Carpenter at Northern WI Carpenters Advisory Comm

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Northern WI Carpenters Advisory Comm in Rhinelander, WI

About This Program

The Northern Wisconsin Carpenters Advisory Committee sponsors this registered carpenter apprenticeship in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This employer-based program provides individuals in northern Wisconsin with a structured, paid entry into the carpentry trade, combining practical work experience with formal technical training over four years.

The program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on construction projects throughout the Rhinelander area and northern Wisconsin, building skills in framing, layout, concrete forming, and interior and exterior finishing. Technical instruction covers blueprint reading, construction mathematics, safety regulations, building codes, and the use of carpentry tools and equipment.

Graduates earn journeyman carpenter status and a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion, credentials that demonstrate skilled competency to employers across Wisconsin and nationally. The Northern Wisconsin Carpenters Advisory Committee supports apprentices throughout their training, helping connect them with experienced contractors and quality job site placements in the region.

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.

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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