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Carpentry School Options & Information

By Publisher | Last Updated March 14, 2024

Learning this trade through a carpentry school or apprenticeship can lead to long-term security and satisfaction. After all, carpenters get to perform many high-value tasks that can't be easily automated. They often enjoy strong demand for their skills. And many get to experience the freedom that comes from running their own contracting businesses. For more detailed information on why this trade is worth your time, skip to " Why Carpentry Jobs Are Awesome: 9 Powerful Rewards. "

Education & Training

Length of training, program options, typical courses.

• What Makes a Good Carpenter
• Skills You Can Learn

Licensing & Certification

• Continuing Education & Advancement

Education & Training FAQs

Carpentry schools, career information, job openings & outlook, key benefits.

• What a Carpenter Does

Work Settings

Specializations, career faqs, why carpentry jobs are awesome: 9 powerful rewards.

Although some people learn this trade by going straight into a carpentry apprenticeship, many others benefit from attending trade school first.

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North American Trade Schools

• London, Ontario
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Completing a pre-apprenticeship education through a carpentry trade school or vocational college tends to take anywhere from eight to 24 months . Although much less common, shorter programs may be available (often including online carpentry classes) that make it possible to learn the basics of how to become a carpenter in as little as about four months.*

Apprenticeship programs can take up to four years. If you complete a pre-apprenticeship program, that coursework can add another two years.

As you calculate the time it will take you to train as a carpenter, there is another consideration to keep in mind. Carpenters and other tradespeople are usually paid for their on-the-job training. So, you'll likely begin to enjoy the financial rewards of a career in carpentry more quickly than you might in some other occupations.

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Pre-apprenticeship programs teach the basics of carpentry. They also help you polish the skills you'll need to be successful in the industry. Coursework often includes basic math and science. During the program, you'll learn carpentry terminology for tools, equipment, and materials. You'll learn to draft and interpret blueprints and manage projects.

Carpenter programs also teach workplace safety, building codes, and other government regulations. Many programs offer the option for training in carpentry specialties. These include roofing, framing, finishing, and machine woodworking.

1. Certificate and diploma programs:

Carpentry certificates and diplomas are the shortest, most focused educational options. They usually provide instruction in the core concepts of the trade. In-person courses of study also tend to incorporate some hands-on technical training.

2. Associate degree programs:

Carpentry associate degree programs take around two years to complete. These more extended degree programs offer significant advantages, including:

• More comprehensive instruction
• More hands-on practice
• Broader range of skills and knowledge
• A mix of carpentry coursework and more general subjects (which can better prepare you for management or leadership roles)
• Higher potential for career advancement
• Opportunities for higher-level positions

Carpentry Apprenticeship Programs

Carpentry apprenticeships are mostly offered through individual employers, contractors' associations, or local chapters of trade unions. For example, you might find opportunities through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) or the Construction Employers Association (CEA). The U.S. Department of Labor also offers an online search tool.

Apprentices are paid while learning on the job. Classroom instruction will also be part of your training, but if you completed a pre-apprenticeship program through a carpentry school, some of your class requirements might be waived.

Most carpentry apprenticeship programs include technical training. They then combine this with extensive, supervised, and paid on-the-job training. Throughout your training, you'll work under the supervision of one or more experienced carpenters.

Formal carpentry programs vary in scope, but they often include classes in subjects like:

• Trade terminology
• Workplace safety
• Government regulations and building codes
• Algebra and geometry
• Basic physics
• Architectural drafting
• Blueprint interpretation
• Carpentry tools and equipment
• Building materials (including selection and measurement)
• Machine woodworking
• Project management

What Makes a Good Carpenter?

To prepare to succeed as a carpenter, you'll need specific skills. Before training to become a carpenter, it's wise to evaluate yourself for these skills and determine what you need to learn and strengthen.

Assess Your Skills and Determine If Carpentry Is a Good Fit for You

• Attention to detail: This is key to a carpenter's success. Carpenters must be precise in measuring, cutting, and modifying construction materials. In carpentry jobs, fractions of measurements mean the difference between success and failure.
• Aptitude for math: Carpenters must work with measurements to calculate the area of various spaces. Math skills—especially trigonometry, algebra, and geometry—are essential to this work. Having a natural talent for math can be advantageous, but it's worth noting that even people who struggled with math in school can make successful carpenters using math in practical applications.
• Dexterity: Precision demands both a keen eye and nimble fingers. As a carpenter, you'll use your hands to manipulate construction materials. Strong hand-eye coordination ensures a carpenter completes the job well while staying safe.
• Physical strength and stamina: As a carpenter, you'll rely not only on your hands but on your overall physical strength. Some standard tools and materials can weigh up to 100 pounds. You'll also need to be comfortable standing for long periods. Frequent bending and climbing are also regular parts of the job.
• Problem-solving skills: Carpenters must combine physical and mental strength to solve problems as they arise. New problems requiring new creative and analytical solutions occur every day. An ability to visualize 2D blueprints as 3D structures is especially helpful. Visualizing a finished project can both prevent problems and solve them.
• Reading comprehension: Completing jobs and addressing issues as they arise can require reading installation instructions. These can include technical documents and product specifications. Strong reading skills can make deciphering complex documents easier.
• Business skills: Some carpenters are self-employed. If you choose this path, your financial success will partially depend on your business skills. Self-employed carpenters must bid for jobs, manage workers, and track inventory.

Take Steps to Improve Skills That May be Lacking

If you're still in high school, some courses may be worth extra attention on your part. These include math, English, business, and art courses, especially mechanical drawing if available. If your school offers a woodworking or shop class, you can gain relevant education and experience.

If you have finished high school and think your reading or math skills could use a refresher, online and in-person programs, and tutors can help.

You can work to build your physical strength and stamina at any age. You can also work on polishing your interpersonal skills.

Skills You Can Learn at Carpentry Schools

Carpentry training may help you gain practical expertise related to doing things like:

• Visualizing 3D structures based on 2D drawings
• Selecting and laying out building materials
• Taking accurate measurements
• Making precise calculations
• Using, inspecting, and maintaining hand and power tools
• Following proper safety and waste-removal practices
• Adhering to local building codes
• Marking, cutting, shaping, erecting, and joining wood or other materials
• Verifying the trueness of installed structural components
• Using woodworking machines
• Managing projects

In most states, carpenters only need to be licensed if they are self-employed contractors or work on projects valued above a specific dollar amount. But the requirements can vary significantly from state to state. And many local jurisdictions (e.g., cities and counties) have their own regulations. So, it's important to contact the appropriate state and local offices that oversee the licensing of contractors and tradespeople in your region.

Earning a contractor's license typically requires proving that you have a minimum amount of relevant experience and/or education, passing an exam, and purchasing liability insurance.

Most states don't have any formal process for recognizing the completion of carpenter apprenticeships. So becoming certified as a journeyman carpenter generally happens through trade unions or contractors' associations. The private organization that awards your journeyman status may verify your achievement with a special card or certificate.

Carpenters can earn additional voluntary certifications geared toward particular specialties or areas of interest. Examples of organizations that offer different types of carpentry certification include:

• National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
• Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI)
• National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)
• Green Advantage
• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

Opportunities for Continuing Education and Advancement

Completing your training is a significant accomplishment. Successful carpenters understand, though, that their training is truly never finished.

Successful carpenters continue to learn as they tackle new challenges each day. Successful carpenters also pursue continuing education. Many of the organizations that offer apprenticeship programs offer professional development as well. Check with your trade union or contractors' association for the opportunities they offer.

Pursuing these opportunities keeps you up to date on best practices in the industry. These offerings also make you more marketable to potential clients.

Extra training is especially beneficial if you intend to seek a management role. Carpenters can work to become lead carpenters, first-line supervisors, and general construction supervisors.

Some carpenters prefer the flexibility and autonomy of self-employment. If this describes you, you might choose to become an independent contractor.

Is carpentry school hard?

It can be difficult for people who don't have strong attention to detail. After all, this trade requires precision when marking, measuring, and cutting materials. Making accurate calculations is also essential. (In the carpentry trade, small errors can turn into large problems.)

Being good at math (including simple arithmetic, algebra, and geometry) can go a long way toward making this trade easier to learn. That said, many students have an easier time learning math in a trade school program than they did in high school since they get to apply the concepts to real-world examples. Plus, carpentry programs are often taught by experienced tradespeople who can share all kinds of tips, tricks, and insights that make everything simpler to understand.

It also helps to have good dexterity with your hands. But almost anyone can develop the practical skills that lead to great craftsmanship. That's what the training is for. You just need to follow the guidance of your instructors or mentors and keep practicing what you learn until it becomes second nature.

How much do carpentry apprentices make?

A carpenter apprentice makes about half of what a fully qualified carpenter makes . As you gain more expertise on the job, your wage will likely increase.

The carpentry trade offers significant potential for professional freedom, job security, and satisfaction. It is also full of variety, including many opportunities to specialize in the particular areas that you find most interesting and enjoyable.

Carpenters are well-compensated. The median yearly wage for carpenters in the U.S. is $51,390 **, according to estimates from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). Plus, carpentry is one of the highest-paying trades, with the top earners making more than $89,950.

Opportunities can ebb and flow with changes in the economy, and from 2022 to 2032, employment in the carpentry trade is expected to be slow, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections.** Over that period, an average of 79,500 jobs could open up each year.

• Long-term career security: Society will always need structures to be built, renovated, retrofitted, or repaired. And because carpenters frequently work on non-routine projects with unpredictable variables that require quick problem solving and adaptability, they are unlikely to get replaced by robots anytime soon.
• The opportunity to work for yourself: About 27 percent of carpenters are self-employed. Being a contractor can boost your income potential and give you more freedom to control your schedule and choose the projects you work on.
• Inner satisfaction: Many carpenters experience a deep feeling of pride from knowing they have taken on challenging projects and succeeded, leaving behind tangible evidence of their craftsmanship.

What Does a Carpenter Do?

Planning and Administration

• Reading and interpreting blueprints and building plans
• Identifying and calculating the types and amounts of materials needed
• Developing and presenting budgets, quotes, and deadlines
• Obtaining work permits and filing appropriate documents
• Maintaining records
• Preparing progress reports

Building and Construction

• Erecting and bracing concrete forms
• Framing walls and ceiling joists using wood or metal studs
• Interior and exterior walls
• Floor joists
• Interior and exterior stair units
• Sheathing for floors, walls, and roofs
• Interior and exterior windows and doors
• Insulation materials and vapor barriers
• Suspended ceilings

Finishing, Remodeling, or Restoration

• Affixing wood, vinyl, metal, or other types of siding to exterior walls
• Applying stucco, masonry veneer, or other exterior finishes
• Completing roofing jobs by closing up valleys and ensuring watertight seals
• Demolishing old walls and framing new ones
• Finishing drywall surfaces using compounds, joint reinforcing tapes, and other materials
• Measuring, cutting, and installing interior moldings around floors, doors, windows, and ceilings
• Building, laying out, and installing kitchen base and wall cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes
• Constructing and finishing closets and other architectural details
• Installing hardwood, laminate, tile, or other flooring materials

People in this trade work in a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments. Depending on their particular jobs and specialties, carpenters are found in settings such as:

• Outdoor construction sites
• Office buildings
• Retail stores
• Restaurants
• Industrial plants

As carpenters gain experience, they often develop a preference for particular areas of the trade. For instance, some would rather stick to new construction, whereas others enjoy renovating existing structures. However, you can pursue specialties that are even more focused than that. Examples include:

Rough carpentry: Specialize in building the parts of structures that, in general, aren't visible when those structures are fully completed. For example, you might only construct wooden walls, posts, beams, rafters, or subfloors that eventually get covered by other materials. Or you might build temporary forms, supports, or shelters that help other tradespeople perform their jobs during the construction phases of projects.

Finish carpentry: Help install and complete various details that are visible at the end stages of projects, such as doors, windows, staircases, flooring, baseboards, trim, molding, and cabinets.

Formwork carpentry: Focus on building and taking down the temporary supports that concrete gets poured into in order to shape and contain it as it hardens (often for foundations, footings, pillars, or other large structural components).

Cabinetmaking: Create wooden cupboards and drawers for kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas of a building. Some cabinetmakers also build furniture.

Acoustical carpentry: Concentrate on using construction techniques and materials that help reflect or dampen sound in order to reduce noise inside built environments.

Scenic carpentry: Take on a fun and critical role in the entertainment and performing arts industries by building physical sets and backdrops for film, TV, and theatrical productions.

Marine carpentry: Help build, maintain, or fix wooden boats and ships.

Specialized Professional Certifications

Carpenters interested in environmental sustainability might explore certification programs that focus on green building practices. The U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Advantage offer these types of programs.

The USGBC is responsible for administering the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program. Many businesses pursue this certification when constructing new facilities or remodeling existing ones. Being a USGBC-certified carpenter can make you stand out to these potential clients.

Green Advantage likewise grants credentials to contractors with expertise in sustainable building practices. It offers two levels of certification for workers and supervisors.

If your interests focus on a carpentry specialty, you can also pursue licensing in that area. Some carpenters have a passion for wood flooring. They might become a certified professional with the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) with specific testing.

Perhaps you enjoy the challenge of remodeling existing structures. If so, you might become licensed with NARI . NARI is the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Finally, once you become a carpenter, you might explore related areas of construction. Many carpenters find their skills transfer well to other careers. For example, some carpenters pursue more training in heavy equipment operation.

What's the difference between carpentry and construction?

Construction is a general term for describing the building of large structures. Carpentry is just one of many specific trades within the broader construction industry. In addition to carpenters, a few examples of skilled tradespeople who can work in construction include:

• Electricians
• HVAC technicians
• Heavy equipment operators

The construction industry also provides jobs for general laborers, helpers, drafters , supervisors, managers, and people with various other skill sets.

Programs at a construction school may focus exclusively on carpentry or other specific trades. Or they may introduce people to multiple trades, providing general training that helps students choose a more specific path.

What are the advancement opportunities for a carpenter?

As you gain experience within the trade, you could advance into managerial positions such as:

• Crew leader
• Superintendent
• Site manager
• Project manager
• Job coordinator
• Job planner
• Safety director

You could also work for yourself by becoming an independent contractor. Many carpenters find it helpful to get some additional training in construction management when making that transition.

Is carpentry dangerous?

Data from the BLS shows that, in 2022, 95 carpenters died from work-related injuries. That's out of 956,300 carpenters who were employed that year. So the fatality rate in this trade was just 0.01 percent.

Most carpenters learn how to work safely, and they use protective clothing and equipment while on the job. But there is always some inherent risk. Injuries can happen from tripping, slipping, falling from high places, straining while lifting heavy objects, or accidentally coming into contact with sharp objects (such as the blades on power saws).

A Carpentry School Can Teach You More Than the Basics

Whether you want to prepare for an apprenticeship or pursue entry-level opportunities in this trade, formal vocational training can be a major help in your journey toward becoming a fully qualified carpenter.

Woodworking and carpentry jobs are often well-loved by the people who have them. In fact, some adults end up changing careers so that they can experience what many skilled tradespeople already know: Being a professional carpenter or woodworker can make you feel more alive, more connected, and more accomplished.

Maybe it's because carpentry goes back hundreds of years. It's one of the world's oldest and most important trades. Building and making things out of wood has been essential to humanity's progress. And the trade has continued to expand and evolve as new techniques, technologies, and materials have been developed.

Or maybe woodworking jobs and carpentry careers feel so worthwhile because of their close relationship with the cycle of creation. After all, they involve using a natural product of the forest to create structures and items that enable human beings to live comfortable and enjoyable lives.

Of course, the biggest reasons why a lot of carpenters and woodworkers love their jobs may have more to do with the practical benefits. For example, check out these nine top carpentry benefits:

1. An Amazing Variety of Job Paths

Learning skills for this trade can allow you to pursue many types of carpentry jobs. As a matter of fact, carpentry and woodworking represent one of the most versatile occupational sectors that you can enter. It doesn't just touch most aspects of construction; it also touches many aspects of our lives that we might not think about as much.

