Carpenters can work independently, with unions, or with general contractors. If it’s the career path that you want to take in the future, you may begin to take courses or training about carpentry as early as high school.
Carpenters are skilled craftspersons, and they do instruct, plan, and fix various repairs on buildings and structures. So, taking courses and getting yourself trained for this career is essential.
Elective High School Courses
Taking a general high school curriculum with some elective courses that will help you in the future if you want to work as a carpenter; Blueprint reading, Construction and drafting, Industrial arts, Woodworking, Physical Education, General Shop, Applied Math, and General Mathematics
Vocational Courses
Many vocational schools offer programs to prepare an individual for a career in carpentry. These programs include using classrooms for physical instructions and even hands-on experience. The student can have the opportunity to explore the range of construction methods. They will also learn about safety practices and design elements.
Training programs will also cover the following subjects:
- Algebra, Geometry, and Physics
- Architectural drawing and project management
- Measuring and identifying materials
- Residential construction and building code requirements
- and mechanical systems.
Getting employed is high once you pass all the subjects and graduate from the training programs. Some employers look for an impressive educational background and hands-on experience.
Online Trade Courses
Yes, there are available online courses about carpentry, and you will be surprised if you discover how many can you access online. This is suitable for students or those already working but want to make a career in carpentry.
This course has foundational instructions and practical classes that will help you learn about carpentry and trading. If you want a diploma in these online courses, you should consider taking a hands-on apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship is taking on-the-job training that will help you to learn more about carpentry. It will train you to be reliable and professional with excellent skills, experience, and abilities that will help you deliver a good quality of work.
Here are some of the jobs for which you will be trained:
- How to build structure and concrete forms
- Installing drywall and ceilings
- Installing insulation
- interior and exterior finishing
Residential Carpentry Programs
This course is a pre-apprenticeship provided for graduates with entry-level skills. This program covers tool safety, workplace safety precautions, and much more. It will include lectures, written assignments, demonstrations, and assessments of your ability to perform specific tasks.
To take this program, you should be a junior or senior high school student to take this program and must have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts.
Enrolled students should act professionally, follow instructions thoroughly, and be team members.
General High School Courses/Subjects
Aside from the elective courses in high school that will help you if you want to work as a carpenter, taking general courses is a significant advantage;
Humanities might look like it’s not connected to carpentry, but this course has an advantage. This course has digital citizenship that will help you learn how technology works in carpentry.
English - this subject is one of the primary and most important subjects to learn. It covers Reading skills, Basic and Practical English, written Communication, and Literature. This subject might not look helpful for some, but the more you learn about this course, you will realize how essential it is once you start to work as a carpenter.
Science and Social Studies - Even these two subjects are recommended, and knowledge of history and biology will come in handy as well.
Programs You Can Take at Carpentry Schools
For aspiring carpenters, there are endless opportunities for you. There are school programs that will help you once you started working as a carpenter.
The courses in the programs are training for various sectors of carpentry, including construction, management, and applied engineering.
It will help to develop the skills of the student through experience. Hands-on practice is the setting stage for people who want to make a carpenter career.
Pre-Vocational Programs
Students can also go to the carpentry shop to prepare for regular programs like apprenticeship or entry-level on-the-job training.
Pre-Employment Carpentry
This program is to help aspiring carpenters become marketable when they start seeking employment. It covers materials mostly the same as apprenticeship programs, but the difference is the student doesn’t have to be employed for them to be able to be accepted on this course.
A student may start taking this program with zero hands-on experience because there will be many opportunities that could help you gain expertise in carpentry throughout the course.
To Make a Conclusion
Many schools offer courses in carpentry. Always put consideration into choosing the course that you will take.
Gaining real-life experience as a carpenter by working as one and dealing with the people you will work with will help you grow on the career path you choose.
If you want to work as a carpenter and make it a career, it’s essential to be more knowledgeable and enhance yourself with different skills related to carpentry.
Taking some elective courses, specific subjects, or enrolling yourself in trade school, vocational courses, or even an apprenticeship is one step you should take to build yourself a career as a carpenter slowly.
Carpentry is not just about physical skills, but it also needs your ability to make wise decisions for you and the people you will work with in the future.
The high school courses you will take to start a career in carpentry can definitely enhance your opportunity.
