Carpentry Schools in Houston, TX

Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood. If you’re in search of a career with low stress and the opportunity to be your own boss, then carpentry may be right for you. As many older carpenters retire and interest in skilled trades decline, there will be an expected rise in demand for professional carpenters.

The good news about the industry is that there are few prerequisites. As far as training goes, you can elect to work as an apprentice and learn from a skilled carpenter. The alternative is to enroll in a formal training program that will cover industry terminology, tools, and their use, reading blueprints, framing, and safety and accident prevention. Basic certificate programs cost anywhere between $2,000 to $4,500. Formal apprenticeships may be costly. Others may be free and offer the opportunity to earn while you learn.

Houston Community College

The carpentry program offered by Houston Community College includes an introduction to carpentry and basic framing. Students must complete the Introduction to Carpentry as a prerequisite to Basic Framing. They will learn how to construct and erect wood frame structures, industry terminology, how to read blueprints, and the safe use of hand tools, structural materials, and power tools. Other areas of study include handling and storage procedures, fasteners and adhesives, care of tools, and mathematical computations. The entire curriculum is designed to help students become residential carpenters. Graduates will have a foundation for further studies in carpentry.

Program overview:
Introduction to Carpentry/Basic Framing
Duration: 4 months
Clock hours: 176

Prerequisites:

  • Must have an accredited high school diploma or equivalency
  • Complete the prerequisite Introduction to Carpentry before enrolling in the Basic Framing course
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English

Program cost:
Tuition costs $1,878 for both courses for in-district students. The cost of books, fees, and supplies must be added. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/ce-programs/carpentry/
Address: 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
Phone: 713-718-2000

Lone Star College

The non-credit, fast-track carpentry I program offered by Lone Star College leads to a Lone Star College and National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certificate. Training and certification for OSHA 10 is included as part of NCCER Core – Construction Methods/Materials. The industry-accredited program prepares students for employment as a residential carpenter. Courses include NCCER Core – Construction Methods/Materials, Safety and Accident Prevention, Basic Framing, and Introduction to Carpentry.

Program overview:
Carpentry I NCCER Residential Certificate
Duration: 4 months
Clock hours: 246

Prerequisites:

  • Must have an accredited high school diploma or equivalency
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English
  • Create a LoneStar account before applying to the program

Program cost:
The program cost is $4,115 for resident students.  The cost of textbooks, supplies, and fees must be added.

Website: https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/carpentry-nccer-certificate.htm
Address: 14955 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040
Phone: 832-813-6500