Carpenter Apprenticeship

Work Description

Carpenters construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood; concrete forms; building frameworks including partitions, joists, studding and rafters; wood stairways, window and door frames; and hardwood floors using carpentry hand and power tools. They build wood framing for houses, roofs, stairs, decks, and sheaths, and forms for concrete and frame buildings, walls, footings, cabinets, siding, drywall and insulation. Carpenters install doors, windows, store fronts and hand rails, building cabinets, and countertops and may work on drywall, wood flooring, metal jambs, and ceilings. They are skilled in interior and exterior finish work and are able to read blueprints, measure accurately, and calculate dimensions.

Working Conditions

Carpenters may work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions requiring prolonged standing, climbing, kneeling, squatting, and lifting heavy carpentry materials. Working conditions vary with each job and may include working on ladders and scaffolding. Carpenters are occasionally exposed to fumes and dust. Ongoing safety training is provided to avoid job site accidents. Extensive traveling may be required.

Training

• 3-year training program
• 5,840 hours of on-the-job learning
• 400 hours of paid related instruction—currently one full day every two weeks during the school year, alternating between Mid-State Technical College (Wisconsin Rapids) and Lakeshore Technical College
• 120 hours of unpaid related instruction to be completed on apprentice’s own time

Apprentices receive classroom instruction in safety, first aid, blueprint reading, freehand sketching, basic mathematics, and different carpentry techniques.

Apply

Application requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age
• Have high school diploma or equivalent
• Meet required norms on aptitude test
• Be physically able to perform trade
• Have valid driver’s license or reliable transportation

I’m not currently employed by a business willing to sponsor me as an apprentice. How can I become a carpenter apprentice?

1. Complete the apprenticeship application.
    
2. Contact Mid-State Technical College to complete the Accuplacer. You will need to achieve minimum raw scores as follows:
   • Reading – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 239
   • Arithmetic – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 237
   • Elementary Algebra or QAS – Accuplacer Classic: 33 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 216
     
     Note: You may not be required to take the Accuplacer if you meet any of the following criteria:
     • You have taken the Accuplacer and achieved the minimum scores in the last five (5) years.
     • You have taken the ACT and achieved minimum scores of 17 in reading and math.
     • You have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree.
       
       Please contact the apprenticeship a work-based learning coordinator to evaluate waiving the Accuplacer requirement.
        
3. Obtain high school (or GED/HSED) and college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
    
4. Submit completed application, Accuplacer results, and transcripts to:

   Cole Schmidt
   Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator
   Mid-State Technical College / Wisconsin Rapids Campus
   500 32nd Street North
   Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
   715.422.5526

   Email | Schedule Appointment

5. After successful completion of steps 1–4, you will receive an invitation to attend the next Central Wisconsin Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee meeting to receive a letter of introduction.
    
6. Use your letter of introduction as you apply for employment with potential sponsoring employers to show that you have met the requirements to become an apprentice.

I’m already employed by a business that is willing to put me on as an apprentice. What do I need to do?

1. Complete the apprenticeship apprenticeship application.
    
2. Have your employer complete the employer application.
    
3. Contact Mid-State Technical College to complete the Accuplacer. You will need to achieve minimum raw scores as follows:
   • Reading – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 239
   • Arithmetic – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 237
   • Elementary Algebra or QAS – Accuplacer Classic: 33 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 216
     
     Note:  You may not be required to take the Accuplacer if you meet any of the following criteria:
     • You have taken the Accuplacer and achieved the minimum scores in the last five (5) years.
     • You have taken the ACT and achieved minimum scores of 17 in reading and math.
     • You have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree.
       
       Please contact the apprenticeship and work-based learning coordinator to evaluate waiving the Accuplacer requirement.
        
4. Obtain high school (or GED/HSED) and college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
    
5. Submit completed apprentice application, employer application, Accuplacer results, and transcripts to:

   Cole Schmidt
   Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator
   Mid-State Technical College / Wisconsin Rapids Campus
   500 32nd Street North
   Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
   715.422.5526

   Email | Schedule Appointment

6. All completed information will be sent on to the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards so that your apprenticeship contract can be developed. Your on-the-job training hours will begin to count after your contract is signed. You and your employer will be invited to the next Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to approve your indenture.