The month of October has been declared by the Governor as “Careers in Construction Month.” Do you have what it takes to join this well-paying and highly skilled industry?
If you enjoy building or remodeling every kind of structure, including houses and commercial buildings, bridges, churches, factories and highways, this could be the job for you! Carpenters work with power and hand tools to build wood framing for houses, roofs, stairs, decks, and sheaths, and forms for concrete. They perform both interior and exterior work that ranges from installing doors and windows to handrails, cabinets, and countertops. If reading blueprints and accurately calculating dimensions does it for you, then read further to see how you can join an industry and profession that will keep you excited and engaged for years.
Carpenter:
Working Conditions
Carpenter work is very physical and involves standing, climbing, kneeling, lifting, and squatting. Carpenters must be in good health, agile, and have good hand-eye coordination. Work conditions vary with each job.
Length of Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship lasts four years. Apprentices must complete a minimum of 144 hours per year of related classroom training and a total of 8,000 hours on-the-job training.
Minimum Qualifications
Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 18 years of age, or 17 with proof of high school graduation or general education development (GED) equivalent. Local apprenticeship committees may require additional qualifications.
Wages (Average, State of Oregon, 2015)
Beginning apprentices start at 50 percent of the journey-level wage. Upon successful completion of required related class work and on-the-job hours, wages increase, usually every six months, until the journey-level rate is achieved.
• Hourly: $19.67
• Annual: $43,212
Want more information? Check out Build Oregon!