Length
14 Months (1200 clock hours)

Schedule
Monday 8 am-1 pm; Tuesday-Friday 8 am-2 pm
(Summer hours ) Monday- Thursday 8 am - 2:45 pm

2023-2024 Curriculum Frameworks

Program Description

The Carpentry program covers all phases of residential and select components of commercial carpentry/construction. Attending students will first obtain their OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Safety Training, which is a supervisory level credential. Students prepare for entering the workforce by learning proper hand and power tool usage along with essential measurement and leveling practices. Attending students learn the systems of a residential structure from the ground up by practicing hands on training with construction drawings/print reading, forms, footings, foundations, horizontal/vertical formwork, floor/wall/roof systems, roofing applications, cold-form steel framing, drywall installation/finishing, stair layout, window/door/floor/ceiling trim, door/window installation, suspended ceilings, exterior finishing, masonry, stucco, cabinet installation and much more.

Employment/Career Opportunities

Upon program completion, students have access to high demand career opportunities related to the various skill areas they encountered throughout the program. These career options exist in areas of both rough and finish carpentry consisting of framers, formwork, structural work, finish/trim work, window/door installers, finish stair construction/installers, drywall install/finishing, commercial steel wall framing, exterior stucco/EIFS, suspended ceilings, and more. Many of the carpentry program’s industry partners are looking for their next generation of future supervisors and decision makers. The future career opportunities in both residential and commercial carpentry and construction upon graduation are endless.

Salaries Salaries for graduates range from $14.57 - $20.38 per hour. Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the responsibilities of a carpenter?

Today, a carpenter is a tradesperson that works with wood as well as metal, plastic, masonry, and wood composite materials. They construct and repair structures and their parts using wood, plywood, and other building materials. They layout, cut, fit, and fasten the materials to erect the framework and apply the finish. Carpenters build houses, factories, banks, schools, hospitals, bridges, dams, and other structures. In addition to new construction, a large portion of our industry is engaged in remodeling and repair of existing buildings.

What are the job opportunities for a carpenter?

Skilled trades career paths such as carpentry are filled with workers who are aging out and retiring faster than positions can be filled. This creates a high demand for skilled workers to fill positions across the country. Once you determine which area of carpentry you truly enjoy the most, you can then align this interest with any of our industry partners looking to hire directly from the program.

What career advancement exists for a carpenter?

When it comes to carpentry, the sky is the limit when it comes to career ambitions. The challenge is determining which exciting area you want to specialize.  Many companies need future supervisors to lead their crews and grow with the company. You can grow from a laborer/apprentice and reach journeyman level. You could then become a foreman, superintendent, general superintendent and beyond.

The administrative levels within the field of construction are endless.Other areas within a company such as field, regional, and corporate safety positions are just one of the avenues you can excel at with the right attitude and dedication. After obtaining additional experience while working under a licensed contractor, graduate students can pursue their state contractor’s license. With this credential, graduate students can start their own company.  

Is there math computation involved in this field?

Yes, math skills are needed to perform many tasks in carpentry, but don’t let this scare you off. Carpentry takes everyday math and applies it to real world applications. If you do not like math, this course will help you grow to appreciate it. We use math in every way to create and build. Without it, it would be very hard to construct anything of value or significance. 

Is there much homework in the carpentry program?

There is no homework as many students have  jobs outside of class.

Who hires Carpenters?

The best question is who doesn’t hire carpenters? Cities, counties, hospitals, school districts, airports, and many other agencies have in-house needs for full time carpenters to build, repair and maintain their infrastructure. Large commercial companies that build highways and roads also need carpenters to construct formwork and guardrails. Carpenters are needed to install steel studs and framing in places like large casinos or amusement parks like Disney. Some carpenters need to construct elegant staircases in multi-million-dollar mansions while others strictly hang doors, windows, and install trim in new residential homes. Whether it is a small family-owned remodeling company or a large corporation that renovates active businesses at night while they are closed, the options for carpenters are endless.

What type of people would enjoy working as carpenters?

Anyone who enjoys working with their hands, doesn’t mind getting dusty and thrives on the ability to work on something different every day will make an excellent carpenter.

NOTE: A history of felony convictions or substance abuse may adversely affect one's ability to gain employment in this field. We encourage students to consider your personal history when making appropriate career choices.

How can I learn more about this career field?
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics  and Occupational Outlook Handbook

For questions regarding the program, please contact:  Tammy.Alva@hcps.net