Scope of Work - Carpenters measure, saw, level and nail wood and other building materials.  They install tile and insulation, acoustical ceiling, cabinets, siding and much more.  They work with many tools and materials to build houses, erect skyscrapers, construct bridges, tunnels and highways.  Carpenters make up the largest single group of skilled workers in the country. Work includes rough and finish carpentry, forms for concrete work and many other specialties.  Completion of apprenticeship program may qualify for credit hours toward Construction Technology Degree Program at Henry Ford Community College.

Working Conditions - The typical workday for a carpenter begins early.  He/she is often on the job site with a tool box before daybreak and he/she is hard at work before the sun is high in the sky.  Much of the work is outdoors, but modern construction methods have eased the problems of the summer's heat and the winter's cold.  The average carpenter usually wears a hard hat, tough, durable work clothes and safety shoes or sturdy high-top shoes.

Apprenticeship Requirements

Length of Program - 4-year apprentice program, classes one day every two weeks. 

Requirements - Must have high school diploma or GED prior to completion of program.  Prefer strong math skills, especially shop or vocational math, or geometry.  Drug testing required.
Go to the school to apply, take diagnostic test (general math, reading, English skills) and  interview.  School will supply list of employers. Contact them to seek employment (at office or jobsite).  Then provide letter from employer to get into program.

Courses Required - Mathematics for Carpentry, Basic Prints, Tool and Material Handling, Builders Level & Transit - Stationary Power Equipment, Footings and Foundations, Floor and Wall Framing, Roof Framing, Interior Trim, Stair Building, Laminating Formica, Column and Deck Framing, Metal Studs and Drywall, Blueprint and Estimating, Cutting and Arc Welding, Exterior Trim, Demountable Partitions, Advanced Math, Advanced Roof Framing, Advanced Interior Trim, Advanced Stair Building, Advanced Millwork, Scaffold Training.

Special Classifications - Commercial and Residential, Pile Drivers, Resilient Floor Layers, Millmen, Lathers.

Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters; Detroit Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Training Center
1401 Farrow
Ferndale, MI  48220
(248) 541-2740      
FAX (248) 541-1660             Don Kissel, Director
E-mail: don@detcarpapp.org
Website: www.detcarpapp.org

Michigan Carpenters Apprenticeship Program (outstate programs)
P.O. Box 259
Stevensville, MI  49127
(269) 429-2272  
FAX (269) 429-2273    James Hahn,  Director
E-mail: realapprenticeship@ameritech.net
Website: www.realapprenticeship.com

Michigan Carpenter Apprentice School
2701 E. Genessee St.
Saginaw, MI  48601
(989) 755-5856
FAX (989) 755-5859
E-mail: saginawjatc@speednetllc.com
Website: www.realapprenticeship.com
Aubrey Woods, Instructor Coordinator

Michigan Carpenter Apprentice School
681 Dart Road
Mason, MI  48854
(517) 676-4101
FAX: (517) 676-4866
E-mail: lansingJATC@cablespeed.com
Website: www.realapprenticeship.com
Bob Bochenek, Instructor Coordinator

Michigan Carpenter Apprentice School
2410 Industrial Street
Grayling, MI  49738
(989) 348-8542
FAX: (989) 348-9292
E-mail: graylingjatc@i2k.net
Website: www.realapprenticeship.com
James Klumpp, Instructor Coordinator

Michigan Carpenter Apprentice School
4880 126th Street
Fennville, MI   49408
(269) 561-8115
FAX: (269) 561-8125         
E-mail: fennjatc@datawise.net
Website: www.realapprenticeship.com
Dale Stark, Coordinator

Michigan Carpenter Apprentice School
1221 Division Street
Marquette, MI  49855
(906) 225-0703
FAX: (906) 225-1787
E-mail: marquettejatc@chartermi.net
Website: www.realapprenticeship.com
Brian Kerrigan, Instructor Coordinator