Carpenter at KML Carpenters' Apprenticeship & Training Fund

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at KML Carpenters' Apprenticeship & Training Fund in Pittsburgh, PA

About This Program

The KML Carpenters' Apprenticeship and Training Fund sponsors this registered carpenter apprenticeship in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This employer-based program provides a structured, paid pathway into the carpentry trade for individuals looking to build a lasting career in construction.

The four-year program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop practical skills in framing, concrete forming, interior finishing, and general site carpentry through daily work on construction projects. Classroom learning addresses blueprint reading, construction calculations, material selection, building codes, and safety standards.

Graduates of the KML program earn journeyman carpenter status and a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion — credentials that demonstrate competence to employers throughout the Pittsburgh area and beyond. This apprenticeship is an effective way to enter the trades without accumulating student debt while still gaining professional-grade skills.

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.

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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