Carpenter at San Antonio Carpenters JAC
at San Antonio Carpenters JAC in Austin, TX
About This Program
The San Antonio Carpenters JAC sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship administered out of Austin, Texas. This Joint Apprenticeship Committee program serves carpenters in the San Antonio and Central Texas area, offering union-affiliated, paid training for individuals entering or advancing in the construction trades.
The apprenticeship spans four years and combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices build hands-on skills in framing, concrete formwork, finish carpentry, and general construction carpentry on active job sites. Technical classes provide instruction in blueprint reading, construction math, safety regulations, building codes, and the tools and materials used in the trade.
Graduates earn journeyman carpenter credentials and a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion upon finishing the program. The union structure through the San Antonio Carpenters JAC ensures apprentices receive progressively higher wages as they advance, as well as access to the benefits and job opportunities associated with union membership in Texas.
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
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