Carpenter at Mid-America Carpenters R C Apprentice & Training Program Southern Illinois Campus
at Mid-America Carpenters R C Apprentice & Training Program Southern Illinois Campus in Belleville, IL
About This Program
The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice & Training Program operates a registered Carpenter Apprenticeship through its Southern Illinois Campus in Belleville, IL. This employer-sponsored program offers paid, hands-on training for aspiring carpenters in the greater St. Louis metro region and southern Illinois.
The four-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in structural framing, concrete forming, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, safety practices, and more. The Southern Illinois Campus provides classroom instruction that directly complements the work apprentices perform on job sites throughout the region.
Completing the program leads to journey-level carpenter status and the skills needed to pursue long-term employment in residential and commercial construction. The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council's established network across Illinois and neighboring states supports graduates in building lasting careers in the trade.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Carpenter
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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