As a result, people who go into this wide-ranging trade often have the chance to specialize in particular areas that align with their own interests and abilities. For instance, after some basic carpentry training , you might choose to pursue a career as one of the following types of carpenters or woodworkers:

• Framing and residential carpenter: Help build various kinds of homes, from condos and townhouses to single-family residences. Carpenters in this category are often involved in framing exterior and interior walls, building stairs, and framing decks and roofs. Some of them even build forms for concrete foundations or put up drywall. And some carpenters in this category specialize in working on finishing touches such as installing cabinets, doors, wood floors, and crown molding. They often use job titles like "finish carpenter" or "trim carpenter."
• Commercial carpenter: Assist in the construction of hotels, office towers, schools, hospitals, restaurants, retail developments, and other types of commercial buildings. In addition to wood, carpenters in this area of the trade also frequently work with steel or other materials when framing exterior walls, curtain walls, and interior partitions. Many of them also specialize in building concrete forms or performing various finishing tasks like laying floors or installing paneling, ceilings, and windows.
• Industrial carpenter: Work on important public infrastructure projects or in major industries like resource extraction, energy production, or manufacturing. Big construction projects often require specialized carpenters to build safe and sturdy scaffolding, strong bracing, firm partitions, or precise concrete-pouring forms. Such carpenters often contribute their skills to civil engineering projects such as bridges, tunnels, and dams. And they can also be found working on the construction of industrial projects like power plants or underground structures for mining.
• Bench carpenter or cabinetmaker: Contribute to the cutting, shaping, and assembling of wood products. Or take on tasks like setting up and operating power saws, mortisers, jointers, and other kinds of woodworking machinery. Many cabinetmakers don't just get to fabricate wooden cabinets; they also frequently get to design custom cabinets and install them in customers' homes or offices.
• Carpentry assistant: Help established carpenters with basic tasks as you learn fundamentals like how to read blueprints, make accurate measurements, and use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively. This job path is good for getting a feel for the trade before beginning an apprenticeship.
• Furniture finisher: Take on jobs that involve restoring worn or damaged furniture by using skills related to shaping wood and applying stains, sealing agents, or topcoats. Many woodworkers in this part of the trade repair or refinish wooden antiques and educate people on how to best preserve them.
• Woodworking machine operator: Specialize in the use of automated equipment such as computerized numerical control (CNC) machines for the production of various kinds of items made from wood, laminates, veneers, or a combination of wood-related materials.

While exploring this trade, you might also wonder what the difference is between rough carpentry and finish carpentry . Basically, rough carpenters specialize in building things like concrete forms, scaffolding, and frameworks for large structures. In contrast, finish carpenters are specialists at final touches such as laying floors, building stairs and banisters, and installing trim, paneling, and moldings.

As carpenters advance in their careers, many of them have the opportunity to take on higher-paying roles with more responsibility. Those can include job paths like becoming construction supervisors or starting their own companies as independent contractors. In addition, some carpenters venture into related areas of construction, such as becoming industrial millwrights or heavy equipment operators.

2. Opportunities to Earn Good Wages

For a highly skilled carpenter or woodworker, the sky is the limit when it comes to earning potential. The pay is often especially compelling if you become a lead carpenter (i.e., a supervisor), operate your own contracting business, or gain a management position in the commercial or industrial sector. Of course, everyone who gets into this trade begins at the entry level as an apprentice or carpenter helper. But even many carpentry apprenticeship jobs pay good wages once you've moved beyond the basics. And most apprenticeships only take between three and four years to complete, which can earn you the title of "journeyman carpenter."

Based on estimates from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), median annual wages for tradespeople in this career sector looked like this:**

• Construction supervisors: $74,080 ($35.62 per hour)
• Journeyperson carpenters: $51,390 ($24.71 per hour)
• Cabinetmakers: $38,810 ($18.66 per hour)
• Furniture finishers: $37,960 ($18.25 per hour)
• Woodworking machine operators: $36,830 ($17.71 per hour)
• Carpenters' helpers: $37,490 ($18.02 per hour)

Many carpentry and woodworking professionals earn well above the national average wages for their trades, especially if they have a lot of experience or work in high-paying industries or regions. For example, OEWS program data shows that the most high-paid carpentry jobs offered yearly wages of over $89,950 ($43.25 per hour). The promotors of performing arts, sports, and similar events industry paid carpenters the highest average wages-$110,310 ($53.04 per hour). And the states where carpenters earned the most money, on average, were Hawaii, New Jersey, Alaska, Illinois, and New York. Average pay in those states ranged from $70,700 ($33.99 per hour) to $80,160 ($38.54 per hour).***

Plus, some carpentry and woodworking jobs come with employer benefits such as paid vacation, health and dental insurance, and retirement savings plans. Union jobs, in particular, are known to provide excellent benefits. So it's worth looking into organizations such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). Getting some basic woodworking or carpentry training before applying for union apprenticeships can make you a more attractive candidate. Many vocational and trade schools offer short carpentry programs that provide exactly that.

3. The Ability to Take On Woodworking Jobs From Home

Carpentry is a good job for people who are interested in working from home. Having the skills to cut, shape and finish wood can mean having a huge world of other moneymaking opportunities available to you. In fact, you don't have to confine yourself to just building privacy fences or decks in your spare time for extra cash. With relatively few startup costs, you might also be able to begin doing fun woodworking jobs from home.

Even a lot of non-professional woodworkers are able to succeed with home-based businesses. So imagine what you might be able to do as a true craftsperson with professional carpentry skills and a better knowledge of the tools, materials, and possibilities. For example, some people have achieved success by making and selling products such as:

• Unique birdhouses
• Handcrafted wooden toys
• Dollhouses and related accessories
• Distinctive wooden signs or plaques that are funny, clever, or inspirational
• Custom-designed furniture like chairs, coffee tables, and bookshelves
• Laser-cut or laser-engraved wooden objects like clocks, maps, rolling pins, cuff links, or ornamental trinkets
• Customized wooden instruments like guitars or violins
• Various types of home decor and accessories

The point is to use your imagination and master a particular niche. People all over the world are seeking high-quality wooden products that have a distinctive flair. And they are often willing to pay top dollar for them. Plus, the Internet has made it easier than ever to find and serve niche markets. Etsy is just one of many online marketplaces where you can easily begin selling what you make from home.

Other possibilities for doing woodwork at home include restoring or repairing wooden antiques, refinishing old furniture, or assembling or painting wooden products for various manufacturers. Just be careful about signing on with work-from-home companies. Although many of them are legitimate, some of them are scams. So it's best to check out every company thoroughly, especially if you're being asked to send upfront payments for supplies.

4. Potential Growth in the Number of Job Openings

But even in slower-growing regions, many homeowners and organizations need professional carpenters for remodeling and renovation projects. Older buildings are abundant in America. And so are older pieces of public infrastructure. When governments decide to invest in the construction of new bridges and other infrastructure projects, the demand for commercial and industrial carpenters often rises significantly.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), America was already home to 956,300 carpenter jobs in 2022. Yet, from 2022 to 2032, that number could rise by 8,600 jobs.

5. Enjoyment and Satisfaction

A lot of carpenters and woodworkers genuinely look forward to each day's work. They enjoy building things with their hands while using plenty of skill, precision, and creative ingenuity. And they put their hearts into their jobs so that they can stand back at the end of a project and see that it was built to last. They always know that their efforts can be easily measured and appreciated.

Plus, many people in the woodworking and carpentry trade are able to set their own hours. In fact, the OOH says that over one-quarter of carpenters were self-employed in 2022.**

6. Mental and Emotional Benefits

Carpentry and woodworking require a lot of focus, especially for complex projects. Paying attention to the details is essential since accurate cuts and measurements are what allow projects to be successfully completed. As a result, this trade is terrific for helping you develop laser focus while also forcing you not to rush through things.

That's why many experienced carpenters and woodworking professionals get to the point where their jobs feel almost like meditation. Their minds are focused, yet they become so good at what they do that their minds are also free to wander and think through other things. So they often end their days feeling grounded and good about themselves.

7. Physical Health Advantages

It's true that using carpentry tools and working on building sites requires paying special attention to safety precautions. Some tradespeople do get injured while on the job. But if you're careful, this trade can actually benefit your health. Since it involves a lot of daily physical activity, having a carpentry job might lower your long-term risks of contracting illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And the trade is well known for its positive impacts on physical strength, endurance, body control, and hand dexterity.

8. Opportunities to Save Money

Why pay huge markups on wooden furniture or pay someone else to build you a deck, fence, or tool shed? When you're a master craftsperson and have all of the necessary tools and woodworking skills, you can build and create a lot of items that other people usually have to pay high prices for. And as a professional carpenter, you might even be able to buy the raw materials you need at wholesale prices.

9. Transferable Skills

One of the most overlooked benefits of working in this vocational area is that some of the skills you acquire might be valuable if you ever decide to pursue a different career. For example, consider the ability to visualize 3D objects and understand how 2D renderings or blueprints translate into built reality. In today's technology-driven world, more and more industries are utilizing computerized 3D modeling, so having such visualization skills can be highly advantageous. Or consider the communication skills that you might attain while working with various clients, builders, designers, or architects. The ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively is something that employers in every industry place a high value on.

Build a Future That You Can Be Proud Of

Is carpentry a good career for you? If the carpentry benefits described above match what you want from a job, then it's probably a great choice. Plenty of excellent woodworking and carpentry jobs are out there, ready for motivated people like you to fill them.

* Length of training information is based on information from the U.S. Department of Education and a sampling of relevant program lengths from a mix of about 20 public, private non-profit, and private for-profit institutions' websites (visited March 13, 2024).

** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook . Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited March 13, 2024).

*** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (visited March 13, 2024).

CAREER PATHWAYS

Looking for the perfect job? Explore our Career Guides!

How to Become a Carpenter

By Ajoke Aminu

Published: March 5, 2024

Are you looking for a new career path that allows you to get creative and build with your hands? Our complete online guide will help you unlock the exciting world of carpentry. It’s an in-depth exploration into everything related to succeeding as a carpenter—including carpenter apprenticeship opportunities, mastering the craft, understanding client expectations, and more.

Career Summary

Carpenter salary range.

The average salary of a carpenter in the United States is $47,288 per year.

• Entry Salary (US$43k)
• Median Salary (US$50k)
• Executive Salary (US$65k)

In 2020, the average annual wage for those working in the U.S. was close to US$69,000 meaning that a Carpenter’s wage is generally lower than the national average.

What is a Carpenter?

Meet the unsung heroes of the construction field – the carpenters. Carpenters are experts at working with wood and constructing various structures, ranging from simple shelves to grandiose homes. They measure, cut, and join pieces of wood together using a variety of tools, including hammers, saws, and drills.

A carpenter is someone who creates and repairs wooden products, including items like furniture, buildings, and more. These craftspeople are masters of their trade and take pride in their work, ensuring that their creations not only look beautiful but also withstand the test of time.

Carpentry Career Progression

Carpentry is a time-honored craft that involves creating beautiful, functional structures and furniture using wood and other materials. It offers a clear career progression path for individuals looking to advance in the field.

Here are the typical stages of carpentry career progression:

• Carpentry Apprenticeship: Aspiring carpenters start their journey as apprentices. They receive on-the-job training and learn fundamental carpentry skills under the guidance of experienced professionals. This stage typically involves learning safety protocols, basic carpentry techniques, and becoming familiar with tools and materials.
• Journeyman: After completing an apprenticeship program or gaining a certain level of experience and skills, carpenters become journeyman carpenters. At this stage, they can work independently and handle a range of carpentry tasks. Journeyman carpenters continue to refine their skills and gain more experience in various aspects of carpentry work.
• Specialization: As carpenters gain experience and expertise, they may choose to specialize in a specific area of carpentry. This could involve focusing on finish carpentry, cabinetmaking, furniture making, restoration carpentry, or other specialized fields within the broader carpentry profession. Specialization allows carpenters to develop advanced skills and knowledge in their chosen area.
• Lead Carpenter/Foreman: With sufficient experience and leadership skills, carpenters can progress to the role of a lead carpenter or foreman. In this position, they oversee and manage a team of carpenters on construction sites or projects. They are responsible for coordinating work, ensuring quality standards, and handling project management aspects.
• Contractor/Business Owner: Experienced carpenters may decide to become self-employed contractors or start their own carpentry businesses. By taking on independent projects, managing client relationships, and overseeing operations, they have the opportunity to build a successful business and potentially hire and mentor other carpenters.

• Flexibility: You have more authority and can take on projects of differing scales, allowing you to take on work as it comes.
• Variety: Working with different materials and tools can keep things interesting and allow for a range of skills to be developed.
• Handyman skills: You are at an advantage to gain skills that can come in handy even in your home.
• Low educational prerequisites : Unlike many career paths, this is a skilled trade that barely requires any degree(s). It’s entirely up to you or your commitments to decide if you want to pursue one.
• High-income : Carpentry offers competitive salaries for a career that doesn’t require an exceptional level of education. All the better for you if you belong to a carpenter’s union.
• The physical demands : Working with heavy tools and materials can take its toll on the back, arms, and legs.
• Physical risk : Carpenters often work in dangerous environments that require a heightened awareness of safety measures. 
• Job uncertainty : There is no guarantee of continued employment.

Useful Skills to Have as a Carpenter

As an aspiring carpenter, you may be wondering what skills you need to make it in this field.

While there are many important abilities for a carpenter to possess, these stand out above the rest:

• Knowledge of different types of wood.
• Blueprint reading/interpretation, accurate measurement and mathematical skills.
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools.
• Understanding of building codes and regulations.
• Problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail and precision.

Popular Carpentry Specialties

If you’re looking to become a carpenter or want to improve your carpentry skills, mastering one or more of these specialties is definitely something to consider:

• Finish Carpentry: Finish carpenters focus on the final touches and details of a construction project. They specialize in installing trim, molding, doors, windows, and other decorative elements that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of a space.
• Cabinetmaking: Cabinetmakers specialize in designing, constructing, and installing custom cabinets and storage units. They work with a variety of materials, including wood, laminate, and engineered products, to create functional and visually appealing storage solutions.
• Furniture Making: Furniture makers craft unique and high-quality furniture pieces, such as tables, chairs, beds, and cabinets. They may work with various types of wood and employ different joinery techniques to create custom furniture with attention to detail.
• Rough Carpentry: Rough carpenters focus on the structural aspects of a construction project. They specialize in tasks such as framing, roofing, formwork, and installing structural components. Rough carpentry provides the foundation for the overall construction of a building.
• Green Carpentry: Green carpenters incorporate sustainable practices and materials into their work. They focus on environmentally friendly construction methods, energy efficiency, and using renewable resources. Green carpenters contribute to sustainable building practices and the reduction of environmental impact.

How to become a Carpenter

Becoming a carpenter is a fulfilling and lucrative career that rewards dedication and creativity, considering that carpentry has existed for centuries, and yet it still remains a relevant and highly sought-after profession. Contrary to popular belief, carpentry isn’t just all woodwork– this esteemed career encompasses a wealth of practical skills, including measuring and cutting materials, framing and finishing techniques, and even some basic plumbing and electrical work. Therefore, you mustn’t miss any steps as you delve deeper into this article to understand this exceptional career.

Get a High School Diploma or Equivalent

Considering how much detailed knowledge is required to excel in this field, it’s not surprising to wonder about the role education plays here. Well, we have the answer to every question centered around the importance of education in the carpentry business.

Do I need a degree to become a Carpenter?

No, you do not need a degree to become a carpenter . Carpentry is a skilled trade that often relies on hands-on experience and carpenter apprenticeships rather than formal education. While having a degree in carpentry or a related field can provide you with a solid foundation, it is not a mandatory requirement for entering the profession. Many carpenters learn their craft through vocational training programs, apprenticeship programs, or on-the-job training, which is typically enough.

Is a Carpentry Degree Worth Acquiring?

