Carpenter at Lane/Douglas Counties Carpenters JATC
at Lane/Douglas Counties Carpenters JATC in Portland, OR
About This Program
The Lane/Douglas Counties Carpenters JATC offers a registered union carpenter apprenticeship administered out of Portland, Oregon. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program serves apprentices in the Lane and Douglas County regions, connecting them with union contractors and structured trade training from the start.
The apprenticeship spans four years, with 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working under journeyman supervision, apprentices gain experience in wood and metal framing, concrete formwork, cabinetry, and finish carpentry. Technical classes address blueprint reading, construction geometry, building codes, safety protocols, and trade-specific tools and equipment.
Upon successful completion, apprentices are promoted to journeyman carpenter — a portable, industry-recognized credential. Union membership offers structured wage progression throughout the apprenticeship, as well as access to health and retirement benefits negotiated by the union on behalf of its members.
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
Licensing in Oregon
Carpenters in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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