Carpenter at Treasure Valley Carpenters JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Treasure Valley Carpenters JATC in Meridian, ID

About This Program

Treasure Valley Carpenters JATC offers a registered union Carpenter Apprenticeship program located in Meridian, ID. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it provides apprentices with union-backed training, wage protections, and access to the professional resources of an established labor organization serving the Treasure Valley region.

The program runs for four years and includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training along with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in wood and metal framing, formwork, finish carpentry, construction safety, and blueprint reading, with classroom coursework reinforcing field skills at every stage of the program.

Completing this apprenticeship earns graduates journey-level status as union carpenters, qualifying them for a wide range of construction projects in the Boise metro area and across the broader Treasure Valley. The region's strong construction activity makes skilled, credentialed carpenters consistently sought after.

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.

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

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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