Carpentry
Training Programs > Construction

Carpentry

Potential earnings range:
$40,268-$79,206*
Per year after graduation

Do you like working with your hands and building things? Are you organized, detailed, focused and dependable?  

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Carpentry training program. 

On the job, you will ...

  • Follow blueprints and building plans to install and fix structures and construct and install building frameworks   

  • Measure, cut and shape wood, plastic or other materials using hand tools  

  • Insulate buildings, install drywall 

  • Assist in constructing tall buildings and bridges 

Some of the career options you will have ...

Most Carpentry Job Corps graduates go on to work as carpenters in the public or private sector.  

The credentials you will earn ...

Students training in the Carpentry training program can earn a pre-apprentice certificate of completion that offers registered apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job experience. You can also earn industry-recognized credentials in scaffolding and certifications in construction safety from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ...

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 

  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 

  • Passing scores on all written and performance tests 

  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements 

  • Compliance with state requirements that may involve a criminal background check, and completion of a training program meeting federal content requirements 

* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! At Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center, our staff will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training.

Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Gregory Fields
Gregory Fields
Gregory Fields is a Carpentry instructor with Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center. His knowledge of carpentry comes from his service in the United States Army and his own construction company. Gregory has many years of teaching experience with Big Sandy Community and Technical College and is one of five National Center for Construction Education and Research instructors on campus providing students with NCCER carpentry credentials.