In the state of Minnesota, carpentry is one of the top trades that are in high demand. It's also a trade that you can learn through apprenticeship programs and trade schools.
Minnesota has many carpentry trade schools and apprenticeships to choose from, please see the list of schools below.
There are two-year programs or full-time carpentry apprenticeships that teach you how to become a carpenter. These programs train you in all aspects of the field, including safety practices, design, and construction methods.
Carpenters are always in high demand because of their skillset that is needed in many industries like construction or design.
If you want to pursue this career as a carpenter, here is what you need to know. Read this article…
How to Become an Apprentice Carpenter
Apprenticeships teach people the skills and knowledge they need to work in a given profession. In carpentry, apprentices are usually young people who want to learn the trade from an experienced carpenter.
Apprenticeships are not for everybody. You will have to be prepared for long hours and hard work during your apprenticeship that takes about 3-5 years to complete. Apprentices also have to be able to learn on the job with minimal supervision, as they will not be taught by a teacher in a classroom setting like traditional schooling.
The important thing you need to find is a company that is willing to take on an apprentice. You can do this by contacting local carpenters and asking them if they would be interested in taking on an apprentice. If they are not, then try contacting other companies or contractors that specialize in carpentry work.
Once you find a company that is willing to take on an apprentice, then the next step is to contact their local office and register your apprenticeship with them. See the list of training schools below, for your reference.
The apprenticeship program is free, but you will need to pay for your own tools and materials. You will also need to be able to provide your own transportation because you will be traveling to the company you are apprenticed to.
Here’s where you can sign up as an apprentice:
- Carpenters and Joiners Benefit Funds
Duluth Service Office
2002 London Road, Suite 300
Duluth, MN 55812, Fax: (218) 728-4773
Omaha Service Office
10761 Virginia Plaza, Suite 103
Papillion, NE 68128, Fax: (402) 339-4368
St. Paul Service Office
710 Olive Street, St. Paul, MN 55130
Fax: (651) 209-3456 - Carpenters Training Institute
1295 N. Hunting Valley Road, Saint Paul, MN, 55108
Phone: (651) 233-2353
5238 Miller Trunk Hwy., Hermantown, MN, 55811
Phone: (218) 729-9003
6692 10th Ave SW, Rochester, MN, 55902, US
Phone: (507) 282-3119 - North Central Regional Council of Carpenters Headquarters
700 Olive Street, Saint Paul, MN 55130-9825
Phone: 651-379-0200, Fax: 651-645-8318
Carpenter Training Schools in the State of Minnesota
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park Campus
9000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park MN 55445
Eden Prairie Campus
13100 College View DR, Eden Prairie MN 55347
Contact: 952.995.1300
Saint Paul College
235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102
651.846.1600
St. Cloud Technical & Community College
1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
1 (800) 222-1009
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
1011 First Street West, Canby, MN 56220
1314 North Hiawatha Ave., P.O. Box 250, Pipestone, MN 56164
1593 11th Avenue, Granite Falls, MN 56241
800-658-2330 > | 800-627-3539
Lake Superior College
2101 Trinity Road, Duluth, MN 55811
Phone: 218-733-7600
South Central College
1225 Third Street SW, Faribault, MN 55021
Local: 507-332-5800
1920 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato, MN 56003
Local: 507-389-7200
RAM Buildings, Inc
592 Industrial Drive, Winsted, MN 55395
Phone 320-485-2844 / 800-710-4726
Alexandria Technical & Community College
1601 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, MN 56308
320.762.0221
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
30 East 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-7804
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Ave SE :: Rochester, MN 55904-4999
507-285-7557 or 1-800-247-1296
Northland Community and Technical College
2022 Central Avenue NE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Tel: (218) 793-2557, Toll Free: 1.800.959.6282
How To Find The Right Carpentry School For You
One of the most important things to do before you start your carpentry program is to research and find the right school. This is because the quality of education you receive will have a big impact on your future as a carpenter.
There are many factors that go into finding the right carpentry school for you, but here are some questions that can help guide your search:
- What is their admissions process?
- What are their programs like?
- How much does it cost?
- What kind of career opportunities do they offer?
- What types of courses do they offer?
- Carpentry Program Length
- Work Experience Requirements
- Number of Instructors on Faculty and ratio of the instructor to students
The next step is to determine what you want to do with your carpentry skills. Do you want to start your own carpentry business? Do you want to become a carpenter for a construction company? Do you just want to take up the trade as a hobby?
