You can't become a carpenter in Kentucky without being trained.
Becoming a carpenter is tough work, but it's also rewarding. You'll be able to build things from the ground up and make them look fabulous. But don't go into this career without knowing what you're in for first.
If this occupation is really what you want to pursue, here are the two ways you can take:
You can apply for the apprenticeship program in your area or find a sponsoring contractor who is willing to train you on his own time. Please see below the unions and organizations that accept apprentices.
To become an apprentice, get yourself connected with a union local near where you live, then ask them how to go about getting into their apprenticeship program. If there isn't one available, look around until you find someone who's willing to sponsor an apprentice (this is usually done by contractors).
If being an apprentice is not the path you want to follow, you can earn a certificate or degree instead. You enroll in a carpenter training course offered by a trade school or community college, please see them below for your reference.
Here are the trade schools, community colleges, unions, and trade organizations where you can take the training.
Carpenter Training Schools in Kentucky
- Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky
2751 Circleport Dr., Erlanger, KY 41018
P: 859.640.4294 - Bluegrass Community and Technical College
470 Cooper Drive Lexington KY
Toll Free: (855) 246-2477 - Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
700 College Road Cumberland, KY
Phone (606) 589-2145 Toll Free (855) 2GO-SKCTC - Southside Technical Center
1800 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY
Phone: (859) 381-3603 - Nelson County Area Technology Center
1060 Bloomfield Rd., Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: 502-348-9096, Fax: 502-348-9097 - Bullitt County Public Schools
395 High School Drive Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Phone: 502-869-6900 Fax: 502-543-1691 - Campbell County Area Technology Center
909 Camel Crossing, Alexandria, KY 41001
Phone: 859-635-4101, Fax: 859-635-2766 - Pulaski County Area Technology Center
3865 S HWY 27, STE 101, Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: 606.678.2998, Fax: 606.678.3032 - Kentucky Schools Board Association
260 Democrat Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (800) 372-2962, Fax: (502) 695-5451 - Eastern Kentucky University
1101 Van Hoose Drive, Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 622-8065
50 University Drive, Manchester, KY 40962
Phone: (606) 599-1230 - Hazard Community and Technical College
One Community College Drive Hazard, KY
Phone (606) 436-HCTC Toll Free (855) 6GO-HCTC
Here are the unions and organizations that offer apprenticeship programs:
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
574 Carpenters Way, Grayson, KY
Phone: (606) 929-1378, Fax: (606) 929-5319
1245 Durrett Lane, Louisville, KY
Phone: (502) 366-8668, Fax: (502) 366-8678 - Carpenters Local Union No. 175
Carpenters Local 175, 1245 Durrett Lane, Louisville, KY
Phone: 502-363-1751, Fax: 502-364-8175 - Carpenters Local Union No. 357
2029 Cairo Road, Paducah KY
Phone: 270-442-1148, Fax: 270-442-7419 - Carpenters Local Union No. 472
472 Carpenters Way, Grayson, KY
Phone: 606-928-4370, Fax: 606-420-4076 - Associated Builders and Contractors of Kentucky
1333 Magnolia St., Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 843-1866, Fax (270) 843-1963
157 Venture Court, Suites 1 & 2, Lexington, KY
(859) 231-8453, Fax (859) 254-0552
Benefits of Joining a Carpenters’ Union
The carpenters union is the largest construction union in North America, with more than 300,000 members and 1,600 local union halls.
The unions are the strong voice for workers’ rights and advocate for fair wages, safe work sites and secure retirement funds. Our members enjoy competitive pay rates that increase with experience. In addition to standard health benefits such as dental insurance, they offer plans to their members at no cost. Retirement security is important that are given to members to provide such. After working 30 years or more you will receive a pension plan that provides you with financial stability after your career comes to an end.
Joining the carpenters’ union means joining one of the best unions around. You’ll be part of an organization dedicated to providing quality benefits while also advocating on behalf of its membership in areas like safety training and keeping unsafe contractors off job sites. If you want a bright future in carpentry then join today by calling, please see the contact information above.
Getting Certified with NCCER
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is an organization that provides training, research, and development programs to construction professionals around the world. They offer several types of credentials including carpentry certifications.
NCCER certification is the first step to securing your carpenter career. It will give you a competitive edge in the market and make you more valuable to potential employers. Learning this credential will also show that you are serious about your profession, which could lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.
In order for carpenters who want NCCER certification to get it, they have to complete written and performance assessments. This is where taking a course or becoming an experienced carpenter comes into play because it certainly gives you an edge to pass those assessments.
If you want to know more about NCCER certification, see their website.
Do You Need to Go to College to Become a Carpenter
Carpentry is a great career path for any individual interested in the construction industry. However, many people are nervous about starting their careers as carpenters without a college degree and worry that they will not be able to find an apprenticeship because of this.
Fortunately, there are plenty of carpentry apprenticeships available across the country and in your local area. Whether you live in Bowling Green or Los Angeles, there are numerous opportunities for those who want to learn how to become a carpenter apprentice.
You can find out if you qualify by contacting some local contractors or getting online information from trade organizations like the National Center For Construction Education And Research (NCCER). By completing an apprenticeship program at NCCER, individuals have access to more than 100 different courses covering topics such as carpentry math and blueprint reading skills; OSHA safety standards; framing techniques; woodworking tools & equipment use; electrical wiring methods; plumbing systems installation
Salary of Carpenters in Kentucky
Carpenters are one of the most common construction workers. They're responsible for tasks such as building, fixing and installing structures made out of wood or other materials. The average salary for a carpenter in Kentucky is $58,087 per year according to the latest July 25, 2023 report Salary.com but the range typically falls between $50,197 and $67,260. This amount can fluctuate depending on factors including experience level and location. In Tennessee, one of the neighboring states, the salary of carpenters is lower.
Aside from getting paid hourly or receiving a flat rate for projects they complete, many also receive benefits like health insurance and retirement savings plans that come with full-time employment at larger firms or organizations. Carpentry is often a family
Contacting the Authorities
Kentucky Department of Education
Office of Career and Technical Education
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4286 Ext. 4237, Fax (502) 564-4800
Commonwealth of Kentucky - Labor Cabinet
Division of Wages and Hours
500 Mero Street, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3534
Conclusion
If you want to know if becoming a carpenter is right for you, then take the carpenter training in Kentucky or apply for an apprenticeship program. The journey of mastering carpentry skills and earning your certification as a journeyman carpenter will be challenging, but worth it in the end.
