Carpenter at Southwest Carpenters and Affiliated Trades JATC
at Southwest Carpenters and Affiliated Trades JATC in Buena Park, CA
About This Program
The Southwest Carpenters and Affiliated Trades JATC sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship in Buena Park, CA. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it provides apprentices with union-backed training and employer partnerships across Southern California's thriving construction sector. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program while gaining experience on real projects.
This 4-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn framing, concrete forming, interior and exterior finish carpentry, millwork installation, and drywall systems. Classroom instruction covers construction math, reading and interpreting blueprints, California building codes, and OSHA safety standards.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level carpenters with union credentials recognized across the Southwest region. Union membership through the JATC provides access to negotiated wages, healthcare, pension benefits, and a strong professional network within the building and construction trades industry.
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.
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
Trade School
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