Carpenter at Midsouth Carpenters JATC (Birmingham)
at Midsouth Carpenters JATC (Birmingham) in Pelham, AL
About This Program
The Midsouth Carpenters JATC (Birmingham) sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship located in Pelham, AL. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it delivers training backed by union standards and employer partnerships throughout the Birmingham region. Apprentices earn wages from the first day on the job while building real-world carpentry skills.
The 4-year, time-based program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn framing, forming, interior finish work, exterior systems, and the installation of doors, windows, and cabinetry. Technical coursework includes construction mathematics, blueprint reading, building codes, and safety training aligned with OSHA requirements.
Graduates earn journey-level carpenter credentials and are well-positioned for careers in commercial, residential, and industrial construction throughout Alabama and the surrounding region. Union membership through the JATC offers negotiated pay scales, access to benefits, and long-term career stability in the building trades.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.