Although it is not compulsory, education can be a key piece that completes the puzzle, including getting a carpentry degree . With a solid education, you can learn the ins and outs of the trade, from reading blueprints to managing job sites. Not to mention, a degree in carpentry demonstrates a level of commitment to the craft that can make you stand out in a field of applicants.

How long does it take to get a Carpentry Degree?

Knowing that a carpentry degree can make you appear unique, it’s perfectly normal to want one. However, the duration of obtaining a carpentry degree can vary depending on several factors, including the type of program and the level of education pursued.

Here are some common paths and their estimated timeframes:

• Associate’s Degree: An associate’s degree typically takes around two years of full-time study to complete. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in carpentry skills, construction techniques, and related subjects.
• Bachelor’s Degree: Pursuing a bachelor’s degree may take approximately four years of full-time study. These programs often offer a more in-depth exploration of carpentry concepts, project management, sustainable building practices, and other specialized areas.
• Certificate or Diploma Programs: Some institutions offer shorter certificate or diploma programs, which can range from a few months to a year. These programs are more focused on practical skills and may be suitable for individuals who want to enter the workforce quickly or enhance their existing carpentry knowledge.

While you’re still here, note that part-time study options are also available, which may extend the overall duration.

Understanding the Costs of Studying Carpentry

Studying carpentry is a personal journey, hence it varies significantly, depending on several factors, including the country, the specific university or college, the type of program (associate’s, bachelor’s, certificate), and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.

Here are some general considerations:

• Tuition Fees: Tuition fees vary widely between universities and programs. In-state students often pay lower tuition fees compared to out-of-state or international students. On average, tuition can cost $750-$6,500 for a carpentry vocational training, while associate’s degree range from $4,000-$20,000 per year.
• Additional Expenses: In addition to tuition, you should also consider other expenses such as textbooks, supplies, tools, safety equipment, and any special clothing or uniforms required for practical coursework. These costs can vary depending on the program and specific requirements.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships can help offset the cost of studying carpentry. Many universities offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing vocational or technical programs. Additionally, external organizations, trade associations, or industry-specific foundations may provide financial assistance to aspiring carpentry students.
• Location and Living Expenses: The cost of living can vary depending on the location of the university or college. If you need to relocate or live on campus, you should consider expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.

More importantly, it is essential to research and gather specific information from the universities or colleges you are interested in, as they will provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding tuition fees and any financial aid opportunities available. If you are feeling confused about the program to pursue, these top 19 institutions to study carpentry is a great starting point. Additionally, you may also want to explore alternative options such as community colleges or trade schools, which often offer more affordable tuition rates for vocational programs like carpentry.

Gain Practical Experience

Building your dreams as a carpenter requires practical experience. Whether you’re starting out as a novice or pounding nails as a seasoned professional, practice is the foundation to a rewarding career as a carpenter. This is where carpentry apprenticeship comes in, so let’s hammer out the available opportunities to you and the skills to leverage.

Where to find Carpentry Apprenticeship Opportunities

Carpentry apprenticeship opportunities offer valuable hands-on training and experience for individuals aspiring to become carpenters. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

Here are some common carpentry apprenticeship opportunities:

• Union Apprenticeships: Trade unions, such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America , often offer formal carpentry apprenticeship programs. These programs typically last around 3-4 years and involve a combination of practical training, classroom instruction, and mentorship by experienced carpenters.
• Non-Union Apprenticeships: Non-union carpentry contractors , construction firms, or trade organizations may also offer apprenticeship programs . These programs follow a similar structure to union carpentry apprenticeships, providing hands-on experience, classroom learning, and guidance from experienced professionals.
• Government-Sponsored Programs: Government agencies, such as state or provincial apprenticeship boards, may administer carpentry apprenticeship programs. These programs provide structured training and certification, ensuring that apprentices meet industry standards.

These organizations can provide information on available programs, application processes, and eligibility criteria. Additionally, networking with experienced carpenters and professionals in the industry can also help uncover potential apprenticeship opportunities. Overall, knowing how to find internship opportunities is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Excel in the Role by Getting Additional Education

Becoming a seasoned carpenter can take years of hard work, dedication, and experience, but there’s no denying that education can help you excel in your craft. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there are numerous ways you can add to your carpentry toolbox, and gain a competitive edge.

From taking online courses to learning about new materials and tools, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge and take your carpentry skills to the next level. So, why not use your downtime to invest in your future and explore some new learning opportunities.

What is the Relevance of Online Education in Carpentry?

Let’s face it – carpentry isn’t exactly a field that one might associate with online education. Makes you wonder, how relevant is online education in the world of carpentry? Surprisingly, it’s quite relevant! While the traditional carpentry apprenticeship is still widely prevalent, the internet has opened up exciting opportunities– whether you are an aspiring carpenter or already practicing in the field, online courses provide you with the means to sharpen your craft at your own convenience.

Here are some considerations:

• Theoretical Knowledge: Online education can offer courses or programs that cover the theoretical aspects of carpentry , such as construction principles, building codes, safety regulations, and blueprint reading. These courses can provide a solid foundation of knowledge to complement practical training.
• Basic Skills and Techniques: Some online platforms or vocational schools offer virtual carpentry courses that teach basic skills and techniques, such as tool handling, measuring, cutting, and joinery. While these courses may not provide the same hands-on experience as in-person training, they can help familiarize you with fundamental concepts.
• Supplemental Learning: Online resources, video tutorials , and instructional materials can be used to supplement your carpentry education. These can be valuable for understanding specific techniques, exploring different carpentry projects, or gaining insights from experienced carpenters.
• Hybrid Programs: Some educational institutions offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with hands-on training, such as Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions . These programs typically involve a mix of online theory classes and in-person workshops or practical sessions to provide a more comprehensive learning experience.

What are some Web Resources to Learn Skills to become a Carpenter?

To master the art of carpentry, it is important to have access to reliable web resources that can guide and support your learning. Whether you prefer immersive video tutorials, step-by-step guides, or lively forums with fellow carpenters, there are resources to match every learning style. Some notable ones include live video channels such as This Old House , The Wood Whisperer , and Carpentry Tips and Tricks . These channels offer instructional videos, project demonstrations, tool reviews, and valuable tips from experienced carpenters.

Furthermore, you can engage with carpentry communities through online forums and blogs like Woodworking Talk ,  Carpentry Pro Framer , r/Carpentry , and The Family Handyman .

What are the most crucial Carpentry Skills to Hone in 2023?

Here are some essential skills you must have as a carpenter:

• Measurement and Calculation: Carpentry requires precise measurement and calculation skills to ensure accurate cuts, dimensions, and fitting of materials. You will learn to work with various measuring tools and techniques to achieve precise results.
• Cutting and Shaping Materials: Carpenters develop proficiency in using a variety of cutting tools, such as saws, chisels, and routers, to shape and trim different types of materials, including wood, laminate, and composite materials.
• Joinery and Assembly: Learning different joinery techniques, such as mortise and tenon, dovetail, and dado, allows carpenters to securely connect and assemble various components to construct sturdy and durable structures.
• Blueprint Reading and Interpretation: Understanding architectural blueprints and construction drawings is crucial for carpenters. You will learn to interpret these documents, identify measurements, symbols, and specifications, and translate them into the actual construction process.
• Framing and Structural Work: Carpenters develop skills in framing and structural work, which involve building the foundational framework and supporting structures of buildings, including walls, floors, roofs, and partitions.
• Finishing and Trim Work: The ability to perform finishing and trim work is a valuable skill for carpenters. This includes installing moldings, baseboards, trim, and other decorative elements to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a space.
• Safety and Tool Handling: Carpentry education emphasizes safety protocols and proper tool handling techniques to ensure a safe working environment. You will learn about personal protective equipment, safe work practices, and the correct use and maintenance of carpentry tools and equipment.
• Problem Solving and Adaptability: Carpentry requires problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and adapt to unique construction situations. You will learn to troubleshoot issues, make adjustments, and find practical solutions during the construction process.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are essential skills for carpenters. You will learn to communicate with clients, architects, and other tradespeople to understand project requirements, coordinate tasks, and work harmoniously on construction sites.
• Basic Knowledge of Plumbing and Electrical Work: While not the primary focus, carpenters often acquire basic knowledge of plumbing and electrical work, enabling them to collaborate effectively with other professionals on construction projects.

Do Carpenters have a Work-Life Balance?

Yes, they do . As a carpenter, there’s always work to be done from full-time hours comprising early mornings, late evenings, and occasional weekends. The specific schedule can vary depending on project deadlines, client needs, and industry demands. Some carpenters may have more flexibility in setting their work hours, especially if they are self-employed, have a team, or working on smaller projects.

Nevertheless, balancing your work and personal life is key to maintaining good mental health. You can’t put a price on your physical and emotional well-being, and as such, finding ways to relax and recharge is essential.

For instance, the workload for carpenters can fluctuate throughout the year, depending on the season and local construction demand. Spring and summer tend to be busier seasons, while winter months may be slower due to weather conditions. Managing finances and time during seasonal fluctuations is an important consideration for carpenters. For the most part, implementing tips for improving work-life balance if you struggle to will help you in the long run.

What’s the Career Outlook for Carpenter?

Not only is the need for skilled carpenters on the rise, but the pay can also be quite lucrative. The employment outlook for carpenters estimates a growth rate of 2% from 2021 to 2031, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Regardless, over the next decade, carpenters should get ready for about 91,200 job openings per annum, on average, according to the BLS report . It is also worth noting that carpentry is a skilled trade that offers stable employment opportunities, as there will always be a demand for carpenters in construction, renovation, and related industries.

Different Types of Carpentry Work & Their Job Opportunities

In today’s fast-paced world, carpentry has modernized and diversified to become an ever-growing profession, offering several job opportunities to those who are looking to pursue it. From traditional woodworking and cabinetry, carpentry now includes specialized fields such as framing, roofing, and finishing.

Along with these, carpenters are also in demand for:

• Construction Companies: Many carpenters find employment with construction companies that specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They work on tasks such as framing, roofing, flooring, and finishing, contributing to the construction of new buildings.
• General Contracting: Carpenters can work as part of a general contracting team, where they contribute their carpentry skills to various construction projects. They collaborate with other tradespeople and oversee the execution of carpentry tasks on-site.
• Self-Employment: Some carpenters choose to work as independent contractors and establish their own carpentry businesses. This allows them to take on a variety of projects, work directly with clients, and have more control over their schedules and earnings.
• Renovation and Remodeling: Carpenters specializing in renovation and remodeling find opportunities in restoring and updating existing structures. They may work on home renovations, kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, and other projects that involve modifying or enhancing existing spaces.
• Specialized Carpentry: Certain carpenters specialize in niche areas such as cabinetry, furniture making, custom millwork, or set design for theaters and film production. These specialized roles often require advanced skills and expertise in specific woodworking techniques.
• Maintenance and Repair: Carpenters may find employment in maintenance and repair roles, working for property management companies, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or other organizations. They handle tasks such as repairing doors, windows, cabinets, or performing general maintenance work.
• Custom Woodworking Shops: Some carpenters work in custom woodworking shops, crafting custom furniture, cabinets, and other wood-based products. They collaborate with clients, architects, and interior designers to create unique, high-quality pieces tailored to specific requirements.

Additionally, carpenters may explore entrepreneurial ventures, teaching carpentry skills through educational institutions, or working on heritage restoration projects. The versatility of carpentry skills opens up various possibilities for employment and career development, allowing carpenters to find rewarding and fulfilling opportunities in their chosen fields.

9 Types of Companies that Hire Carpenters

From construction to interior design to theatre set production, companies of all shapes and sizes require the expertise of a skilled carpenter

• Construction Companies
• General Contractors
• Home Builders and Remodeling Companies
• Cabinet and Furniture Manufacturers
• Maintenance and Facility Management Companies
• Specialty Woodworking Shops
• Film and Theater Production Companies
• Government Agencies and Public Works Departments
• Self-Employed Contractors and Entrepreneurs

Should I become a Carpenter?

Deciding on a career path can be a daunting task. Should you follow your passion? Or opt for more practicality? In the case of carpentry, the answer might not be as simple. After reading this guide, you’ll realize there are several key points to consider. From the physical challenges of working with wood to the demand for skilled workers to varying salary potential, it’s important to weigh all the aspects carefully.

Combine these factors with your own interests, skills, and long-term goals, and you might just be amazed at where a career in carpentry could take you. So don’t make a hasty decision, take your time, and carve out a career that’s right for you!

Careers Related to Carpenter

• Brickmason and Blockmason
• Concrete Finisher
• Landscape Architect
• Maintenance & Repair Worker

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a carpenter.

Those pursuing a career as carpenters are skilled woodworkers who specialize in constructing and repairing buildings, furniture, and other structures or items made from wood. It is an incredibly versatile profession that requires a deep understanding of the properties of different types of wood, along with keen problem-solving skills.

What does it take to be a Carpenter?

To become a carpenter, an individual must be passionate about working with wood and have the necessary technical knowledge. A strong background in mathematics is helpful, as it is used frequently when measuring and cutting wood pieces that will eventually fit together perfectly. Additionally, manual dexterity is incredibly important for those looking to pursue carpentry.

What are the rewards of being a Carpenter?

Carpenters have the opportunity to create a wide variety of beautiful and functional items that can be enjoyed by many. This profession also offers a great deal of job security, as carpenters are always in demand for repairs or construction projects. Finally, carpentry is an incredibly rewarding career path as it provides individuals with a chance to work with their hands and use their creativity.

About the Author

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How to become a carpenter

CareerExplorer’s step-by-step guide on how to become a carpenter.

Is becoming a carpenter right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Still unsure if becoming a carpenter is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a carpenter or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

High School

High school students interested in pursuing a career in carpentry can benefit from taking specific courses that provide a foundation in relevant skills and knowledge. Here are some recommended high school courses for aspiring carpenters:

• Woodworking/Cabinet Making: Taking woodworking or cabinet making courses can provide hands-on experience with tools, equipment, and techniques commonly used in carpentry. Students can learn about wood selection, joinery methods, and furniture construction.
• Mathematics: Mathematics courses, such as geometry and algebra, are essential for carpentry. They help develop skills in measurements, calculations, and problem-solving, which are crucial for accurate cutting, layout, and planning in carpentry projects.
• Construction Technology: Courses in construction technology introduce students to the fundamentals of the construction industry. They cover topics like building materials, blueprint reading, construction methods, and safety protocols.
• Drafting/Technical Drawing: Learning drafting or technical drawing can be valuable for understanding architectural plans, reading blueprints, and visualizing spatial relationships. These skills are essential for interpreting construction drawings and executing carpentry projects accurately.
• Physics: While not specifically focused on carpentry, physics courses can provide an understanding of concepts like force, load-bearing capacities, and structural stability. This knowledge is applicable when working with different materials and designing sturdy constructions.
• Business/Entrepreneurship: Courses in business or entrepreneurship can be advantageous for students interested in running their own carpentry business in the future. These courses cover topics like business management, finance, marketing, and communication skills.
• Shop/Crafts: Shop or crafts courses can provide additional hands-on experience with various tools, materials, and basic woodworking techniques. These courses can enhance practical skills and foster creativity.

Additionally, it is beneficial for students to participate in vocational or technical programs offered by their high schools or local trade schools. These programs often offer specialized training in carpentry and provide practical experience through workshops and internships.

