Carpenter at Carpenters JATC, Northeast Ohio

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Carpenters JATC, Northeast Ohio in Richfield, OH

About This Program

The Carpenters JATC, Northeast Ohio offers a union carpenter apprenticeship in Richfield, OH, serving the greater Cleveland and northeast Ohio construction region. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it combines employer-based training with union oversight to ensure consistent, high-quality skill development.

This four-year program includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices rotate through various carpentry tasks on commercial, residential, and industrial projects, covering framing, forming, finish work, interior systems, and construction safety. Classroom instruction reinforces technical knowledge including blueprint reading, construction math, and Ohio building regulations.

Completing this program earns graduates journey-level carpenter status and union membership with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Northeast Ohio's substantial construction activity, including large commercial and public works projects, provides strong ongoing demand for qualified journey-level carpenters.

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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