Carpenter at Five Rivers Carpenters JATC Local Unions 308 678 &1260
at Five Rivers Carpenters JATC Local Unions 308 678 &1260 in Cedar Rapids, IA
About This Program
Five Rivers Carpenters JATC, representing Local Unions 308, 678, and 1260, sponsors a union Carpenter Apprenticeship program based in Cedar Rapids, IA. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program, this apprenticeship offers the added benefits of union membership, including labor protections, negotiated wages, and access to a strong professional network across the region.
The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn framing, formwork, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, material handling, and construction safety — skills developed through a progressive curriculum that builds from foundational tasks to more complex trade work.
Upon completion, graduates earn journey-level carpenter status within the union framework, positioning them for steady employment across Iowa's residential and commercial construction markets. Union affiliation often provides access to continued training opportunities and long-term career advancement.
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
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