Steps to Become a Carpenter

Becoming a carpenter involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience. Here are the detailed steps to help you pursue a career as a carpenter:

• Research the Field: Begin by researching the carpentry profession to gain a comprehensive understanding of the skills, responsibilities, and career prospects associated with it. Explore the different types of carpentry specializations and determine which area interests you the most.
• Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Complete your high school education by earning a diploma or an equivalent qualification, such as a GED.
• Gain Practical Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience with carpentry. Look for part-time jobs, apprenticeships, or volunteer positions with local carpenters, construction companies, or woodworking shops. This will provide valuable exposure to the field and help you develop basic carpentry skills.
• Pursue Postsecondary Education: While not always mandatory, completing a carpentry program at a trade school or community college can enhance your skills and increase job prospects. Look for programs that offer comprehensive training in carpentry, woodworking techniques, blueprint reading, and safety practices. Some programs may lead to a certificate or an associate's degree.
• Join an Apprenticeship Program: Consider participating in a formal apprenticeship program. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical experience, learn from experienced carpenters, and earn a wage while you learn. Contact local carpenter unions, trade associations, or construction companies to explore available apprenticeship opportunities.
• Complete the Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships typically last around three to four years. During this time, you'll work under the guidance of experienced carpenters, honing your skills and expanding your knowledge. You'll gradually take on more complex tasks and responsibilities as you progress.
• Obtain Required Certifications/Licenses: Depending on your location, there may be specific certifications or licenses required to work as a carpenter. Research the requirements in your area and ensure you meet all necessary criteria. This may involve passing exams or fulfilling certain experience and educational requirements.
• Continuously Develop Skills: Carpentry is a field that requires ongoing learning and skill development. Stay updated with new techniques, tools, and industry trends. Attend workshops, seminars, or trade shows to expand your knowledge and network with other professionals in the field.
• Seek Employment: Once you have completed your education, apprenticeship, and any necessary certifications, start searching for employment opportunities. Look for positions with construction companies, residential builders, remodeling firms, or specialized carpentry contractors. Consider creating a professional portfolio or resume showcasing your skills and projects to highlight your capabilities.
• Gain Professional Experience: As you start your career as a carpenter, continue to gain practical experience and work on a variety of projects. This will help you refine your skills, build a strong reputation, and potentially advance to more senior or specialized roles within the carpentry field.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are an excellent pathway for individuals interested in becoming carpenters. Apprenticeships provide a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing aspiring carpenters to gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• Research Apprenticeship Programs: Begin by researching apprenticeship programs available in your area. Contact local carpenter unions, trade associations, or construction companies to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities. You can also check with government agencies or vocational training centers that facilitate apprenticeship programs.
• Meet Entry Requirements: Each apprenticeship program may have specific entry requirements. Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be physically fit to handle the demands of the job. Some programs may require passing aptitude tests or interviews as part of the application process.
• Submit Applications: Once you have identified apprenticeship programs of interest, submit your applications following the specific instructions provided by each program. Be prepared to provide your educational background, work experience, and any relevant certifications or licenses.
• Attend Interviews and Exams: Depending on the program, you may be required to attend interviews or take aptitude tests as part of the selection process. Prepare for these interviews by researching common interview questions and showcasing your interest in carpentry and willingness to learn.
• Secure an Apprenticeship Position: If selected, you will be offered an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. This employer will provide you with on-the-job training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in carpentry. Review the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship agreement carefully before accepting the position.
• Complete the Apprenticeship Program: Apprenticeships typically last for three to four years, depending on the program and region. During this time, you will work alongside experienced carpenters and receive structured training in various aspects of carpentry. You will gradually progress from basic tasks to more complex projects, developing a range of skills and competencies.
• Attend Classroom Instruction: In addition to on-the-job training, apprenticeships often include classroom instruction. You will attend classes or workshops where you will learn about safety practices, blueprint reading, construction methods, mathematics, and other theoretical aspects of carpentry. These classroom sessions supplement the hands-on training and help you gain a deeper understanding of the trade.
• Complete Required Hours and Assessments: Throughout the apprenticeship, you will be required to complete a set number of on-the-job training hours and attend mandatory classes. You may also need to pass periodic assessments or examinations to demonstrate your progress and competence in carpentry.
• Obtain Certification: Upon successfully completing the apprenticeship program and fulfilling all requirements, you may receive a certification or journeyman status, depending on the region. This certification recognizes your completion of the apprenticeship and signifies your proficiency as a carpenter.
• Seek Employment or Further Advancement: With your apprenticeship completed and certification in hand, you can seek employment as a carpenter. You may find opportunities with construction companies, contractors, or even consider starting your own carpentry business. As you gain experience and expertise, you can pursue advanced certifications or consider specializing in specific areas of carpentry.

Certifications

Obtaining certifications as a carpenter can enhance your professional credibility, demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers, and increase your job prospects. Here are some certifications commonly pursued by carpenters:

• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Carpentry Certifications: NCCER offers a range of carpentry certifications that validate skills and knowledge in various areas of carpentry. These certifications include the NCCER Core Curriculum, which covers foundational skills, as well as more specialized certifications such as Residential Carpentry and Commercial Carpentry.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certifications: OSHA offers certifications related to construction safety, which are highly valued in the carpentry industry. The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training Program and the OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training Program provide comprehensive training on safety practices and regulations.
• Cabinetmaking and Millwork Certification: The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) offers the Certified Installer, Certified Benchman, and Certified Finisher certifications for individuals specializing in cabinetmaking and millwork. These certifications validate proficiency in the specific skills required for high-quality installation, fabrication, and finishing of architectural woodwork.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification: LEED certification is provided by the U.S. Green Building Council and focuses on sustainable construction practices. While not specific to carpentry, obtaining LEED certification demonstrates knowledge and commitment to environmentally friendly building practices, which can be advantageous for carpenters working on green building projects.
• First Aid and CPR Certification: While not directly carpentry-specific, maintaining current First Aid and CPR certifications is essential for carpenters. These certifications showcase your commitment to workplace safety and your ability to respond to medical emergencies on construction sites.
• State or Local Licensing: Some states or local jurisdictions require carpenters to obtain a license to work professionally. The specific licensing requirements can vary, but they often involve passing an examination that assesses your knowledge and skills in carpentry.

It's important to note that certification requirements can vary depending on your location and the specific job requirements.

Carpenter Levels

In the carpentry profession, there are various levels that carpenters can progress through as they gain experience, skills, and knowledge. While the specific level names and requirements can vary, here is a general outline of the common levels in carpentry:

• Apprentice: The apprentice level is the starting point for individuals pursuing a career in carpentry. Apprentices work under the guidance of experienced carpenters, learning the foundational skills and techniques of the trade. Apprenticeships typically last several years and involve a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
• Journeyman: After completing an apprenticeship and gaining a certain amount of work experience, carpenters often reach the journeyman level. Journeyman carpenters are considered skilled professionals who can perform a wide range of carpentry tasks with minimal supervision. They have developed proficiency in carpentry techniques, can interpret blueprints, and have a strong understanding of building codes and safety practices.
• Lead Carpenter/Foreman: Some carpenters progress to the role of lead carpenter or foreman. These positions involve supervising a team of carpenters and overseeing the planning and execution of construction projects. Lead carpenters are responsible for coordinating tasks, ensuring quality workmanship, and managing project timelines and budgets.
• Master Carpenter: The master carpenter level represents the highest level of expertise and experience in the carpentry field. Master carpenters have extensive knowledge and skills in carpentry, often specializing in specific areas such as cabinetry, fine woodworking, or restoration work. They can handle complex projects, provide expert craftsmanship, and may even mentor and train other carpenters.

It's important to note that these levels are not universally standardized and can vary depending on the region or organization. Some organizations or trade associations may have additional levels or distinctions within the carpentry profession. Additionally, carpenters can further specialize in areas such as finish carpentry, framing, millwork, or green construction, further adding to their expertise and marketability.

How To Become a Carpenter

Are you ready to discover your college program?

How to Become a Carpenter

Carpentry schools prepare learners for various carpentry careers. Many junior and community colleges offer carpentry programs. Graduates can continue building their skills in a carpentry apprenticeship. Successful carpenters need strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They also need interpersonal skills to work with coworkers and customers.

Carpenters get to work with their hands and express creativity on the job. The following article explains how to become a carpenter. Read on to learn about the career’s responsibilities, required education, and salary outlook. Aspiring carpenters can learn more by contacting carpentry schools.

Questions About Becoming a Carpenter

Do carpenters need a license.

Carpenters need a driver’s license to travel between job sites. Many carpenters earn professional certifications to attract more clients and raise their salary potential.

What kind of jobs do carpenters do?

Carpenters’ responsibilities include creating and fixing wooden structures. When not performing hands-on work, they collaborate with clients and use feedback to plan next steps.

How long does it take to train as a carpenter?

A typical carpentry apprenticeship takes four years to complete. Apprentices earn a salary for completing work. Professionals who earn a certificate or degree in carpentry before starting an apprenticeship need approximately 1-2 years to graduate.

Are carpenters well paid?

Carpenters earn an annual average of $49,620, according to March 2022 Payscale data . This figure exceeds the median annual salary of $41,950 for all occupations.

What Do Carpenters Do?

Over a quarter of experienced carpenters work for themselves, offering their services to local contractors. Others work for residential or nonresidential building construction companies. Carpentry careers involve manual labor. Carpenters must also communicate with construction professionals in other specialties.

Job sites include indoor and outdoor settings. The job features many physical requirements, such as long periods spent kneeling, lifting, and standing. Working on a job site also requires wearing safety gear, including a hard hat and reflective vest. Specific requirements vary by construction project.

Experienced carpenters can advance their career in many ways. For example, they can become first-line supervisors or lead carpenters. Some professionals use their experience to start a contracting company. Doing so requires insurance and a state-issued business license. Workers who do not own a business can increase their salary potential by specializing in another in-demand construction field.

Career and Salary Outlook for Carpenters

The BLS projects jobs for carpenters to grow 2% from 2020-2030, which is slower than average. As a result, carpenters must find ways to stand out from the competition. Options include professional certifications in different areas. Apprentices should network with potential employers to increase their chances of finding a job.

Carpenters make a median $49,520 annually. Top-paying employers include nonresidential building construction and building finishing contractors. The most experienced carpenters earn more than $87,000 annually. Some inexperienced professionals make approximately $31,000.

Professionals in New York, Illinois, and Hawaii make $67,120-$80,810. Other high-paying states include Alaska and New Jersey. Although these carpenters make much more than the national median salary, they live in states with a higher-than-average cost of living.

See below for some of the top-paying states for carpenters.

Source: BLS

How to Get Hired as a Carpenter

Carpenters need a high school or GED diploma. Both carpentry schools and apprenticeship programs use this requirement. A carpentry school helps learners without a background in carpentry learn the basics and build professional relationships with like-minded peers. Students can use their school’s career counselors to explore apprenticeships and make long-term career goals.

Apprentices can succeed by committing to the coursework their apprenticeship requires. On the job and in class, apprentices build their business, math, and reading comprehension skills. Carpenters need all three to interpret blueprints and other materials.

Carpenters need physical strength to work to their employer’s expectations. An apprenticeship helps prospective carpenters develop their strength and prevent workplace injuries. Professionals should also avoid illegal drugs. Construction companies and other employers may require drug testing for all employees. The list of banned substances varies by state and employer.

What Are the Education Requirements for Carpenters?

Workers must meet specific education and training requirements to become a carpenter. Some high school graduates enroll in a trade school before starting an apprenticeship. Others enter an apprenticeship without prior carpentry education. In both cases, apprentices learn from experienced professionals and work on different job sites. This experience lets them pursue one of many career opportunities.

High School or GED Diploma

A high school education shows trade schools and apprenticeship programs that candidates hold the skills required for academic and career success. Those without a diploma should not give up on their carpentry dream. Apprentice programs and trade schools accept applicants who passed the GED. Many community and junior colleges offer free GED-preparation classes.

Trade School

Trade schools may offer carpentry certificates, diplomas, or degrees. Students in an associate program learn the field’s basics while developing leadership skills. Graduates need these skills to work as front office administrators or business owners. Typical classes in a two-year program include basic carpentry theory and advanced carpentry skills.

Students spend as much time in their school’s carpentry shop as in the classroom. This hands-on training helps them master job safety, scaffolding, and many electrical tools. Full-time learners earning a degree need 1-2 years to graduate. Students in a certificate program can graduate in 12 months.

Carpentry Apprenticeship

Carpentry unions and other organizations sponsor carpentry apprenticeships. Applicants without a trade school education need at least six months of experience in construction or a related profession. Some states allow 17-year-olds to apply if they submit a parent or guardian’s consent. Other requirements include good health and English proficiency.

A typical apprenticeship program lasts four years. Some apprentices may finish sooner if they work full time. Apprentices earn a salary and medical benefits while working on different job sites. An apprenticeship program also requires coursework in many areas, including rigging, stair building, and introduction to welding and cutting.

How Much Does Carpentry School Cost?

In 2020, associate degree-seekers at public schools paid an average of $3,570 annually. Learners at private schools paid over 400% more. This difference means that students on a budget should explore local public colleges and trade schools. Students can also save money on tuition by enrolling in a certificate or diploma program. These programs cost less because they require fewer credits.

In addition to tuition, learners should budget for textbooks, materials, and school fees. Students should also budget for commuting to campus. Some hybrid programs offer free digital textbooks. Hybrid programs may also exempt learners from specific fees.

Students can make carpentry school more affordable by exploring federal and institutional financial aid programs. The federal government uses FAFSA results to award grants and low-interest loans. Many schools also require the FAFSA for grants. A school’s financial aid department can provide more information.

Certifications and Licensure for Carpenters

Unlike other construction professions, most carpentry careers do not require a state-issued license. However, many employers limit applicants to those with a combination of experience and professional certifications. Carpentry organizations award certifications to workers showing mastery of one or more skills. Typical requirements include passing an exam and paying a fee.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers six certifications, including certified remodeling project manager and certified remodeler. These and other certifications feature different mastery levels. Each certification requires a 200-question multiple-choice exam. Certified carpenters can renew their certification through continuing education classes.

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) features many certification pathways, including certified sales advisor, certified craftsman, and certified master craftsman. Each requires online and in-person exams. Benefits for professionals include more job opportunities, access to free technical publications, and business promotion resources. NWFA also sponsors an apprenticeship program for recent trade school graduates.

Resources for Carpenters

Carpenters international certification council, carpenter’s training institute, the united brotherhood of carpenters, national association of home builders.

Photo Credit: Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa

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How to Become a Carpenter: The Definitive Guide

Look around at the walls of your home, pay attention to the windows and the doors.

All of these were created by a carpenter, amazing right?

Do you find yourself longing to build with your hands?

If you want to create beautiful furniture, homes, buildings, and other structures, then this job is the perfect choice for you.

Earn your accredited, affordable Construction Trade career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 3 months!

What is a Carpenter?

Carpenters build a wide range of things.

From furniture to doors and windows, carpenters are constantly creating.

Carpenters can work independently, in a factory, through a union, as well as for a general contractor.

The job typically entails repairing, constructing, creating and planning different types of structures.

It’s amazing the different structures that carpenters can build.

As you drive through your town or city, take a look at all of the different buildings, you could be building those as well!

• Understand drawings and technical plans
• Create doors, windows, walls, furniture etc.
• Install flooring and staircases
• Create homes and buildings
• Build stages and film sets
• Hang doors, skirting boards, cupboards

If you can put a nail to it, you’ll probably build it as a carpenter.

Average Salary

The average salary for a carpenter is around $47,000 a year.

Before you complete your apprenticeship, you will make less than this.

Experience and education will give you the opportunity to make more, up to $69,000 a year.

If you work for yourself, you could possibly make more money.

Depending on how much experience you have, you could earn much more than average.

Annually National Average Salary: $55,190

Monthly national average salary: $4,583, hourly national average salary: $26.53, average annual salary by state.

Annual Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Hawaii, where the average salary is $79,200.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Average Monthly Salary by State

Monthly Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Hawaii, where the average salary is $6,583.

Average Hourly Salary by State

Hourly Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Hawaii, where the average salary is $38.08.

How to Become a Carpenter

Step 1 get your education.

In order to become a carpenter, you first need to graduate high school or get your GED.

Some programs allow high school students to begin apprenticeships when they are close to graduation, as long as they get their diploma.

Some of the classes that you are going to want to take in high school include math, drafting, and carpentry of course.

Once you begin your apprenticeship with this knowledge, the training should run smoother for you.

After you graduate high school, you can go on to trade school, community college, or start your apprenticeship right away.

