Carpenter at Carpenter Technology Corp.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Carpenter Technology Corp. in Reading, PA

About This Program

Carpenter Technology Corp. sponsors this registered carpenter apprenticeship at its facility in Reading, Pennsylvania. This employer-based, non-union program provides a direct path into the carpentry trade, with apprentices earning wages throughout the entire four-year program.

The apprenticeship requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction completed over four years. Apprentices work alongside experienced carpenters at the Reading facility, building skills in framing, finish work, structural carpentry, and facility construction and maintenance. Technical classroom instruction supports that hands-on experience with training in blueprint reading, construction mathematics, material identification, and jobsite safety practices.

Graduates earn a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion as journeyman carpenters. Completing this apprenticeship at Carpenter Technology Corp. in Reading provides a strong foundation for a career in industrial and commercial construction throughout Pennsylvania and the greater mid-Atlantic region.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$26

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

4 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

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.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Carpenter

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration4 years
Starting wage$14.50/hr
Journeyman wage$25.87/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

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