Carpenter at Carpenter Technology Corporation - Laboratory
at Carpenter Technology Corporation - Laboratory in Reading, PA
About This Program
Carpenter Technology Corporation's Laboratory division sponsors this registered carpenter apprenticeship in Reading, Pennsylvania. This employer-sponsored, non-union program is designed for individuals seeking hands-on carpentry training in a professional industrial and laboratory facility setting while earning a paycheck from day one.
The program spans four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain experience in a variety of carpentry tasks including structural work, interior finishing, and facility maintenance carpentry, guided by experienced craftworkers at the Reading location. Technical instruction covers blueprint reading, construction math, building codes, and safety compliance.
Upon completion, apprentices receive journeyman carpenter credentials recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. The specialized environment at Carpenter Technology Corporation's laboratory facilities provides graduates with a unique skill set applicable to both industrial and commercial construction careers.
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.
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
Trade School
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