Step 2 Become an Apprentice

You can find apprenticeships through many employers, and you may even be able to find one sponsored by the US government.

Being an apprentice gives you the skills and tools needed to do your job correctly.

Exposure to different types of construction will give you a broad range of knowledge, and lead to different career paths.

You can even get paid while doing your apprenticeship.

Step 3 Equip Yourself with Experience

It can take around 4 years to complete an apprenticeship program.

Through the apprenticeship program, you can receive a carpenter certificate, allowing you to become certified in this career.

After you complete the apprenticeship, you will be considered a journey worker.

You can either graduate from high school and start your apprenticeship, which can take up to four years, or you can go to community college or trade school, which can add another two years.

Both pathways are just fine, as long as you are able to get the experience and knowledge that you need for the job.

Those that get into an apprenticeship out of high school get hands on experience, while those that take formal classes typically work an apprenticeship on the side.

Video About The Career

Certification

Some states may require a carpenter to get a certificate. You can either get an associate’s degree, that will be the equivalent of a certificate, or through a carpentry program.

This type of certification will require you to understand structural design, carpentry techniques and tools.

It is possible to get scholarships in order to decrease the cost of the program.

Check out your local carpentry foundations or The Associated General Contractors of America for more information.

Certification Example:

Average Training Program Duration: 3-4 Years

It can take about four years to complete an apprenticeship program.

An associates degree takes roughly two years.

You can do an apprenticeship and get your associates degree simultaneously, which means it can take less time!

You’ll be able to start your career earlier than you thought possible.

Popular Programs

Job outlook.

The employment for carpenters is expected to rise about 8% in the next ten years.

The reason for this is new home construction, factories and other businesses.

Construction activity should continue to grow in the next decade, which is good news for carpenters!

Employment Growth Projection: 2%

That's a higher than average projected growth of 20,100 jobs.

Carpenter: Interest Over Time

Should you become a carpenter, overall satisfaction: medium.

The job satisfaction for this career is average.

There is plenty of opportunity for upward mobility, and the stress level is decent.

Working hours are flexible, and the work/home life balance is quite even.

People that like building and using their hands have the most satisfaction in this job.

Creating and using wood and other materials to make masterpieces can be rewarding.

Average Salary: High

The average salary for a carpenter in the United States is around $54,000 a year.

Some carpenters make around $47,000 a year and can even get up to around $63,000 a year.

Depending on education, additional skills, certification, and experience in the field, you could possibly make more or less than average.

Job Growth Outlook: High

The growth outlook for this career seems to be pretty decent in the next 10 years.

The constant construction of new homes and businesses will keep carpenters employed.

Upgrades in homes and businesses will also give carpenters plenty of work.

Education Duration: 3-4 Years

An apprenticeship can take up to four years.

If you want to get an associate’s degree, this will be around 2 years.

You can sometimes begin an apprenticeship in high school, with the promise that you will obtain a diploma.

Employers may also pay for education while working an apprenticeship, so talk to the company that you work for.

Personal Skills Needed

• Independence
• Technical skills
• Understanding of mathematics
• Customer Service skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is the average salary of a carpenter.

The average salary for a carpenter is around $47,000.

With education and experience, you can make up to $69,000 a year in this career.

Q. How long does it take to become a carpenter?

An apprenticeship can take up to 4 years.

It’s possible to start an apprenticeship while still in high school.

This is a paid position, but you won’t be making as much as the average salary.

Q. What does a carpenter do?

A carpenter builds, repairs, and creates furniture, doors, windows, wall framings, fence, and so much more.

Using their hands and other machinery, carpenters can create masterpieces out of seemingly nothing.

There are even special carpenters that create baseball bats, and other really cool pieces of art.

Q. What is the demand for carpenters?

Demand for carpenters is average compared to related careers.

There will be many new homes and buildings erected within the next ten years, so carpenters are needed.

Q. How much does it cost to become a carpenter?

If you want to get an associate’s degree, it can cost up to $3,000.

Those that go the route of the trade program will typically pay around $1,000.

Doing an apprenticeship may cost you between $0-15,000 depending on where you go for the experience.

At the Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin, the carpentry apprenticeship program lasts four years and costs $13,370.

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How To Become A Carpenter

As skilled craftspersons, carpenters work independently, in factories, with unions, and for general contractors. They plan, construct, erect, install, and repair various buildings and structures.

Carpenters use wood, plastic, fiberglass, drywall, and other materials to build or repair structures and fixtures. Those working for large contracting companies build wooden forms for poured concrete for tunnels, bridges, sewers, and other public projects. Additionally, carpenters install framing for structures, erect scaffolds, build braces in underground passageways and mines, and construct brattices.

Let’s take a closer look at how to become a carpenter.

Job Options for Carpenters

For many, training to become a carpenter may begin as early as high school. Students can prepare by completing courses in carpentry, shop, drawing, math, English, algebra, geometry, physics, mechanical drawing, and physical education.

Additionally, working with a contractor or construction company allows students to gain hands-on experience that's virtually imperative for future employment. High school graduates may advance to apprenticeship, vocational, or technical programs. Generally, training to become a skilled carpenter requires 3-4 years of on-the-job instruction and formal education (either in person or through online carpenter school).

Trade or Vocational Schools

Many trade or vocational schools and community colleges offer two-year programs that prepare individuals for careers in carpentry. Aspiring carpenters should also consider online trade schools that offer such programs.

Most programs include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences, exploring a range of construction methods, safety practices, and design elements.

Typically, a carpentry training program will cover the following subjects: algebra; geometry; physics; hand tool selection, care, and use; architectural drawing; blueprint reading; machine woodworking; identification and measurement of materials; project management and estimating; principles and procedures in residential construction; building code requirements; framing and finishing; building technology; roofing systems; interior and exterior finishing; door and window layout and construction; and mechanical systems.

Graduates of these programs boast a high degree of employability, as employers generally favor candidates who have a solid educational background in addition to their work experience.

Online Trade Schools

You may be surprised to discover the abundance of online carpentry courses. Available to anyone, from high school graduates to those who have worked in the field for years, online carpentry classes offer foundational instruction and practical exercises that teach you not only how to become a carpenter, but also how to succeed in the trade.

If you’re interested in a career as a carpenter, but don't want to make a full commitment to carpentry school online or in person, you can try a few online carpentry courses to help decide if it's the right path for you.

Some of the most popular online trade schools offering programs in carpentry include:

• Ashworth College
• Penn Foster Career School

However, if you are earning a diploma or certificate through one of these trade schools online, consider supplementing your online carpentry classes with a hands-on apprenticeship.

Job Placement

High school graduates can typically find entry-level jobs assisting experienced carpenters. Alternatively, they can enroll in apprenticeship programs at large construction companies.

Available through commercial and industrial building contractors and construction unions, apprenticeship programs usually require at least a three-year time investment under the supervision of experienced workers.

Carpentry apprentices begin their programs by learning about safety, first aid, blueprint reading, freehand sketching, basic mathematics, and a variety of carpentry techniques within a classroom setting. Apprentices then gain familiarity with layout, form-building, rough framing, and interior and exterior finishing through onsite experience.

Upon completing a formal carpentry apprenticeship, trainees receive certification as a journeyperson. They may then advance to other certification programs, enroll in degree programs offered by trade schools and community colleges, or procure employment.

Carpenter Salaries

According to the May 2016 report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the average annual wage for a carpenter sits at $48,340; ALLP’s 2017 Salary Guide reports the number as $44,330.

Currently, nearly 700,000 carpenters work in the United States. The BLS projects that the industry will see 6% growth between 2014 and 2024.

As is typical of most occupations, carpenters' salaries vary by years of experience and by geographic location. For example, San Francisco boasts a high annual pay rate for carpenters at more $71,000 (that's 32% above the national average.)

As reported by the BLS , nonresidential building contractors enjoy the highest salary of all the subsets in carpentry, averaging more than $52,000 per year. Meanwhile, the natural gas industry prevails as the highest-paying business for carpenters, providing an average annual wage of more than $85,000.

Average Annual Salary by Industry Sector

• Residential Building Construction : $45,420
• Nonresidential Building Construction : $52,670
• Building Finish Contractors : $50,370
• Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors : $45,090
• Other Specialty Trade Contractors : $51,070

The top-paying industries include:

• Natural Gas Distribution : $85,290
• Lessors of Real Estate : $73,730
• Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution : $70,060
• Electronics and Appliance Stores : $66,110
• Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals : $66,070

Concentration and Careers

Carpenters may work within residential or commercial building construction, or as industrial carpenters performing a variety of tasks.

Here is a quick overview of each industry segment:

Residential carpenters specialize in building and remodeling family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. As part of a single job, they might create and set forms for footings, walls, and slabs, and frame and finish exterior walls, roofs, and decks. Additionally, residential carpenters frame interior walls, build stairs, and install drywall, crown molding, doors, and cabinets. They may also tile floors and lay wood floors and carpet.

Average Annual Salaries

• Stonemason : $41,910
• Tile and Marble Setter : $53,880
• Construction Worker : $42,470

Commercial carpenters build and remodel commercial office buildings, hospitals, hotels, schools, and shopping malls. Some specialize in light-gauge and load-bearing steel framing for interior partitions, exterior framing, and curtain wall construction. Others specialize in concrete forming systems and finishing interior and exterior walls, partitions, and ceilings.

• Carpet Installer : $56,210
• Construction Equipment Operator : $54,960
• Insulation Worker : $45,950

Industrial carpenters work on civil engineering projects and in industrial settings, where they build scaffolding and create and set forms for pouring concrete. Some industrial carpenters build tunnel bracing or partitions in underground passageways and mines to control the circulation of air to worksites. Others build concrete forms for tunnels, bridges, dams, power plants, and sewers.

• Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher : $42,820
• Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator : $49,740
• Structural Iron and Steel Worker : $57,470

What It’s Like to Work in Carpentry

Now that you know how to become a carpenter, you might wonder what the job's like on a day-to-day basis. Because carpentry work demands vigorous exertion, carpenters must be physically fit, strong, and have a good sense of balance. Carpenters must able to work long hours standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling. Additionally, carpenters must be detail-oriented, with good hand-eye coordination and strong problem-solving skills. As carpentry work can be stressful, they must also be able to manage tension and handle workplace pressures. Carpentry work often involves physical risks, like falling and slipping injuries or bruises and cuts from working with sharp tools and rough, heavy materials. Weather conditions and exposure can also pose dangers for carpenters working outdoors.

Skills recommended for a job in carpentry

Those that are interested in a career in carpentry should have many of the following attributes:

• Math skills
• Mechanical skills
• Critical thinking abilities
• Detail-oriented
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Business skills
• Physical strength & stamina
• Manual dexterity
• Troubleshooting abilities
• Drawing skills

Advancement & Growth

The field of carpentry offers many opportunities for employment and advancement for workers with solid educational backgrounds and training. As work and educational experiences enhance your skill sets, you may earn the chance to advance to more responsibility and a higher salary. For example, you could be promoted to a general construction supervisor position within a larger construction company.

Many carpenters also become independent contractors after acquiring adequate funds, skills, and tools. Additionally, carpenters with specialized or versatile skills often enjoy expansive job opportunities.

Types of Carpentry Specialties

From restoration carpentry to framing, each concentration involves a different focus in the field. Here are some of the most specialized segments of carpentry:

Carpenter Certifications and Licensing

One of the most popular and relevant certifications for carpenters is the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

LEED Certification trains and certifies students in the area of green building and sustainability technology. To earn this certification, students must sit for the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Associate Exam. Many online trade schools offer LEED courses to prepare you for this exam.

Career Guide: How to become a Carpenter

Introduction.

Welcome to the ultimate career guide for aspiring carpenters! In the world of building and construction, carpentry stands out as one of the foundational trades, integral to various aspects of building processes, from the framing of structures to the finishing touches on furniture and fittings. This guide is meticulously crafted to steer you through everything you need to know about becoming a carpenter. From understanding the role and its key responsibilities, to navigating through the qualifications and skills required, and even exploring the job market and potential earnings.

If you are enthralled by the idea of turning raw materials into finished masterpieces or if you are seeking a career that combines creativity with technical prowess, then carpentry might just be the right path for you. Through this guide, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information that not only informs but also inspires you to pursue a career in carpentry. Whether you're making an initial foray into the world of professional carpentry or looking to enhance your skills, this guide is your one-stop-shop for all things carpentry.

Let's embark on this detailed journey to discover if a career as a carpenter is the perfect fit for you and how you can build a successful future in this skilled trade.

What Is a Carpenter?

A carpenter is a skilled tradesperson who constructs, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. This age-old profession has evolved over centuries, adapting to the changing needs of construction and architectural demands in society. Carpenters play a crucial role in the development of both residential and commercial properties, contributing to the building of homes, offices, and sometimes even the furniture that goes inside them.

Carpentry is broadly categorized into two main types: rough carpentry and finish carpentry . Rough carpenters primarily focus on framing, formwork, and other structural work that does not require fine detailing. This foundation work is critical in the early stages of construction projects. On the other hand, finish carpenters work on the finer, visible aspects of construction, such as molding, trims, and other intricate designs that enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a space.

The profession not only requires mechanical proficiency but also an artistic vision to create and execute detailed architectural plans. Carpenters are essential in almost every stage of building construction, and they also extend their expertise to areas such as renovation and repair.

Carpenters employ a variety of hand and power tools to cut, shape, and install building materials. They must read and interpret blueprints and work closely with other construction professionals to ensure that the projects meet the structural standards and client specifications. Safety is a critical concern in carpentry, requiring strict adherence to established protocols to prevent workplace accidents.

The flexibility and diversity of carpentry work can make it a satisfying career choice for individuals who appreciate tangible results from their efforts and enjoy a dynamic working environment.

Key Responsibilities of a Carpenter

As a fundamental player in the construction industry, carpenters take on diverse roles depending on their area of specialization and the specific demands of the project. Below are primary responsibilities that carpenters often handle:

• Blueprint Reading and Execution: Carpenters must be able to interpret blueprints, drawings, and sketches to understand the project's design specifications. From these plans, they calculate the materials needed and plan the sequence of work.
• Measuring and Cutting: Carpenters meticulously measure, mark, and arrange materials in compliance with blueprints. They skillfully cut and shape wood, drywall, fiberglass, or other materials using hand and power tools.
• Construction and Installation: Carpenters build and install frameworks and structures such as windows, doors, stairways, partitions, and cabinetry. This involves precise work with both fitted and manufactured parts.
• Inspection and Replacement: They inspect and replace damaged frameworks or other structural components. Regular maintenance tasks also fall under their purview to ensure the longevity and safety of building structures.
• Compliance and Safety: Upholding building codes, standards, and safety protocols is a critical part of a carpenter’s job. They ensure all work is compliant with legal and safety standards to avoid hazards and penalties.
• Team Collaboration: Cooperation among various construction professionals is essential, as carpenters often work alongside electricians, plumbers, and other specialists to ensure projects are completed effectively and efficiently.

In addition to these core activities, carpenters who take on supervisory roles might also be involved in project management, including scheduling, budgeting, and overseeing other construction workers. The versatility and broad skill set required highlight the carpenter's importance in construction and renovation tasks, making them indispensable to the industry.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Carpenter?

The journey to becoming a carpenter can vary significantly based on the path one chooses to take. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years to become proficient, taking into account various forms of training including both formal education and hands-on apprenticeships.

High School Education

Many carpenters start their path in high school, where vocational training might be available. Courses in mathematics, particularly geometry and algebra, are essential since they help with drafting and understanding building plans. Basic woodworking can also be introduced at this stage, providing an early foundation.

Apprenticeship Programs

The most dominant and comprehensive method of becoming a fully trained carpenter is through apprenticeships. Carpentry apprenticeships usually last 3-4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced carpenters, getting practical experience while learning theoretical aspects in parallel.

• On-the-Job Training: During this period, apprentices learn practical skills such as measuring, cutting, assembling, and installing wood and other materials.
• Classroom Learning: Apprentices may also spend time in a classroom setting learning about building codes, safety regulations, first aid, and the specific mathematics needed for the trade.

