Have you thought of changing jobs and decided to become a carpenter in Oregon? Possessing knowledge or background in carpentry is important to land you a job.
Like other jobs out there, there are steps you should adhere to before successfully getting one. And in carpentry, the first step is taking the apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship program plays a crucial role in becoming a carpenter.
Basically, apprentice carpenters are supervised by a licensed carpenter. In the program, they undergo on-the-job training where they acquire and learn valuable skills.
Their on-the-job training includes basic carpentry, math skills, workplace, and analyzing blueprints.
The good thing is, during the apprenticeship program, apprentices are paid. They learn while being paid at the same time.
It's important to highlight that the job requires physical work that's usually done outdoors, no matter how the weather looks like.
Now if you're thinking about how to get into an apprenticeship program in carpentry, read more and let's find out.
Carpentry Schools in Oregon That Offers Apprenticeship Training
- AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter
9450 SW Commerce Circle #200, Wilsonville, OR 97070
Phone: 503-682-3363, FAX: 503-682-1696, Toll-free: 800-826-6610 - Northwest College of Construction
8111 NE Holman St., Portland, OR 97218
Call: 503.256.7300, Call: 1800.309.1442 (Toll Free) - Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute
4222 NE 158th Ave, Portland, OR 97230
Phone: (503) 287-3708
2235 SW 2nd Court, Unit E, Redmond, OR, 97756, US
Phone: (503) 287-3708, Fax: (503) 595-5455
32180 Old Highway 34, Ste B, Tangent, OR, 97389, US
Phone: (541) 641-6533, Fax: (503) 595-5455 - Lane Community College
4000 East 30th Ave., Eugene, Oregon
Phone: 503-256-7300 ext. 223 - Central Oregon Carpenters Local Union 271
1265 S Bertelsen Rd, Eugene, OR 97402
Phone: (541) 687-6755541-687-4667 - United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 1503
276 Warner Milne Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 305-5904 - Mt. Hood Community College
26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, Oregon 97030
503-491-6422 - Northwest EcoBuilding Guild
120 State Ave NE #563, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 504-6785
Now if you're thinking about how to get into an apprenticeship program in carpentry, read more and let's find out.
Journeyman Carpenters Pay in Oregon
Once you completed the apprenticeship program, you earn the title of a journeyman. Now if you’re asking how much you would get working as a journeyman carpenter in Oregon, according to the latest July 25, 2023 report of Salary.Com, the average salary is $62,063, depending on some other factors such as experience and location where you’re working, the salary falls between $53,633 and $71,863. If you will work in Washington, the salary is even bigger.
The demand for carpenters will continue to improve not only in the state of Oregon but in other states as well this is due to the boom of the construction industry that tends contractors to hire more people to be part of the workforce.
Now is the time to train to become an apprentice, contact one of the schools mentioned above to start your journey today.
Now if you're thinking about how to get into an apprenticeship program in carpentry, read more and let's find out.
Apprentice Carpenter Career Path
Carpentry is not a job for everyone. It involves a lot of physical work, pressure, and risk on top of the problem-solving and math skills you need to succeed in carpentry.
To apply as an apprentice carpenter, you should earn a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. Some apprenticeship programs accept high school students as long as they are close to graduation. Age requirement is 18 years old, with some accepting 17 years old but requiring parental consent.
It will be beneficial if you take classes in mathematics, basic carpentry, and drafting in your local high schools. These high school courses can give you the advantage of understanding the basics as you enter an apprenticeship.
Some aspiring apprentice enters the program right out of graduation, while others apply for a carpentry certificate program first. These certificate programs are being offered in vocational schools that enable you to learn basic carpentry techniques before joining an apprenticeship.
To apply as an apprentice, you need to look for carpentry organizations or carpenter unions, where an apprenticeship program is offered. Many employers may also offer a program that can be sponsored by the US government.
The program entails classroom and on-the-job training. It takes three to four years of apprenticeship before you can take a state licensing exam. That's how you become a certified and qualified carpenter.
Other Requirements That Help You Qualify for the Apprenticeship
- Associated degree or higher education (the degree must be recognized by the Department of Education)
- Driver’s license
- Proof of military education
- Work experience documented on company letterhead and completion
- Minimum of one year of high school algebra
- Other related certifications
Now if you're thinking about how to get into an apprenticeship program in carpentry, read more and let's find out.
The Role of an Apprentice Carpenter
As mentioned previously, an apprentice carpenter is monitored by an experienced carpenter, and they learn the basics of carpentry such as picking out the best tools, measuring and cutting wood and assembling parts.
An apprentice carpenter also cleans debris from a construction, gets back the tools, and refills the work pouch of the carpenters with tools. Apprentice carpenters are also entrusted with more tasks and responsibilities as they learn more about the skills and tools in the industry.
On Becoming an Apprentice Carpenter
Applying for an apprentice role requires a high school diploma or equivalent attainment. You may also consider registering for a carpentry program in the local and vocational schools in your area to get started on the basic skills in carpentry.
