If you’ve ever visited a historical landmark or famous landmark, you’ll notice the attention to detail is astounding. That’s because carpenters take their craft seriously. Carpenters have been around for centuries and play an important role in many industries.
If you love working with your hands, are interested in architecture and design, and want to secure a career in carpentry, becoming a carpenter apprentice in North Dakota is the perfect opportunity for you.
Your apprenticeship gives you a chance to explore what interests you most about carpentry while also gaining invaluable experience along the way.
To become a carpenter apprentice, you need to meet the eligibility requirements for each program as well as develop your resume, build your online presence, and check with potential employers that they offer an apprentice program before applying.
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
What is a Carpenter Apprentice?
A carpenter apprentice is a person who works under a journeyman to learn the trade. Most apprentices spend two - fours years working under an experienced carpenter before earning their certificate of completion.
In different regions, apprenticeships may take a different amount of time, depending on the rules established by the state’s Department of Labor. Apprenticeship programs are a great way for new carpenters to get their foot in the door.
They allow you to earn while you learn, and save you the cost of getting a degree from a trade school. If you have the drive and determination to become a carpenter, you can start straight out of high school.
All you need is a willingness to learn, and the right training program.
Eligibility to Become a Carpenter Apprentice
If you’re interested in becoming a carpenter apprentice, there are a few qualifications you need to meet in order to be eligible. The first is that you must be at least 18 years old. The second is that you must be willing to travel for training. The third is that you need to have a high school diploma or GED.
The fourth is that you need to be physically fit to do the job. You’ll be expected to do strenuous work on a daily basis, so you need to be physically fit and healthy enough to handle the job.
The subjects you’ve taken in high school could be a great credential.
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
How to Become a Carpenter Apprentice Without Experience
If you don’t have experience in carpentry, but you’re still interested in becoming a carpenter apprentice, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being accepted into a program.
The first thing you can do is research which companies in your area offer apprenticeships. Once you’ve identified a few companies, you can contact them directly to see if they offer an apprentice program. If you don’t hear back from any of the companies you’ve contacted, don’t give up.
Keep applying to apprenticeship programs until you find one that accepts your application. You can also try to build your online presence and connect with potential employers through social media.
You can join relevant groups and post your resume there to show potential employers that you’re serious about becoming a carpenter apprentice.
If you are looking for organizations/companies that offer apprenticeship programs in North Dakota, here are your choices:
- Carpenters Local 1091
217 Uthmandan Street, Bismarck, ND
Phone: (701) 255-3700 - Carpenters Local 1176
513 36th Street N, Fargo, ND
Phone: (701) 235-4981 - United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
603 Industrial Dr, Center, ND
Phone: (701) 354-3300, Fax: (651) 646-7395
513 36th St North, Fargo, ND
Phone: (701) 353-1210, Fax: (651) 646-7395 - North Dakota Building Trades Unions
2901 Twin City Drive, Mandan, North Dakota 58554
Phone: (701) 541-2989
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
Is Becoming a Carpenter Right for You
Becoming a carpenter is a great career choice for people who are interested in architecture, design, and construction. If you’re interested in a career in carpentry, you’ll need to be patient. Becoming a carpenter apprentice takes time.
You can’t expect to land an apprenticeship straight out of high school. You need to be willing to start at the very bottom and work your way up. And trust us, it’s worth it. Carpentry is a rewarding career with plenty of room for advancement.
If you’re interested in architecture and design, carpenters have a close-up view of how buildings are being constructed. You’ll be able to see the inner workings of cities and communities being built from the ground up.
You’ll play an important role in constructing the buildings where millions of people work and live.
Check Which Companies Offer Apprenticeships
Before you apply for an apprenticeship program, you’ll need to identify which companies offer apprenticeships in your area. You can do this by searching “apprenticeship program” along with your state or region.
You can also use the United States Department of Labor’s website to identify which companies offer apprenticeships in your area. Once you’ve identified some companies, you can check their websites to see if they offer apprenticeships. You can also visit their social media pages to see if they have any information about apprenticeships on their pages.
Remember, not all companies offer apprenticeships, and not all apprenticeships are the same. Some companies offer apprenticeships as a way to hire qualified people for entry-level positions.
Other companies offer apprenticeships as a way to build their brand and attract new, younger workers. You’ll want to make sure that you’re applying to the right type of program before you apply.
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
Find an Apprenticeship Program
Once you’ve identified a few companies that offer apprenticeships, you can start applying. You can start by applying online.
Make sure to include everything they’ve asked for in the application. If your application is incomplete, it won’t be accepted.
You can also call or visit the company’s office and ask if they offer apprenticeships and if you can drop off your application in person. Once you’ve applied for an apprenticeship program with a company, you’ll usually have to wait several weeks to hear back.
If all goes well and you meet all of the qualifications, you could be offered an apprenticeship position.
How Much Does It Cost to Join a Carpenter Apprenticeship
Becoming a carpenter apprentice doesn’t cost you that much unlike when taking a short course or degree. But you’ll need to provide your own safety equipment, such as a hard hat, goggles, and work shoes.
You can expect to spend a few hundred dollars on these items. You’ll also need to provide your own tools. You can expect to spend around $800 for a basic set of tools.
You’ll have to pay for travel, food, and housing expenses as well. You’ll need to travel to the training site for at least 8 hours per day, 5 days per week.
You can expect to spend around $20 per day on food and $100 per week on housing. You can expect to spend around $1,000 per month on living expenses, including gas and travel.