Technical Schools and Community Colleges

Another route is enrolling in a technical school or community college. Programs can range from one to two years and typically issue a certificate or an associate’s degree upon completion. Such programs can be beneficial as they often include more comprehensive training in newer construction technology, woodworking machinery, and architectural drafting.

Continued Learning

Even after formal training, learning does not stop. Carpenters must stay updated with the latest building materials, construction techniques, and governmental regulations. Continued education courses and certification programs, often offered by trade unions and professional associations, help a carpenter remain competitive and knowledgeable in their field.

The time it takes to become a carpenter, therefore, highly depends on the method and depth of training pursued. While some may reach a satisfactory skill level quickly through intense apprenticeships, others might take additional time to specialize or certify in certain areas of this broad field.

What are the Qualifications Required to Become a Carpenter?

Becoming a carpenter usually involves a combination of formal education, hands-on training, and certification. Here are the key qualifications and pathways one can take to enter this skilled profession:

Educational Requirements

While a high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement to start a career in carpentry, further education can enhance one's knowledge and employability. Courses in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and general woodworking are particularly valuable. Some carpenters also opt for classes in algebra, geometry, and physics to better understand building plans and structural engineering.

Training Programs

• Apprenticeships: One of the most traditional and effective ways to become a skilled carpenter is by entering an apprenticeship program. These programs typically last 3 to 4 years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced carpenters. Apprentices learn essential skills such as blueprint reading, carpentry techniques, mathematics, and safety practices.
• Vocational Schools: Many technical schools and community colleges offer carpentry programs that provide both theoretical and practical training in the trade. These courses might cover areas such as framing, roofing, interior finishing, and even more specialized skills like cabinet making.

Certification and Licensure

Certification is not always mandatory but can be beneficial in advancing a carpenter's career. Specific certifications might demonstrate a proficiency in particular areas such as environmental safety, scaffolding, or concrete forming systems. Depending on the region, licensure might be required, especially for contractors who intend to undertake significant construction and renovation projects.

Continuous Learning and Specialization

As construction techniques and materials evolve, continuous learning becomes crucial. Carpenters must stay updated on new tools, technologies, and building codes to remain competitive. Also, specializing in a niche area, such as restoration carpentry or green building practices, can open additional opportunities.

In conclusion, becoming a carpenter typically requires a high school diploma, followed by either an apprenticeship or vocational training. Certification and continuous professional development play essential roles in advancing within this field.

What are the Skills and Knowledge Required to Become a Carpenter?

Becoming a skilled carpenter requires a combination of technical know-how, practical skills, and a deep understanding of building materials and construction methods. Here are some of the essential skills and types of knowledge that are crucial for anyone aspiring to enter this field:

Technical Skills and Practical Proficiency

• Woodworking and Joinery: Mastery in cutting, shaping, fitting, and assembling wood is fundamental. Carpenters must be proficient in using both hand tools (like saws and chisels) and power tools (such as drills and sanders).
• Blueprint Reading and Drafting: Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and drawings to accurately build structures as designed.
• Mathematics: Good math skills are essential for measuring materials, calculating dimensions, and planning the layout of a project.
• Building Code Familiarity: Knowledge of local and national building codes to ensure all construction is compliant and safe.

Physical Abilities

• Strength and Stamina: Carpenters often handle heavy materials and work in physically demanding conditions. Stamina and physical strength are necessary to perform well and safely.
• Manual Dexterity and Coordination: Precise hand-eye coordination is needed to cut, fit, and assemble wood and other materials accurately.

Soft Skills

• Communication: Whether it's understanding clients' specifications or collaborating with other construction professionals, effective communication is crucial.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to identify problems and engineer effective solutions is key, especially when unexpected issues arise during a project.
• Attention to Detail: High-quality carpentry requires a meticulous approach to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal of the final product.
• Time Management: Managing one's time efficiently while juggling multiple project elements is critical for achieving deadlines and satisfying clients.

Continuous learning and adaptation are also integral to a carpenter's career. As new materials and technologies emerge, staying updated through workshops, continued education, and certifications can significantly enhance a carpenter's skill set and career prospects.

How Much Does a Carpenter Make?

The earning potential for carpenters can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, experience, the complexity of the projects they undertake, and their specialized skills. Generally, wages in the carpentry sector are influenced by the level of demand for construction services, as well as the overall economic conditions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, the median annual wage for carpenters was approximately $49,520 . It’s important to consider that the bottom 10% of earners in this field made less than $31,200, while the top 10% earned more than $87,410. This wide range underscores the potential for growth and higher earnings as one gains experience and proficiency.

In addition to the base pay, many carpenters have opportunities to earn overtime, especially during peak construction periods, which can significantly increase their overall income. Compensation may also vary based on the sector in which they are employed:

• Residential Building Construction : Typically involves working on homes and small apartment complexes.
• Nonresidential Building Construction : Work on commercial projects such as schools, offices, or hospitals.
• Building Finishing Contractors : Focus on specialty trades like setting windows, molding, and trim work.
• Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors : Includes framing work, roofing, and outdoor structures.

Another factor influencing earnings is certification and advanced training. Carpenters who invest in further certification in specific areas like sustainable building practices or specialized carpentry technology often command higher wages.

For aspiring carpenters considering this as a career path, it’s beneficial to keep in mind that initiating as an apprentice can result in a lower starting wage. However, as skills and experience accumulate, numerous opportunities for financial advancement become available.

Finally, self-employed carpenters who run their own businesses may experience greater income variability but also have the potential for higher earnings, particularly if they establish a strong reputation and client base in their area.

Career Outlook for Carpenter

The career outlook for carpenters is generally positive, reflecting steady growth influenced by a variety of economic and societal factors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for carpenters is projected to grow by approximately 2% from 2021 to 2031. This growth rate aligns with the average for all occupations, indicating a stable demand for skilled carpenters in the coming years.

Factors Influencing Career Growth:

• Construction Industry Growth: As the construction industry expands, particularly in residential and commercial sectors, the demand for carpenters naturally increases. This sector is highly sensitive to economic cycles, though, so potential fluctuations should be considered.
• Renovation and Remodeling Projects: There is a rising trend in remodeling and renovating existing structures, driven by sustainability efforts and the need to update older buildings, which supports the demand for experienced carpenters.
• Infrastructure Projects: Increased investment in infrastructure by governments, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, can lead to more opportunities for carpenters specializing in these areas.

However, it's important to note that the job market for carpenters can be competitive, especially in regions with a high concentration of construction activity. Technological advancements such as the increased use of prefabricated components and automation in construction may also influence employment opportunities, potentially reducing the need for some traditional carpentry skills while increasing demand for others.

Opportunities for Advancement:

Carpenters have various paths for advancement depending on their interests, experience, and further education. Some may move into supervisory roles, like foremen or construction managers, while others might specialize in a particular type of carpentry, such as framework or finishing. Additionally, experienced carpenters often have the opportunity to start their own business, thereby increasing their potential earnings and job flexibility.

In conclusion, the outlook for carpenters is fundamentally strong, supported by ongoing construction projects and a steady demand for skilled tradespeople. Aspiring carpenters should focus on continually enhancing their skill set and staying updated with new technologies and methods to maximize their employment and advancement opportunities within this evolving field.

Finding Jobs as a Carpenter

The journey of finding employment as a carpenter can vary depending on one's location, experience, and the state of the construction industry. However, several strategies can enhance success in securing carpentry jobs.

Networking and Local Unions

Many carpenters find work through networking. Connecting with other professionals in the field, whether through formal networking events or casual meetings, can open up opportunities. Joining a local carpenters' union can also be beneficial. Unions often provide job boards, training, and introduction to potential employers dedicated to union labor.

Online Job Boards and Freelance Marketplaces

• Industry-specific job boards: Websites such as ConstructionJobs, iHireConstruction, and Tradesmen International specialize in construction and carpentry-related job listings.
• General job search websites: Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn offer a wide range of job postings which can be filtered to show only carpentry-related positions.
• Freelance and project-based opportunities: Websites like Upwork and Freelancer can be great for carpenters who prefer project-based work or freelance opportunities.

Local Contractors and Construction Companies

Building relationships with local contractors and construction companies can lead to steady work. Regularly visiting or reaching out to these businesses with a robust portfolio can help in demonstrating your skills and reliability, increasing your chances of getting hired or called back for different projects.

Career Fairs and Trade Schools

Attending career fairs is another excellent way to find job opportunities. These events allow you to meet multiple employers in one day and demonstrate your interest in the field. Additionally, trade schools often have partnerships with businesses that are looking for skilled workers, and they might offer job placement services for their graduates.

Social Media

Don't underestimate the power of social media in job hunting. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are not just great for connecting with friends but also professional peers. Joining groups related to carpentry and participating in discussions can enhance your visibility. Posting projects, sharing experiences, and interacting with others' posts can establish your reputation in the digital community.

In conclusion, while traditional methods like responding to job ads still work, today’s carpenters have a plethora of tools and strategies at their disposal to secure employment in this field. Balance the use of digital platforms, direct outreach, networking, and ongoing skill development to maximize your job prospects.

Embarking on a career as a carpenter can be an enriching choice, not just financially but also in terms of job satisfaction and the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Carpentry is more than just a trade; it’s a craft that has been shaping the infrastructure and aesthetics of human environments for centuries. The profession requires precision, creativity, and a strong understanding of construction materials and methods.

Carpenters have the unique advantage of seeing tangible results from their efforts, which can provide a significant sense of accomplishment. Whether constructing frameworks for buildings, creating bespoke furniture, or restoring historical woodwork, the skills of a carpenter are diverse and in demand. Additionally, the variety within the field—from residential to commercial or industrial projects—ensures that one can find a niche that best suits their abilities and interests.

The career outlook for carpenters is positive, with steady job growth projected and increasing opportunities for those with the right qualifications and skills. Financial prospects in carpentry are also promising, with the potential to earn a rewarding salary, particularly for those who advance to supervisory roles or start their own business.

In conclusion, whether you are drawn to carpentry for the love of craft, the diverse work environments, or the opportunity to be an essential part of building communities, the steps to becoming a carpenter are clear. With the right training, credentials, and hands-on experience, you can build a successful career that not only pays well but also provides job satisfaction and a lasting impact.

Embrace the journey towards becoming a skilled carpenter, continually evolve with the industry, and look forward to a professional life filled with growth opportunities and the joy of creating and contributing to the physical world around you.

Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming and working as a carpenter:

Do I need any specific educational degree to become a carpenter?

No, you do not need a specific degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Many carpenters learn their trade through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

Is certification required to work as a carpenter?

Certification is not mandatory to work as a carpenter. However, obtaining certifications can enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your competence in specialized areas to potential employers.

What kind of tools do I need as a beginner carpenter?

• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Screwdrivers
• Circular saw
• Power drill

How can I advance in my carpentry career?

Advancement can be achieved by gaining additional training, certifications, and experience. Moving into supervisory roles or specializing in areas like cabinetry or fine woodworking can also offer advancement opportunities.

Is carpentry a physically demanding job?

Yes, carpentry is physically demanding. It involves lifting heavy materials, standing for long periods, and sometimes working in harsh weather conditions.

Are there opportunities for self-employment in carpentry?

Yes, many carpenters are self-employed and run their own businesses. This allows for flexibility in choosing projects, but it also requires skills in business management and customer service.

What are the risks involved in carpentry?

Carpentry involves certain risks such as the potential for injuries from tools, falling from heights, or accidents related to machinery. Safety training and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial.

Can carpenters work internationally?

While basic carpentry skills are universal, carpenters looking to work internationally may need to familiarize themselves with local building codes and regulations and possibly undergo additional certification processes.

What impact does technology have on the carpentry profession?

Technological advancements such as power tools, CNC machines, and digital measurement tools have increased the efficiency and precision of carpentry work. Staying updated with new tools and methods can be beneficial.

How do economic downturns affect carpenters?

Carpenters, like many in the construction industry, can be affected by economic downturns as construction projects can decrease during these periods. However, maintenance, repair, and small-scale construction can often provide ongoing work.

More Construction career guides

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Carpenter Schooling and Education In Moscow Mills MO

For many Moscow Mills Missouri residents, becoming a journeyman carpenter offers an exciting opportunity to join a highly-skilled group of professionals in a challenging and rewarding field. If you enjoy mastering practical skills and doing hands-on work to create things of lasting quality and enduring beauty, then carpentry is an excellent career choice! Attention to detail, pride of workmanship, and a firm grasp of basic engineering concepts and cutting-edge construction methods are necessary skills of all carpenters. Professional carpenters possess highly-prized technical skills that command great compensation, industry-leading benefits, and a variety of challenging career prospects. To qualify to enter a carpentry training program, candidates must typically be a minimum of 17 years of age and possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent education or experience, and be able to work in the USA legally.

The First Steps to Becoming a Carpenter

When looking at the carpentry diploma or associates degree programs near Moscow Mills Missouri, an important consideration to maximize your job prospects is to find a program with close construction industry connections. Hands-on practice working with building plans and training in current building codes are key components of all good carpenter training programs. The best programs develop skills in math and estimating. These skills can then be directly applied to understanding basic engineering and building industry concepts–not only to become smarter and more skilled tradespeople–but also to prepare trainees for careers as site foremen, project managers, or to provide them with the foundations necessary to start their own company. Your program should also have a strong emphasis on workplace safety, including specialized training in scaffold safety, emergency procedures, first aid, and CPR. Additionally, you should be trained in toxic materials handling, fire control and prevention, along with daily review of safety procedures.

Paid Apprenticeship Programs for Carpenters

Carpenter school programs typically include classroom study–often in the evenings and on weekends—and hands-on training under the supervision of an experienced carpenter called a journeyman or journeyperson. Apprentice carpenters enrolled in the program are paid for the hours worked at the job site, and the hours are also credited towards their journeyman certification. An apprentice carpenter usually earns between 30 and 50 percent of the rate paid to fully certified journeyman carpenters.

Where Can a Career in Carpentry Take You

A profession in carpentry has many opportunities for specialization as well as advancement. Upon achieving your journeyman certification, you have the opportunity to work toward a position as a site foreman, supervisor, or seek additional education before transitioning into large project management or construction business operations. Experience as a professional carpenter is also an excellent way to start your own construction company. Those wishing to pursue specialized careers in carpentry, such as sales, green roof installation, teaching, or other areas related to carpentry should also consider an associate degree in Applied Science with a major in carpentry.

Carpentry School - Moscow Mills, Missouri

Earn your career diploma in construction trades online, at your own pace, penn foster career school’s online construction trades course includes practical hands-on exercises, as well as a work opportunity that allows you to get real-world experience by applying the skills you’ve learned at a local facility in your community under the guidance of a contracting professional., certifications and specialties that gain you employment.

When looking for a carpenter training program, it’s important to think about the specialized skills and safety training certifications that will make you more employable. Job opportunities are more readily available for those holding a current OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour safety card, plus Red Cross first aid and CPR training, as well as those having completed training in the safety and use of specialized construction tools, such as powder-actuated nail guns. Knowledge of concrete design, plywood properties, plan review, roofing systems, and specialized training on the installation of many prefabricated building systems will also help you stand out as a skilled professional!

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Online Press Briefing with Ambassador Michael Carpenter, U.S. Permanent Representative to the OSCE

Special Briefing

Ambassador Michael Carpenter

May 4, 2023

Ambassador  Michael   Carpenter , U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), discusses the OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on the deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia, as well as other human rights violations and the humanitarian impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. 

  MODERATOR:   Good afternoon from the State Department’s Brussels Media Hub.  I would like to welcome everyone joining us for today’s virtual press briefing.  We are very honored to be joined by Ambassador Michael Carpenter, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OSCE.  

With that, let’s get started.  Ambassador Carpenter, thank you so much for joining us again on a Brussels Hub call.  I’ll turn it over to you for opening remarks.  

