Carpenter at Marquette Carpenters and Millwrights Training Center

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Marquette Carpenters and Millwrights Training Center in Negaunee, MI

About This Program

The Marquette Carpenters and Millwrights Training Center sponsors a registered Carpenter apprenticeship program in Negaunee, MI. Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this time-based program provides paid, hands-on training for individuals entering the carpentry and millwright trades.

The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in structural framing, finish carpentry, formwork, and interior construction systems. Classroom sessions provide training in blueprint reading, safety practices, building codes, and trade mathematics to complement fieldwork.

Upon completing the program, apprentices earn journeyman carpenter credentials that support employment across construction and industrial sectors in the Upper Peninsula and beyond. Apprentices are compensated from day one, and wages typically rise with each completed phase of training.

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.

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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