Carpenter at Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers (PHL Carpenter JAC)
at Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers (PHL Carpenter JAC) in New Castle, DE
About This Program
The Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers (PHL Carpenter JAC) sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship in New Castle, DE. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it provides union-backed training and employer coordination for apprentices entering the carpentry trade in Delaware and the greater Philadelphia region. Apprentices earn wages from the very start of the program.
This 4-year program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn framing, concrete forming, millwork, finish carpentry, and wall system installation while working on real construction projects. Technical coursework includes blueprint reading, construction math, building codes, and OSHA safety certification.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level carpenters with union credentials recognized across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the Mid-Atlantic region. Union membership through the JATC offers access to negotiated wages, healthcare, pension benefits, and a network of signatory contractors providing steady employment opportunities.
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.
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
Trade School
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