The apprenticeship does not ask for a post-secondary degree, but advanced knowledge and skills can put you in a good spot.
Look for construction firms or carpenter unions near you. Let them know your skills and knowledge in carpentry and showcase what you have learned so far. Once you're in, let it be known that these programs require approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training for the whole duration of the program and 144 hours of classroom time per year.
You can also look for a job in person, by looking for your local carpenters and discussing with them your interest in becoming an apprentice. They can refer you to their connections.
There are also job resources online where you can search for apprenticeship programs and sponsors. Lastly, if you know a relative or a friend who is in the construction industry, you can directly apply to them.
If you're lucky enough, you may also land an apprenticeship where the employer will sponsor you to enroll in college courses or a bachelor's degree. Some employers offer that.
Now if you're thinking about how to get into an apprenticeship program in carpentry, read more and let's find out.
The Daily Routine of a Carpentry Apprentice
Do you love getting creative with your hands? Assembling structures and working on construction areas? If you say yes to all, a carpentry apprentice sounds about right for you.
Aside from the previously mentioned roles, the other tasks expected from you during the on-the-job training include ordering carpentry tools and materials, repairing and altering, installing panels, building things like cabinets and chairs, careful examination of damaged constructions, and fitting panels and windows frames.
How Much You Would Get as an Apprenticeship
Carpentry apprentices do get paid during the program. Throughout your apprenticeship, note that your salary is increasing based either on your tenure or performance. The payment typically varies depending on your state.
After the apprenticeship, you can earn the same pay as a licensed carpenter. But it still varies depending on the company, the kind of carpentry you would like to specialize in, and your experience.
To give you an idea of how is the apprentice rate, here’s a sample computation:
- 1,000 hours = 50% of journeyman’s rate
- 2,000 hours = 55% of journeyman’s rate
- 3,000 hours = 60% of journeyman’s rate
- 4,000 hours = 70% of journeyman’s rate
- 5,000 hours = 75% of journeyman’s rate
- 6,000 hours = 80% of journeyman’s rate
- 7,000 hours = 85% of journeyman’s rate
- 8,000 hours = 90% of journeyman’s rate
Again, depending on the location and institution where you are apprenticing for, the rate may vary.
Career Opportunities
The building and construction industry offers career growth and opportunity for you. The industry, including its areas of specialization, has been developing with more and more opportunities for carpenters.
In carpentry, you decide on your career path if you want to work for a company or if you want to venture into a carpentry business. Your experience, skills, and qualifications can help you grow your business in carpentry. If you work for an employer, it can also open up an opportunity for you to become a supervisor.
Now if you're thinking about how to get into an apprenticeship program in carpentry, read more and let's find out.
Employment Outlook
If you decide to work for an employer, know that there are many openings in store for you. This is because of the high demand for carpenters, as the jobs and projects continue to flourish. Job opportunities are projected to increase in the next few years, with the unemployment rate relatively low.
Learning does not stop once you're gainfully employed. Thus, you can still choose to study while working. This allows you to be in a managerial role soon afterward.
Are You Qualified for a Carpenter Apprenticeship?
If you or someone you know is considering a carpenter apprenticeship, here are some general qualifications and requirements often considered:
- Age: Most apprenticeship programs require participants to be at least 18 years old, though some might accept individuals as young as 17.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is often required. Courses in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop are considered beneficial.
- Physical Fitness: Carpentry can be physically demanding. Potential apprentices should be able to perform the tasks associated with carpentry, which might include lifting heavy objects, standing for extended periods, climbing, and more.
- Hand-eye Coordination: Carpentry requires precision, so good hand-eye coordination is a plus.
- Basic Math Skills: Carpenters often need to measure and cut materials, so a fundamental understanding of arithmetic is essential.
- Drug Test: Some apprenticeship programs require candidates to pass a drug test.
- Driver's License: Since carpentry work can be at various locations, having a valid driver's license can be a requirement or at least beneficial.
- Interest and Willingness to Learn: As with any apprenticeship, having a genuine interest in the trade and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Interview: Some apprenticeship programs might require candidates to undergo an interview process.
If you're considering an apprenticeship in a specific area or with a particular organization, it's crucial to research their specific requirements and qualifications.
Contacting the Authorities
Bureau of Labor & Industries
800 NE Oregon St., Suite 1045, Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 971-673-0761, TTY Relay 711
Now if you're thinking about how to get into an apprenticeship program in carpentry, read more and let's find out.
Final Thoughts
Oregon has so much to offer for carpenters, now is the time to become a carpenter and take the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship program in carpentry is a smart move to take as you learn carpentry skills while getting paid.
After completing the apprenticeship program, fate lies in your hands. The skills and experience you learn can land you a stable and secure job or provide you with the knowledge to start your business in carpentry. Hence, work diligently and learn as much as you can muster in your apprenticeship.
