Schools for Carpentry Courses and Training Classes

What to Expect at Carpentry School

Carpenter schools are commonly a part of a trade school that specializes in construction management, building construction and other areas of technical and industrial trade. Carpentry schools are designed to offer both classroom and hands-on training so that graduates can pursue a wide scope of job opportunities in the field of carpentry, construction management and building management. These schools prepare students for jobs in both the commercial and industrial sector, and they may choose to specialize in a certain area after obtaining a certain skill set.

Carpentry Course Programs

Most carpentry course programs provide students with the skills and training they need to excel in the carpentry trade industry. Courses are designed to cover key areas such as:

• Construction drawings and blueprints

• Understanding building codes and layout

• Finishing floors, walls and ceilings

• Principals of floor, wall, stair and roof framing

• Working with lumber and other building materials

• Understanding the carpentry trade business

In addition to attending a trade school, students can choose to enroll in an online program and take classes at their own pace. Many carpenter schools offer an online component to teach basic principles and educational components to students who prefer a distance-learning format. Students can take these courses to learn at their own pace, and still complete core educational requirements needed to succeed in the carpentry trade industry.

Skills and Education Obtained from Carpenter Schools

Schools provide student with a wide range of skills and knowledge to succeed in the construction industry. Some of the key skills acquired include:

• Remodeling homes and other building structures

• Framing walls and partitions

• Building staircases

• Installing and molding cabinet spaces

• Remodeling projects

• Constructing wooden forms

• Erecting scaffolding

• Working with blueprints

• Using various types of machinery and equipment

• Changing locks

• Repairing and building furniture

Carpenters also need to have strong arithmetic and mathematical skills, have good eye-hand coordination, and maintaining a certain level of physical fitness so that they can endure the long working hours and take on different types of physical projects.

Educational and Training Requirements

Prospective carpenters can take several key courses in high school to create a solid foundation for their career. They can take basic classes such as blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, physics, algebra and geometry to gain the basic skills they need to pursue formal training. In most cases, a high school diploma is preferred before joining an apprenticeship program or applying for carpentry school.

Attending a carpenter school immediately after high school allows students to get the hands-on training and experience they need to build their career. Community colleges and trade schools may also offer internship or work-study programs where the student can get the hands-on training they need to succeed. Apprenticeships are another option for students who want to learn and apply specific carpentry techniques, practice freehand sketching, and make use of the specialty tools and equipment needed within the field; these carpentry courses may be also be taken as part of a continuing education program.

Some carpenters choose to continue growing in their career by obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Construction Management or pursuing a business degree to complement their existing education. Construction management degree programs allow students to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to supervise a team of carpenters, contractors and construction industry professionals, and these individuals may be able to work for a firm or construction-related business.

Other options for continued education and enjoying ongoing career growth include obtaining an undergraduate degree in civil engineering; or completing specialized classes at a trade school for continued education. Some carpentry schools offer several programs for graduates, but carpenters can also take these courses online.

Employment and Career Opportunities in the Carpentry Trade

The carpentry trade business is expected to grow at a steady rate, and about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor U.S. Occupational Statistics report. Carpenters who specialize in home remodeling, furniture, industrial carpentry or other specialty areas may enjoy continued success in the right market. Home remodeling projects and renovations may drive much of the demand for carpenters in the near future, and those who are especially skilled and experienced can enjoy higher contract rates and more opportunities within their field.

The average annual earnings for carpenters were $17.57 per hour, and the majority worked in the residential building construction area, as well as serving as contractors for foundation, structure and building exteriors.

Since carpenters typically have a wide skill set, they can branch out into several related occupations such as:

• Stone masonry

• Electricians

• Drywall installation

• Ceiling tile installers

• Pipefitters

• Plumbers

• Concrete finishers

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