Carpentry and Cabinetry
Employment
Contrary to popular belief, residential construction is not seasonal; it takes place twelve months a year. Graduates will be expected
to work in adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold. Employees are also exposed to working in high places from ladders
and scaffolding and will need to wear appropriate fall protection gear in some situations. Lifting heavy objects is common in this
trade. Safety shoes and glasses are standard, and hard hats may be required at times depending on the working conditions. Those
seeking work with contractors will be required to have valid driver's licenses and supply their own transportation to and from most
job sites. Most builders provide the necessary power equipment, but employees are expected to have their own hand tools at the site
each workday. Tools needed are purchased by the student as part of the program's requirements.
This program emphasizes the same work ethics that the industry seeks in its workers: promptness, dependability, practicing safety on
a daily basis, a strong basic math background, good communication skills and, of course, the ability to perform entry-level skills.
Students in this program are trained to standards set by industry. This approach, combined with the national shortage of skilled
crafts persons, gives graduates excellent employment possibilities both locally and nationally. Depending on the level of skill the
student develops while in the program, graduates can expect entry-level wages ranging from $12.00 to $14.00 per hour.
Potential positions include: home builders' assistant, carpenter apprentice with local union, general contractor,
cabinetmaker, framer, lumber yard salesperson, maintenance carpenter, modular home fabrication, repair and remodeling, and specialty
contractor (drywall, concrete forming, roofing siding, interior finish, etc.).