Carpenter at Southeastern Carpenters Training Trust

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Southeastern Carpenters Training Trust in Charlotte, NC

About This Program

The Southeastern Carpenters Training Trust sponsors a Carpenter apprenticeship in Charlotte, NC, offering a comprehensive, employer-supported path into the construction trades. This non-union program is open to individuals ready to commit to a four-year, paid training experience.

The program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced carpenters on active job sites while attending classroom sessions covering framing, layout, forming, interior and exterior finishing, blueprint reading, and workplace safety. Pay increases as apprentices advance through program levels.

Completing this apprenticeship prepares graduates to work as journey-level carpenters in the Carolinas and throughout the Southeast. Charlotte's growing construction market makes this an especially strong entry point for those seeking stable, skilled employment in the building trades.

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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