Carpenter at Carpenters JAC of Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Carpenters JAC of Philadelphia Pennsylvania in Georgetown, DE

About This Program

The Carpenters JAC of Philadelphia Pennsylvania sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship located in Georgetown, DE. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program extends the reach of the Philadelphia-area carpenters union into southern Delaware, offering paid, structured training to apprentices entering the construction trades in the region. Apprentices earn wages throughout the full duration of the program.

The program is 4 years in length and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in rough framing, concrete forming, finish carpentry, interior systems, and hardware installation under the supervision of experienced journey-level carpenters. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, construction math, building codes, and workplace safety.

Graduates earn journey-level carpenter status with union recognition across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic states. JATC membership provides access to collectively bargained wages and benefits, along with a network of union contractors offering consistent employment throughout the 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.

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

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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