Carpenter at SOUTHWEST CARPENTER and Affiliated Trades Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at SOUTHWEST CARPENTER and Affiliated Trades Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program in Phoenix, AZ

About This Program

The Southwest Carpenter and Affiliated Trades Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program sponsors this registered carpenter apprenticeship in Phoenix, AZ. This employer-sponsored program provides a structured, paid training pathway for individuals entering the carpentry trade in one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the country. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program while developing skills on active job sites.

The program spans 4 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work with experienced carpenters learning framing, concrete forming, drywall systems, millwork, and finish carpentry. Classroom instruction addresses blueprint reading, construction mathematics, building codes applicable to Arizona, and safety regulations.

Upon completing the program, graduates are qualified as journey-level carpenters with the skills to work across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond. Arizona's ongoing growth in both housing and commercial development makes the carpentry trade a strong long-term career choice.

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.

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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