Carpenters work in almost every area of the construction sector. As a carpenter, your activities might include constructing, installing, erecting, and repairing structure made from steel, wood, concrete, and other materials. Yes, carpenters work with materials non-wood materials. It is for this reason a well-rounded carpentry program or apprenticeship will include handling of various types of materials and tools. You will learn via lectures in the classroom or online, but the primary mode of instruction will be hands-on. Carpenters work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. There are options to specialize in one area, such as roofing, green technology, framing, or print reading, or build a wide skillset if you prefer diversity in your career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in demand for carpenters as home and business owners shift from traditional to environmentally friendly building practices that not only save the earth but also save money. Employment opportunities vary throughout the year as building projects are essentially seasonal.
Palomar Community College
Palomar Community College offers a four-year carpentry apprenticeship program through the Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Course topics include safety and health certification, printreading, wall forming, exterior finish details, basic roof framing, patented forming systems, basic metal framing, beam and deck forming, commercial floor framing, cabinet installation, molding and trim, basic stairs, advanced stairs, door and door frames, commercial fixtures, advanced suspended scaffold, basic systems scaffold, plastic laminates, and much more.
Program overview:
Carpentry Apprenticeship
Duration: 4 years
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Meet with an Admission Representative
- Must have a current state ID and social security card
Program cost:
Training is free. A stipend will be paid throughout the program.
Website: https://www.palomar.edu
Address: 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126-2999
Phone: (619) 388-7800
San Diego College of Continuing Education
The Carpentry Apprenticeship I program at San Diego College of Continuing Education introduces adults to the carpentry trade. Theory and hands-on experiences will cover construction site safety, basic trade math, moisture content and shrinkage, lumber grades and sizes, engineered panels, hand tools, fasteners, boring and cutting tools, portable power tools, power tool maintenance, stationary power tools, radial and miter saws, table saws, lumber manufacturing, defects in wood and lumber, and identification of wood. Methods of instruction include lectures, lab, shop assignments individualized study, demonstration, audio visual aids, group team work, and other strategies. Graduates will be prepared to identify and select lumber and lumber products and panels, choose fasteners, and use hands and power tools.
Program overview:
Carpentry Apprenticeship I
Duration: 4 years
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to read at an eighth-grade level
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Must demonstrate an eighth-grade math level
- Must be registered as an apprentice in a state-approved apprenticeship program
- Must have a current state ID and social security card
Program cost:
Training is free. A stipend will be paid throughout the program.
Website: https://sdcce.edu/
Address: 4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113-1915
Phone: 619-388-4956
San Diego Mesa College
The Building Construction Technology program at San Diego Mesa College trains students in the basics of most aspects of the construction industry. Courses include construction plan reading, construction practices, building inspection, electrical plumbing and mechanical codes, building codes and zoning, construction management I, construction project management and scheduling, and building constructor’s license law. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement and will be prepared to work in various sectors of the construction industry. They may continue to the Associate of Science Degree by completing the general education and electives requirement. A minimum of 60 units must be completed for the degree.
Program overview:
Building Construction Technology – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 12 months
Units: 28
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Must have a current state ID and social security card
- Submit an application for admission to SDMC
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for resident students. The costs for books and supplies are additional.
Website: https://www.sdmesa.edu/
Address: 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego, CA 92111-4998
Phone: 619-800-2230