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:   Great.  Thank you so much, and thanks to everyone for joining us.  And belatedly, happy World Press Freedom Day.  What you all do as journalists is so important for democracy worldwide, for accountability, for human rights.  We’re very grateful for what you do, often under very difficult circumstances.    

I’m going to speak with you today on the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Report that was presented this morning at the OSCE’s Permanent Council.  The report looked into allegations of abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed by Russia’s authorities in connection with the forcible transfer or deportation of Ukrainian children.   

There have been a lot of horrible crimes committed by Russia’s forces in Ukraine, but the separation of children from their families, their forced transfer to another country, and their subsequent adoption or re-education by complete strangers are among the most vile and repugnant.  I think it goes without saying that no government should ever be committing crimes against children, and to do so with the aim of erasing their national identity so as to pave the way for one state to take over the territory of another is simply unconscionable.    

As many of you know, the OSCE is one of many organizations seeking accountability for war crimes in Ukraine.  This is the third OSCE Moscow Mechanism fact-finding team that has been devoted to documenting Russia’s crimes in Ukraine since February 24th of last year.  And as far as I’m aware, it’s the first report by an international organization focused solely on forcibly deported children.  

The OSCE has, of course, cooperated and will continue to cooperate with other accountability mechanisms, including the O – excuse me, including the UN’s Independent Commission of Inquiry, the International Criminal Court, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, and other bodies.  

Some of these other bodies have already addressed the question of forcibly deported children, and of course I’m sure you all are aware the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, for their alleged violations of the Rome Statute on the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children.  

Today’s Moscow Mechanism Report is meant to be complementary with all of the other efforts to seek accountability.  I should also note that this particular Moscow Mechanism was invoked by 45 of the OSCE’s 57 participating states and fully supported by Ukraine as the host country.  This is tied for the largest number of states ever to support such a mechanism.    

So now let me turn to the report’s findings.  The report’s conclusion states very clearly, quote, “Not only has the Russian Federation manifestly violated the best interests of Ukrainian children repeatedly, it has also denied their right to identity, [their right to] family … as well as the right to thought, conscience and religion, right to health, and … right to liberty and security,” end quote.  It states that Russia’s “non-consensual evacuations, transfers and prolonged displacement of Ukrainian children constitute violations of [international humanitarian law], and in certain cases amount to grave breaches of the Geneva Convention … and war crimes.”  It also qualifies these as likely crimes against humanity on the grounds that they meet the definition of, quote, “deportation or forcible transfer of [a] population.”  

Let’s also touch on the timeframe, because the report notes that there have been – there has been a broader effort by Russia to engage in forcible transfers of the Ukrainian population since 2014, and that over a thousand children have been taken from Crimea in a process that began even before the full-scale invasion of February 24th, 2022.  And in terms of geographic scale, the report notes these children have been sent as far away as Siberia and the Russian far east.  And while thousands of children have been taken from Ukraine, as of April 23rd of this year, only 361 have been returned to Ukraine.  That leaves thousands of families still torn apart by Russia’s authorities and thousands of children traumatized.   

The fact-finding team has concluded that the exact numbers are not possible to verify at this time given the lack of cooperation from Russia.  And I know that many of you have questions about the numbers.  But the report cannot quantify the exact numbers of children who have been relocated to Russia.  I know the Ukrainian Government has put some numbers out there, but I would caution that these are likely a floor, and they have talked about 20,000 children, but there are likely more cases that are going to be discovered over time.   

So let me speak to some of the ways these children get separated from their families and caregivers.  One way is that they’re forcible separated from their parents or guardians by Russian authorities during the so-called filtration process.  When parents are detained and get sent to the filtration camps, the children often get sent to different detention centers.  Another way in which Russia has, to be blunt, stolen Ukrainian children from their families is by offering all-expenses-paid trips to children’s camps in places like occupied Crimea as well as in Russia and Belarus.    

The report notes that parents who expressed reluctance to send their kids to such camps often faced implicit and at times explicit threats that this could lead to the revocation of their parental rights.  Russia has then kept these children on false pretense and moved them around among various camps without the consent of their parents or guardians and without providing information on their whereabouts.  For children that are adopted, this process often entails actually changing the child’s name and even their place of birth, which then makes, as the report notes, and I’m going to quote, makes it “impossible to ascertain” their true identities once they disappear into the Russian Federation.  

Despite the obligation under international law, Russian authorities often fail to provide information to the Ukrainian Government or to international organizations on the whereabouts and status of these kids.    

The OSCE’s fact-finding team shows that while Ukraine did what it could to prevent such illegal transfers from taking place – such as, for example, organizing busses to evacuate children from regions like Kherson, where the safety of the children was an issue – Russia often refused to allow humanitarian corridors to be established and took the children from these regions to Russia instead.  Once inside Russia, the report notes that authorities violated the children’s rights even further by exposing them to pro-Russian information campaigns that often amounted to targeted re-education.  This is what I meant when I referred earlier to a process of erasing their Ukrainian identity and replacing it with a Russian one.  

Before turning to your questions, I’d like to end by saying that the United States is actively working within organizations like the OSCE, but also others, to document these crimes so as to ensure accountability.  And we’re also looking at urgent steps, including through the OSCE’s Support Program for Ukraine, to help Ukraine catalogue and facilitate family reunification and the return of these children to their homes; and also looking at providing the kids and their families with the psychosocial support they will need once they’re returned to Ukraine.   

So thanks very much, and with that, I’d be happy to take your questions.    

MODERATOR:   Thank you very much for that, Ambassador.  Why don’t we go to a live question to start with, from Giorgi Popova (ph).  Giorgi, you have the mike. Giorgi, can you hear us?   

QUESTION:   Can you hear me?   

MODERATOR:   Yes.   

QUESTION:   My name is Tatia.  I think that there is some mistake.   

MODERATOR:   Oh, please go ahead.   

QUESTION:   I represent Mtavari TV from Georgia and I would like to ask you about the anti-Western (inaudible) messages of the Georgian Government.  How damaging do you think these steps are on the path of European integration?  Besides, our partners agree that most likely we will not be accepted by the European Union, one of the reasons being that there are political prisoners in our country.  So what’s your opinion about the fact that President Saakashvili and political media manager Mr. Gvaramia (ph) are still kept in prison?  Thank you very much.  

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:   Well, thank you very much for the question.  Not exactly on the topic of today’s discussion, but happy to answer.  Look, the United States has long supported Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, and we continue to do so.  This is what the overwhelming majority of Georgians say they want in countless opinion polls time and again.    

We are, however, frankly, quite concerned by some of the recent steps that we’ve seen taken.  Now, some of these steps – like the recent introduction of legislation that would have imposed foreign agent status on civil society organizations – was subsequently withdrawn.  I know the United States together with many of our European partners were deeply disturbed to see this sort of legislation which, frankly, in many ways mirrored Russian legislation that currently exists on the books.  We were disheartened that this was introduced.    

There are some other issues that are of concern.  You’ve mentioned some of them regarding independent of the judiciary, regarding the media.  But we are committed to working with our Georgian partners to strengthen their democracy and to facilitate their Euro-Atlantic path, which is the chosen path of the Georgian people.  And so that is where our focus will be, and we are going to continue to engage in dialogue with Georgian authorities.  I have a robust conversation with my Georgian colleague at the OSCE on all of these various issues.  

MODERATOR:   Thank you, sir.  We’ll now go to a pre-submitted question from Petar Karaboev from DNEVNIK News in Bulgaria.  Petar asks:  “Ambassador Carpenter, you represent the U.S. in probably the only pan-European/Euro-Atlantic organization in which Russia is still a member.  The OSCE was born out of the Helsinki process in the 1970s.  Do you think the future security architecture in Europe will need a Helsinki 2?  Will this – will need a Helsinki 2?”   

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:   So thank you for the question.  I firmly believe that what the European security architecture needs right now above all is for all participating states, but especially Russia and Belarus, to implement their existing commitments.  Most of the principles and commitments that the 57 members of the OSCE have agreed to are very far-reaching.  When you look at the Helsinki Final Act, when you look at the Charter of Europe, you see commitments to democracy, to human rights, to sovereignty, to territorial integrity, to the inviolability of borders.  I mean, these are basic commitments that are being violated brutally by the Russian Federation in Ukraine today.    

So what we need is we need for implementation and respect for existing commitments.  That’s a start.  We don’t need to renegotiate commitments at this point.  We don’t need to necessarily come up with new ones.  We just need to have the participating states actually implement what they said they would, both in ’75 with the Helsinki Final Act, but also through numerous other decisions at the head-of-state level, including at the OSCE summit of heads of state in Istanbul in 1999 and in 2010 in Astana.  All of those principles and commitments remain valid and should be implemented.    

MODERATOR:   Thank you, Ambassador.  We’ll go to another submitted question from Vitaliy Syzov from Freedom Ukraine.  He asks:  “Ambassador Carpenter, I would like to ask how the OSCE could use its influence to get the children back?  What instruments does it have to achieve this?”  

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:   Yeah, thanks, Vitaliy.  That’s an excellent question.  We have to help Ukrainian authorities however we can to document and catalogue the instances in which children are taken from their parents and forcibly deported to either Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine or to the Russian Federation.  It’s important that this issue be highlighted, that governments around the world be seized of this issue – because, as I just said, the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism mission to Ukraine has just categorized this forcible transfer of Ukrainian children as a grave breach of the Geneva Convention and a war crime and likely a crime against humanity.   

So we have to take every action possible to help Ukrainian authorities to track the children.  Now, this obviously raises questions of data security and other issues, but it is vital that we have a mechanism in place so that these children can be reunited with their families and brought back to their homes as soon as possible.    

We also have to ensure that there is accountability for those who have perpetrated these crimes.  That is a parallel process that needs to happen together with the urgent steps that need to happen today to bring these kids back, as I said, to their families and their homes.    

And then, of course, the OSCE can also help with providing support for these children, for their families; I’m thinking of both financial support but also psychosocial support, because what they have been through is just absolutely horrific and no family should ever have to go through that.  

So we have our work cut out for us.  Obviously the OSCE does not have access to the Russian Federation, so we would look to organizations that are active in Russia to assist with this process.  There is no more urgent need than for this abduction or kidnapping or stealing of children to cease.  This is something that we should all be focused on with huge urgency.   

MODERATOR:   Thank you, sir.  We’ll go now to a live question – Pavlo Shtelmakh.  Pavlo, you have the mike.    

QUESTION:   Hello, dear Ambassador Carpenter.  I’m actually calling (inaudible) off.  And I will be very brief in my question.  Ukraine’s foreign minister welcomed the OSCE report on Ukrainian children and called it an “overwhelming evidence,” end of quote, for the Russian crimes against children and crimes of genocide.  My question:  Could in a legal way the OSCE support the creation of an international – future international tribunal, in a legal way, using this report as an evidence in that tribunal?  Thank you.  

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:   So thank you for the question.  And we absolutely intend for the information collected as part of this report but also as part of the ongoing accumulation of evidence that is being gathered by the OSCE’s Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to be available to other accountability mechanisms, including future tribunals.    

I’ve said before that we find ourselves in a Nuremberg moment.  The types of evidence that have been brought to light by this fact-finding mission on deported Ukrainian children is just – it’s repugnant.  It’s horrific, and it does need to be forwarded to those bodies that will be able to seek accountability for these crimes.  Because as the – as I’ve said before, the authors of the report found clear evidence of war crimes and likely crimes against humanity.  There has to be accountability for these crimes.    

MODERATOR:  Thank you, sir.  We’ll go on to another question, this time from EURACTIV TV from Aurélie Pugnet.  She asks:  “With Russia deciding to block the adoption of the budgets for the organization, how do you see the way forward for on-the-ground activities and the organization’s – OSCE’s – credibility?”    

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  Well, look, the reality is that Russia is attacking the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.  It’s not – it’s obstructing the budget.  That’s perhaps the least significant of the things it’s done.  After all, it’s kidnapped three OSCE national staff members who used to work for the special monitoring mission.  It has stolen OSCE vehicles.  It is transgressing every single one of the Helsinki Final Act principles.  And it is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, which is perhaps the most important thing in committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.    

So, look, what we have done over the course of the last year and a half at the OSCE is we’ve managed to work around Russia’s obstructionism, and I’m convinced that we’re going to do it on the budget as well.    

So I’ll give you a couple examples of that.  Russia vetoed the three OSCE field missions in Ukraine that existed prior to February 24th.  And what we’ve done since then is we’ve established a Support Program for Ukraine that is funded through voluntary contributions and that Russia cannot veto.  And this support program is already staffed up in Kyiv and will continue to deliver on the basis of Ukraine’s wartime needs.  It will engage in things like humanitarian demining; as I mentioned, providing psychosocial support; mitigating the environmental impacts of the war; building capacity for accountability; and much more.    

So we’ve found a way to work around Russia’s veto.  Russia also tried to veto a human rights conference that the OSCE holds every year in Warsaw.  We managed a way – to find a way to hold that conference despite Russia’s opposition.  It was attended by over 1,100 civil society activists.  It was hugely successful.    

So, look, when Russia puts up roadblocks, there’s no more now trying to abide by rules of procedure that were formulated when we operated as a consensus organization.  At this point, it is clear that Russia has no interest in abiding by not just the rules of procedure but by the fundamental principles on which we operate, and so we’re going to go around them.  And I make no apologies for that.  We will find ways to implement our commitments and to stand by the people of Ukraine.  And in every other country where the OSCE has field missions, we’re going to make clear that we can deliver for the people.  

MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  We’ll go to another submitted question from Alex Knatkevich.  He asks:  “How do you see the role of the Lukashenka regime and the deportations of Ukrainian children?  There is information about more than a thousand children being brought to Belarus from the occupied territories for recuperation?”    

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  Yes, thank you for the question.  The Lukashenka regime is complicit in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.  It’s provided its territory as a launching pad for attacks on Ukraine.  It has facilitated Russian military operations, including the withdrawal of forces for refitting and re-equipping inside of Belarus.  As you just mentioned, it has provided facilities for Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported out of Ukraine into Belarus.  And so on any number of different fronts, Belarus has proven that it is a coaggressor together with Russia in this war of aggression against Ukraine.    

There are distinctions obviously to be made between Belarus and Russia: Belarus does not have active ground forces inside Ukraine, but it is complicit and there must be accountability for the actions of the Lukashenka regime as well.    

MODERATOR:  Thank you, sir.  We’ll go to another question that was submitted from Momchil Indjov from a media outlet in Bulgaria.  He asks:  “Your Excellency, does the U.S. have information if some of the deported children are from ethnic minorities in Ukraine?  If so, could you please provide some details?”  

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  So thank you for the question.  I can’t give you a breakdown of how many of the 20,000 reported forcibly deported children that at least Ukrainian authorities have documented – how many of them are members of ethnic minorities.  Now, remember what I said earlier: that 20,000 figure which comes from the Ukrainian Government is likely a floor.  As we look into these cases of children who have been forcibly deported across the border, it is likely that the true figure is much, much higher once all of the information is made available.  And currently there is no access for international organizations like the OSCE to the Russian Federation itself.    

But as I noted earlier, at least a thousand children – at least a thousand children – have been deported from Crimea, occupied Crimea, which is of course Ukrainian territory, to the Russian Federation.  I don’t know how many of those may have been Crimean Tatars.  Obviously they are a sizeable minority and titular national minority in Crimea.  But suffice it to say that it is certain that at least some of the children who have been transferred to Russia or to Russian-controlled territory are from ethnic minorities.  

MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  We’ll go now to a live question – Sophie Vardiashvili.  Sophie, you have the microphone.  Sophie, can you hear us?    

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  You’re muted.    

MODERATOR:  Well, let’s go to another pre-submitted question – the last pre-submitted question we have.  Maybe we can get back to Sophie in a second.  It’s from Maarten Rabaey from De Morgen in Belgium.  He asks:  “What can and should the OSCE do in mediating the safe and unconditional return of the deported Ukrainian children?  Should the international community assist in setting up a DNA database of relatives of the missing children, hence looking forward to a post-war reunification of those who might not be returned during the war?”  

