Carpenter at Washington State UBC JATC
at Washington State UBC JATC in Spokane, WA
About This Program
Washington State UBC JATC sponsors this union carpenter apprenticeship in Spokane, Washington. Affiliated with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, this Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program provides structured, union-backed training for individuals entering the carpentry trade in eastern Washington and the Inland Northwest region.
The apprenticeship runs four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain real-world experience in framing, formwork, finish carpentry, and general construction work on active job sites throughout the Spokane area. Technical classes address blueprint reading, construction mathematics, building codes, OSHA safety compliance, and carpentry materials and methods.
Graduates earn journeyman carpenter status and a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion. UBC union membership through the Washington State JATC provides apprentices with escalating wages over the four-year program, along with access to health insurance, pension contributions, and a strong network of signatory contractors in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
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
Licensing in Washington
Carpenters in Washington are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
View full Washingtonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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