Carpenter at Arkansas-Oklahoma Carpenters JATC
at Arkansas-Oklahoma Carpenters JATC in Russellville, AR
About This Program
The Arkansas-Oklahoma Carpenters JATC sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship in Russellville, AR. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program serves apprentices across the Arkansas-Oklahoma region, combining hands-on field experience with classroom instruction under union-negotiated training standards. Apprentices are paid throughout the entire program as they work on real construction projects.
The program is 4 years in length and structured around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work with experienced journey-level carpenters learning framing, concrete forming, finish carpentry, wall systems, and hardware installation. Classroom coursework covers blueprint reading, construction calculations, material estimation, and safety practices.
Completing this apprenticeship earns graduates journey-level carpenter status recognized across both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Union affiliation through the JATC provides access to collectively bargained wages, health and retirement benefits, and a professional network within the building trades community.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$26
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
How to Apply
Carpenter Career Outlook
National Median
$25.87/hr
~$53,809.6/yr
Apprentice Start
$14.5/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Carpenter employment is projected to grow in line with construction activity. Residential building, commercial renovation, and infrastructure projects all drive demand. Carpenters with diverse skills across framing, finishing, and concrete work have the strongest prospects. The trade continues to face a shortage of younger workers, creating opportunities for new entrants.
What to Expect as a Carpenter Apprentice
Duration
4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Carpenter
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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