in training.
Journey-level: Can become foreman, estimators, superintendents, employers, or contractors.
Employment Outlook
With increasing number of building projects and the natural turnover of carpenters, there is need for new apprentices each year. Check with program sponsors for current openings and wage rates.
How to Apply
Secure from program sponsors and complete, an application. Pass entrance and oral interviews as necessary. Inquire with individual program sponsors for opening information and more specific entry requirements.
Completion Procedure
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, and recommendation of the program sponsor, registered apprentices are awarded a Certificate of Completion by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Apprenticeship and Training Program , and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Program Locations and Additional Information Sources
Montana Carpenter Joint Apprenticeship
and Training Committee
780 Carter Drive
Helena MT 59601
Phone: 406-442-5256
Billings Carpenters’ JATC
530 South 27th Street
Billings MT 59101
Phone: 406-259-6911
Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Apprenticeship & Training Program
PO Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
of America
www.carpenters.org/apprenticeship
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