Carpenter at Northern Mn Carpenters Jac

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Northern Mn Carpenters Jac in Duluth, MN

About This Program

The Northern MN Carpenters JAC sponsors a union-affiliated registered Carpenter apprenticeship program in Duluth, MN. This Joint Apprenticeship Committee program provides carpenter training backed by organized labor, offering apprentices strong industry standards and union support from day one.

The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices build skills in structural framing, concrete formwork, finish carpentry, and interior construction systems through supervised field work. Classroom sessions address blueprint reading, construction safety, applicable building codes, and trade mathematics.

Completing the program earns apprentices journeyman carpenter credentials recognized throughout the union and the broader construction industry in northern Minnesota and beyond. Apprentices are paid throughout training, and wages increase progressively as they demonstrate competency and advance through each program level.

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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