Think about how much time and money you’re willing to invest in learning carpentry. If you’re looking for a career, it might be worth investing more time and money into the apprenticeship program that would last about four (4) years.
Take note of these as well:
There are many carpentry schools in this state. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One factor to consider is where the school is located. If you live close to a school, you can go there for your classes. But if you don't, it may be more difficult to attend because of the commute time.
To find the right carpentry school for you, it's important to visit as many schools as possible and talk with current students and alumni from each one. You should also learn about how the curriculum works, what kind of courses they offer, and what kind of jobs their graduates have been getting after graduating from that program.
Discovering the right carpentry school for you can be a daunting task. There are many different schools to choose from, and each one has its own set of pros and cons.
How to Become a Carpenter in 2 Different Ways
Joining an Apprenticeship Program
Becoming a carpenter is not too difficult, but it does take a lot of hard work and determination. It is important to find an apprenticeship program that will allow you to learn the skills necessary for this trade. Apprenticeship programs are offered by a sponsoring contractor or by a union.
The list of unions and institutions that offer apprenticeship programs is mentioned above, please contact one of them and inquire about the requirements.
Joining an apprenticeship program is what most people do in order to enter the trade. Doing so will expose you to rigorous on-the-job training enabling you to learn the practical skills needed to perform the job on the site.
You Can Also Take a Course on Carpentry at Community College or in Trade School
Taking a class on carpentry can be an excellent way to learn how to become a carpenter. Community colleges offer classes that teach you the skills necessary for this career in handy, short and affordable classes.
Community college courses are a great way to get a really in-depth understanding of a topic, and carpentry is no exception. You'll learn about the basics of carpentry, including all the necessary tools and techniques. From there, you'll start to learn how to build everything from small house additions to huge skyscrapers.
Learning a trade can be beneficial for many reasons, such as providing you with a well-paying job in your community or giving you the opportunity to do something you love. Trade schools have been around for hundreds of years and are still a vital component of our educational system. There are many benefits to attending trade school, including the opportunity to make connections with people who work in that field and potential employers.
Minimum Requirements to Become a Carpenter
The requirements to become a carpenter are dependent on location. Some areas have more stringent regulations than others. Regulations typically include that the applicant must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or GED, and show proof of completing an apprenticeship program.
It is also important to note that the nature of the job is physical, and thus aspiring individuals must be in excellent condition and in good health. Prior to getting accepted, a medical test may be administered to determine physical capability.
Certification may be needed depending on the location/state where you will be working. OSHA 10 and other basic training may also be required to be completed prior to getting accepted to the job. The employer or contractor has its own set of requirements.
The benefits that come with being a carpenter are endless. You receive competitive wages, develop skills for your future career, get to work outdoors or indoors depending on where you work, have the opportunity to start your own company or business one day if you choose
Salary of Carpenters in the State of Minnesota
According to the latest July 25, 2023 report of Salary.com, the average salary of carpenters of in this state is $63,260, depending on some factors, the salary ranges between $54,667 and $73,250. In the neighboring state of Wisconsin, the salary is lower compared to this state.
Career Outlook
Carpenters are skilled tradesmen who work with wood and other materials to build structures. They can be self-employed or work for a company. Carpenters are in demand in the construction industry, and their pay varies depending on the type of project they're working on.
Carpenters' salaries vary based on the region of the country in which they work and the type of construction project they are working on. Carpenters working outside metropolitan areas earn less than those working in metropolitan areas because costs of living are lower outside metropolitan areas.
Carpenters typically learn their trade through apprenticeships or vocational training programs that last from one to four years depending on
To Make a Conclusion
Are you someone who enjoys doing things with your hands? With a carpentry degree, you can start your career on solid ground. You'll learn the carpentry skills that businesses demand, guided by industry experts.
You'll learn traditional design principles as well as project layout, construction, finishing, and inspection processes. You can become a graduate and be well-prepared for entry-level carpentry jobs and are on the fast track to leadership positions.
Now is the time to pursue your interest, and be a carpenter in Minnesota, the opportunities are endless. You can take courses at community college or in trade school, you can also join a union as an apprentice.
Start the journey today, follow your dream, and be a skilled carpenter. We wish you good luck in your chosen career.
