Carpenter at Tennessee Carpenters Regional Council JATC
at Tennessee Carpenters Regional Council JATC in Chattanooga, TN
About This Program
The Tennessee Carpenters Regional Council J.A.T.C. sponsors this registered carpenter apprenticeship based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This employer-based program provides a structured path into the carpentry trade for individuals in the Tennessee region, with apprentices earning wages throughout their training.
The program runs four years and combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced carpenters on construction sites, gaining skills in framing, forming, finish carpentry, and general construction tasks. Classroom training supports hands-on work with instruction in blueprint reading, construction math, building codes, material knowledge, and OSHA safety requirements.
Graduates earn journeyman carpenter status upon completing the program, along with a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion. This credential is portable and recognized by employers throughout the construction industry, making it a valuable foundation for a long-term career in carpentry across Tennessee and beyond.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Carpenter
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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