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
Training Course for Becoming a Carpenter in North Dakota
If you’re interested in becoming a carpenter apprentice, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program or take a short course or a degree.
You’ll be working under an instructor to learn the trade and earn certification. To prepare for your for this, you can take courses at an online or community college or a trade school.
If taking a short course or degree is the path you want to pursue, here are the colleges and training schools in North Dakota where you can enroll in a course:
- North Dakota State College of Science
800 6th Street N, Wahpeton, ND 58076, Phone: 800-342-4325 or 701-671-2401
1305 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, Phone: 701-231-6900
800 6th Street N, Wahpeton, ND 58076, Phone: 701-671-2275 - Jamestown Public Schools
PO Box 269 207 2nd Avenue Southeast Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: 701-252-1950, Fax: 701-251-2011 - Bismarck State College
1500 Edwards Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58506
701.224.5400 or 1.800.445.5073, TEXT 701.390.1075 - Cankdeska Cikana Community College
214 1st Ave., Fort Totten, ND
Phone: 701.766.4415, Toll Free: 1.888.783.1463, Fax: 701.766.4077 - Williston State College
1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND
701.774.4200 - Carpenters Training Institute
513 36th Street N., Fargo, ND. 58102, Phone: 701-354-3300
603 Industrial Drive, Center, ND. 58530, Phone: 701-354-3300 - Turtle Mountain Community College
10145 BIA Road 7, PO Box 340, Belcourt, ND 58316
Phone: 701.477.7862, Fax: 701.477.7892 - Sitting Bull College
9299 Hwy 24 Fort Yates, ND 58538
Phone: (701)854-8000 - North Dakota State College of Science
800 6th Street North, Wahpeton, ND 58076
Phone: 800-342-4325, 701-671-2521
You can also take online courses to prepare. There are several advantages to taking online courses to prepare for the exam and the apprenticeship program.
For example, it allows you to access the best materials from anywhere. This is especially helpful if you live in a rural area and don’t have easy access to trade schools and colleges nearby. You’ll also be able to work through your course at your own pace. This allows you to work around your current job and family responsibilities.
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
Why You Want to Get into a Carpenter Apprenticeship Program
Getting into a carpenter apprenticeship program is an invaluable step for those who are interested in pursuing a career in carpentry. Here are some compelling reasons why you might want to consider entering such a program:
- Structured Learning: Unlike picking up skills on the job, an apprenticeship offers a structured learning environment. This ensures that you gain comprehensive knowledge about various carpentry techniques and tools.
- Hands-On Experience: Alongside classroom instruction, apprenticeships emphasize on-the-job training. This real-world experience under the supervision of seasoned professionals is instrumental in honing one's skills.
- Earn While You Learn: One of the unique features of an apprenticeship program is that you're typically paid for the work you do. This means you can earn an income while acquiring new skills.
- Mentorship: Apprentices get the opportunity to work closely with experienced carpenters. This mentorship is invaluable for learning best practices, tips, and tricks of the trade that you won't find in textbooks.
- Safety Training: A formal apprenticeship will emphasize workplace safety, ensuring that you learn how to use tools and equipment properly and understand the safety protocols for various job sites.
- Career Advancement: Completing an apprenticeship can open doors for career advancement. It can lead to higher wages, supervisory roles, and even opportunities to start your own carpentry business.
- Industry Recognition: An apprenticeship certificate is often recognized and respected in the industry. It signals to employers that you've been trained to a certain standard and have the skills and experience to handle carpentry tasks.
- Networking Opportunities: Being in an apprenticeship program allows you to meet professionals in the field, from fellow apprentices to experienced carpenters and contractors. These connections can prove valuable when seeking job opportunities or advice in the future.
- Foundation for Specialization: After a general apprenticeship, you might choose to specialize in areas like finish carpentry, cabinetry, or framework. The foundational knowledge you gain from an apprenticeship program can guide you in choosing and excelling in your chosen specialization.
- Cost-Effective Education: Compared to other educational avenues, apprenticeships can be a cost-effective way to learn. Given that you're earning while gaining experience, it minimizes the financial strain often associated with traditional education.
In essence, entering a carpenter apprenticeship program provides a well-rounded education in the trade, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. It sets the stage for a successful and potentially lucrative career in carpentry, ensuring that you're well-equipped to tackle various challenges and opportunities in the field.
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
Carpenter Salary and Job Outlook in North Dakota
Becoming a carpenter is a great career choice. The average carpenter earns around $59,272 per year. But depending on some factors, the range is between $51,221 and $68,632. These figures are in accordance with the latest July 25, 2023 report of salary.com. If you will work in the neighboring state of South Dakota, the salary is lower.
You can also earn more as you gain more experience and expertise in your field. The job outlook for carpenters is excellent. The construction industry is booming in this state, you could expect the demand for talents like you will grow in the next coming years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in the construction industry to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2025. This is much faster than average. As more people move into cities, they’ll need new buildings and renovations to existing buildings.
Read on to learn more about how you can become a carpenter apprentice — no experience necessary!
Conclusion
Becoming a carpenter apprentice in North Dakota is a great way to start a career in the construction trade. You’ll be working under an experienced carpenter and earning certification. With just minimal investment you can start an occupation that is fruitful and rewarding.
You just need to spend a little time and spend a little amount. But don’t you worry, you can recuperate the expenses – being an apprentice is a way to make a living while learning the job.
We wish you good luck in your chosen path.
