Carpenter at Central/Western Iowa Carpenters JATC Local Union 106
at Central/Western Iowa Carpenters JATC Local Union 106 in Altoona, IA
About This Program
Central/Western Iowa Carpenters JATC Local Union 106 offers a union-affiliated Carpenter Apprenticeship program located in Altoona, IA. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it combines the structure of a registered apprenticeship with the professional backing of union membership, providing apprentices with both quality training and labor representation.
Over four years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Training covers essential carpentry skills including wood framing, concrete formwork, finish work, jobsite safety, and blueprint reading. The curriculum is designed to progress systematically, allowing apprentices to grow their abilities as they advance through the program.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level carpenters with union credentials that are recognized across the region. Local Union 106's established presence in central and western Iowa gives completers a clear pathway into ongoing employment opportunities in both commercial and residential construction.
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.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.