Carpenter at Houston Carpenters & Millwrights JATC
at Houston Carpenters & Millwrights JATC in Pasadena, TX
About This Program
The Houston Carpenters and Millwrights JATC sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship based in Pasadena, Texas. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program serves the greater Houston area, providing union-backed, paid training in carpentry for individuals entering one of the region's most active construction markets.
The program runs four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects throughout the Houston metro area, building skills in framing, concrete forming, structural carpentry, and finish work. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, construction mathematics, OSHA safety standards, building codes, and material usage.
Completing the program earns graduates journeyman carpenter status with full union recognition. Through the Houston Carpenters and Millwrights JATC, apprentices benefit from steadily increasing union wages, health benefits, and pension contributions, while gaining access to a broad network of contractors operating in one of the largest construction markets in the United States.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.