Carpenter at Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund
at Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund in Helena, MT
About This Program
The Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund offers a Carpenter apprenticeship in Helena, MT. This employer-sponsored, non-union program provides a structured path into the carpentry trade for individuals looking to build a lasting career in construction.
The program is time-based and spans four years, with apprentices completing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Training covers core carpentry skills including framing, forming, finishing, blueprint reading, material estimation, and jobsite safety. Apprentices are paid throughout the program as they develop practical, employer-valued skills.
Graduates of this program complete their training as journey-level carpenters, qualified to work across a range of residential and commercial construction projects in Montana and beyond. The carpentry trade offers strong long-term earning potential and consistent demand across the construction 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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Carpenter
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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