Carpenter at Nebraska Carpenters and Interior Systems JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Nebraska Carpenters and Interior Systems JATC in Papillion, NE

About This Program

The Nebraska Carpenters and Interior Systems JATC offers a union carpenter apprenticeship based in Papillion, NE. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program prepares apprentices for journey-level work across a broad range of carpentry and interior systems applications in Nebraska.

The time-based program runs for four years, encompassing 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Training covers framing, drywall and interior systems installation, finish carpentry, millwork, blueprint reading, and construction safety. Apprentices develop skills applicable to both residential and commercial construction environments.

Upon completion, graduates earn journey-level status and union membership benefits, including competitive wages and access to a network of contractors across Nebraska. The combination of carpentry and interior systems training gives graduates versatility and strong employability across multiple construction sectors.

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.

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

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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