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  Well, the OSCE is not going to do anything without the support and the blessing of the Ukrainian Government.  These are Ukrainian children and the Ukrainian Government is tracking their forcible deportation.  I have spoken personally with the Ukrainian ombudsman, Mr. Lubinets, who is – published – has published and will continue to publish reports on this issue as information comes into his office.  There are multiple actors within the Ukrainian Government, within their interagency that are focused on this issue; obviously, the ministry of interior but also other bodies.  And so the OSCE can assist in building capacity once it takes its cue from the Ukrainian Government.  

We are happy to look into launching programs that will facilitate the return of these children.  It’s imperative that it happen as soon as possible and that it happen without preconditions.  These children need to be returned to their families, they need to be returned to their homes immediately.  And it is – as I said earlier, it is absolutely repugnant that in many cases they are – there is a concerted effort to strip these children of their Ukrainian identity, giving them new names, giving them new birth certificates, often changing the place of birth as well.  There is a sense of urgency here – a huge sense of urgency, as I said earlier.  And the faster we can work with all the actors who could assist —     

MODERATOR:  Ambassador, I think you got muted.    

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  Oh, I’m sorry.  Did I?   

MODERATOR:  You’re back now.  

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  Okay.  How much of that was – do I need to repeat the entire answer or —  

MODERATOR:  No, no, no.  You – it was just the —     

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  Okay.   

MODERATOR:  — last two seconds.    

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  All right.   

MODERATOR:  Yeah.  Sophie, can we go back to you to see if we have a microphone?  It does not look that way, so we will go ahead and wrap up the call.  Ambassador, can I turn it back to you for any closing thoughts?   

AMBASSADOR CARPENTER:  Yeah, I’ll just be very brief.  It is important that international organizations like the OSCE but also our partners like the UN Commission of Inquiry continue to shine a light and that the media continue to cover this issue of children who have been forcibly transferred against their will, often against their family’s will, to Russian-controlled territory and to the Russian Federation.  What is happening now is an experiment in social reengineering that is just ghastly in terms of its implications.  

And as the experts from OSCE mission concluded, these are war crimes.  These are violations of international humanitarian law as well as international human rights law.  They’re violations of the Geneva Convention.  And we have to continue to shine a light on this.  We have to act.  We have to try to – as I said earlier, we have to try to reunite these children with their families as soon as possible.  There are many children and parents who are in grief today because they are separated against their will.  And this is going to take a very concerted effort on the part of multiple actors to support the reunification of these kids with their families.  Thanks very much.    

MODERATOR:  Thank you, Ambassador.  And thanks so much for taking the time to join us today and to speak about such an important topic.  Shortly, we will send an audio recording of the briefing to all the participating journalists and provide a transcript as soon as it is available.  We’d also love to hear your feedback, and as always, you can contact us at any time at [email protected].   Thank you again for your participation, and we hope you can join us again in the near future for another press briefing.  This ends today’s briefing.    

U.S. Department of State

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Bret Carpenter brings a remarkable work ethic and level of commitment to his business and clients. Known as a Realtor that will go the extra mile, Bret has a reputation for tackling challenges and finding successful solutions for his Buyers and Sellers. Buying or selling a home requires knowledge, strategy and good decisions. Bret’s experience and thorough approach to each transaction will help you to navigate through the complicated and exciting world of real estate. Whether you are looking for residential, bare land, investment or income property, Bret will meet your needs with efficiency and accuracy. With an intuitive understanding of the market, proven marketing strategies and a “can-do” attitude, Bret will help you to accomplish your real estate goals.

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Bret & Tanja were very personable

I was very satisfied with my dealings with Tanja Blue & Bret Carpenter. They were professional in all our dealings and very knowledgeable in the sale of rural property. The sale of my property was more complex than usual since it was located in both Idaho and Washington State. Bret & Tanja were also very personable. They were very patient in explaining the process to me, and in responding to all my questions. Both of them gave excellent service – giving me riders – meeting in locations in my area in Boise. They also made sure that I signed all the paperwork. It was a pleasure dealing with both of them.

Bret Carpenter Was An Absolute Rockstar

Bret Carpenter was an absolute rockstar for my little family. We originally were with a “homes for hereos” program with another agent, Kyle Wagner, but after he realized where we needed to buy a house, he gave our business to Bret and told us we’d be taken care of. Not only did Bret honor the terms of “homes for heroes,” but he went out of his way numerous times to get my family and I in to the house as easily as he could. I will always support these men and this establishment!

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Thanks Bret!

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We really enjoyed working with Bret. He is very professional and knowledgeable. He had good advice/input during the purchasing process. Also, he helped coordinate details of our financing directly with our lender, which went above and beyond in my eyes. It took us a lot of time to find the right house but he was always patient and didn’t give up on us. He kept sending us listings for possibilities and took us to many showings. We would recommend him to friends & family.

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Bret Carpenter went above and beyond to help me with the viewing of my new home. He was very patient and answered all my questions. This was the most pleasant transaction I have ever experienced.

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We liked the way Bret kept in contact with us throughout the process of buying our property and answered all of our questions. It was nice to be taken care of even though we were 8 hours away. Bret made this so easy for us. We would highly recommend him to anyone.

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Bret Carpenter did an excellent job in selling my property. After inspection he also assisted in coordination with contractors for agreed upon work for the sale of the home, which was amazingly helpful as I was an out of town seller. I couldn’t have done this without him! Many thanks!

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During a very difficult time for my family which forced me to put my house on the market, Bret Carpenter from Latah Realty was able to remove the immense stress of selling my house from my shoulders so I could focus on the needs of my family. He was able to sell my house quickly with minimal issues and for more than I expected, I can’t recommend him enough for his professionalism and friendly attitude. Thank you.

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Sabrina Carpenter’s Alternative to Carpe Diem Pop

With ‘Short n’ Sweet,’ the party anthem gets booted for … permanence and pregnancy?

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For much of the 2010s, pop music seemed obsessed with the idea of “tonight.” 

“Tonight, we are young.” “Give me everything tonight—we might not get tomorrow.” “Let’s make the most of the night like we’re gonna die young.” (Close enough.) Late millennial/early zoomer party anthems—they invariably included some reference to clubbing—were so common that the comedian John Mulaney poked fun at them as the decade wrapped up. (“I want to write songs for people in their 30s called, ‘Tonight’s No Good, How About Wednesday?’”)

Something has changed this decade, though. Offshoots of YOLO™ are certainly still in vogue—some say we just wrapped up Brat Summer , after all—but they don’t feel as commanding as they used to. If the facile carpe diem (carpe noctem?) pop of the 2010s recycled a fascination with hanging on to “tonight” lest youth or bottle service disappear, then pop music in the 2020s seems more captivated by the prospects of and obstacles to tomorrow . 

Especially in relationships. Taylor Swift’s pandemic-era folk ballad “ Willow ,” for example, exalted not flushed infatuation but a more forthright intentionality. “I’m begging for you to take my hand / Wreck my plans / That’s my man,” she declared. “Please don’t be too good to be true,” added Kacey Musgraves this spring, likewise pining for permanence. Dua Lipa was even more pointed in a recent single, assuring a juvenile suitor that “ training season’s over .”

But the most fascinating artist bucking the “tonight” trend might just be Sabrina Carpenter, who released Short n’ Sweet late last month. Like Swift, Musgraves, and Lipa, Carpenter has been a resounding mainstream success of late, cracking the Billboard Top 10 with a new album that’s often about female exasperation at male fickleness. Unlike them, her style is far more … um … lyrically permissive, blending a bubbly disregard for syntax with an unapologetically NSFW delivery. Yet behind the breezy presentation and sometimes gratuitous innuendos, Carpenter might just be offering the most surprising foil to carpe diem pop. 

The 25-year-old singer and Disney Channel alum began her breakout summer with “ Espresso ,” a synth-pop single with a retro feel about her toying with a foolishly hopeful inamorato. She performed the song for the first time at this year’s Coachella music festival, and it has since become Billboard ’s No.1 song of the summer . “Espresso” is a characteristically Carpenter track, which is to say it’s delightfully jaunty and syntactically carefree. (“Say you can’t sleep? Baby I know, that’s that me espresso.”)

It’s also on the cleaner end of an album that you probably shouldn’t play for grandma. Carpenter—who developed a reputation for curating euphemistic outros in live performances—tends to turn even something as suburban-placid as Mountain Dew and Nintendo into a lascivious lyric, and she does so throughout Short n’ Sweet . Shakespearean allusions and Leonard Cohen references somehow find their way into songs titled “Bed Chem” and fantasies about la petite mort . Not exactly demure!

But focusing too much on the admittedly spicy surface hides a more interesting aspect of Carpenter’s album. It’s nothing new for a pop artist to indulge in romantic daydreams or sex-laden lyrics, but they’re not usually this intertwined with thematic ingenuity or musical charm. 

Take the economically honest beginning of “ Please, Please, Please ,” her second hit single this summer, which the New York Times ’ Joe Coscarelli aptly described as a “Dolly Parton-meets-Abba confection.” What could have been a straightforward account of falling for a reprobate instead relies on the irony of an unreliable narrator. “I know I have good judgment / I know I have good taste / It’s funny and it’s ironic / That only I feel that way,” Carpenter sings right off the bat. She at once plays with stream-of-consciousness narration while also revealing herself to be not just a self-assured coquette but a self-critical one too: He may be no good, but she chose him.

And there are many little musical details peppered throughout Short n ’ Sweet . A pre-chorus in “ Sharpest Tool ” flows by using the same word at the beginning and end of a line: “We were goin’ right, then you took a left / Left me with a lot of sh-t to second-guess / Guess I’ll waste another year on wonderin’ if / If that was casual, then I’m an idiot.” “Please, Please, Please,” also features a three-semitone key change , a rarity in pop music. Even the musical layers are playful, as when Carpenter word-paints by singing “hormones are high” while literally hitting a high note.

“Behind the breezy presentation and sometimes gratuitous innuendos, Carpenter might just be offering the most surprising foil to carpe diem pop.”

But all of that could still be consistent with an obsession with “tonight.” Not so with Carpenter and her songwriting team, which includes Amy Allen —credited in every song in Short n ’ Sweet —as well as Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antoff and One Direction producer John Ryan. Why? Because while there’s an undeniable sex-positive aura to all of Short n ’ Sweet , there’s also a very open interest not just in permanence but even, of all things, in pregnancy. Explicitly so at times.

It begins briefly in “ Good Graces ,” the third song of the album and an homage to ’90s R&B. In it, Carpenter sings (emphasis added):

When I love you,  I’m sweet  Like an angel Drawin’ hearts ‘round our names And dreamin’ of  Writing vows,  Rockin’ cradles Don’t mistake my nice for naive

And by the tail end of the album, pregnancy takes center stage in “Juno,” a song titled after the Oscar-winning 2007 film about a high-school junior who learns she’s expecting. 

“Juno” begins with Carpenter-esque references to “fuzzy pink handcuffs” and … uh … genetics. But as the track progresses, it becomes clear that Carpenter isn’t merely concerned with a sexual crescendo, which leads her to a different kind of “tonight” reference—one with more fecund aspirations:

I know you want my touch for life If you love me right, then who knows? I might let you make me Juno You know I just might Let you lock me down tonight One of me is cute, but two though ? Give it to me, baby. You make me wanna make you fall in love.

It’s a baffling confluence of interests for a song in a chart-topping album at a time when fertility rates are dropping ( among all age groups ) and Gen-Z is leading a sex recession . Since neither sex nor pregnancy seems especially prevalent among Carpenter’s likely audience, a song like “Juno” can’t help but be the most culturally surprising part of Short n ’ Sweet . It feels like an antithesis to the party anthem of the 2010s, not just because it conveys a preoccupation with permanence but because it gets there through a mix of eros and eternizing love. As the bridge concludes, Carpenter makes two requests and a confession: “Adore me / Hold me and explore me / I’m so f—in’” … and a word that rhymes with “corny.”

And it is undeniably corny. But it’s also kind of an unheard-of synthesis for our conversations about sex and relationships, marriage and fertility. 

If references to missing clothes and “getting fixins” make you want to go smoke a cigarette, Short n’ Sweet might not be your cup of espresso. But for those looking for mainstream art and entertainment that don’t detach sex from the bonds of affection that it often brings about, Sabrina Carpenter’s latest offers an alternative to both a sterile sex-positivity and a prudish pro-natalism. She ends up suggesting—whether intentionally or not is a different matter —that the hottest thing might just be head-over-heels eros unafraid of its natural end result. The party anthems of yesteryear did not even come close to being that interesting.  

Luis Parrales

Luis Parrales is an associate editor for arts and culture at The Dispatch and based in Virginia. Prior to joining the company in 2023, he worked in campus outreach and as a research associate at the American Enterprise Institute. He is a contributing editor of American Purpose and a Graduate Institute student at St. John's College in Annapolis. When he is not editing for The Dispatch, he is probably planning ahead on his Oscar predictions and ranking his top ten movies of the year.

Please note that we at  The Dispatch  hold ourselves, our work, and our commenters to a higher standard than other places on the internet. We welcome comments that foster genuine debate or discussion—including comments critical of us or our work—but responses that include ad hominem attacks on fellow Dispatch members or are intended to stoke fear and anger may be moderated.

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2024 VMA predictions: Taylor Swift must fight off Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter for top 2 awards of the night

With the VMAs right around the corner, it’s time to wrap up our predictions analyses with the two biggest categories of the night. Artist of the Year has been awarded to some of the century’s most influential artists like Bad Bunny , Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran . As for Video of the Year, the show’s top award, it’s one of the highest honors in the music industry, honoring iconic visuals throughout the years from the likes of Beyoncé , Rihanna , Madonna and Green Day , among many other legends.

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Artist of the Year There is good reason to believe this will be a three way race between Sabrina Carpenter , Taylor Swift , and Ariana Grande. I think Grande will fare better in other categories since her hype is more concentrated on her video for “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” as opposed to her artistry as a whole, so I’ll rule her out first. Between Swift and Carpenter, I think it should definitely go to the latter. She has had a bigger year, and she hasn’t won this award yet, which matters because we’ve never seen anyone repeat since the category was introduced in 2017.

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Of course, if anyone could break that record, it’s Swift. She has also had a strong year with her blockbuster album “ The Tortured Poets Department ,” although Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” has since debuted on top of it . Since voting has taken place during the peak of Carpenter’s era, in addition to the fact that she’s just been so ubiquitous, I’m predicting her to take the award, especially as MTV will probably want to shake things up a bit from the Swift frenzy of last year.

SEE 2024 VMA predictions: Anitta, Tyla and Eminem have a leg up in genre categories

Video of the Year Listen, it’s very likely that the VMAs turn into the “Taylor show” once again. Swift has a rabid fan base and, while “The Tortured Poets Department” has arguably not captured the zeitgeist in the same way “Midnights” did, I’m sure MTV would still love to attract all that Swiftie attention. Hence, don’t be surprised if this goes to Swift and Post Malone ’s “Fortnight.”

That said, I do think there are two people here who could give Swift a run for her money. The most obvious is Grande for “We Can’t Be Friends.” She has a sizable fan base of her own, and unlike “Fortnight,” her video nominated here is actually well loved beyond her core fans, mostly due to how emotional it is. This could play a huge part in attracting votes from normies who aren’t single-minded in their dedication to one fandom, resulting in a win for Grande, who has never taken this prize home before.

The second major competitor for Swift is rap legend Eminem with his controversial “Houdini.” While Eminem might seem to be too much of a veteran to win against younger, more contemporary artists, his fan base is both young and old, which could help him out big time. Plus, the rapper stands out as the only male and only non-pop artist in the lineup, which could prevent vote-splitting.

I’m going with Swift here, but with Grande just behind, as I imagine the VMAs would want to switch things up; if Swift wins, it’ll be her third in a row (and fifth win overall), which might be too much, even for MTV. Plus, it would be a treat for them to get Grande to attend, especially amidst the rollout for both her new album and the upcoming “Wicked” film.

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