Carpenter at Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice & Training Program Pekin Campus

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice & Training Program Pekin Campus in Pekin, IL

About This Program

The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice & Training Program offers a registered Carpenter Apprenticeship at its Pekin Campus in Pekin, IL. This employer-sponsored program provides a structured, paid training experience for individuals pursuing a career in the carpentry trade in central Illinois.

Over four years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. The curriculum covers framing, concrete formwork, interior and exterior finish work, blueprint reading, material estimation, and construction safety. Classroom and field training are coordinated to build a comprehensive skill set that prepares apprentices for real-world construction environments.

Graduates of the Pekin Campus program earn journey-level carpenter status, giving them the credentials to pursue careers across a range of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council's broad regional reach supports graduates in finding ongoing employment throughout Illinois and surrounding areas.

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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