Carpenter at Wayland Carpenters and Millwright Training Center
at Wayland Carpenters and Millwright Training Center in Wayland, MI
About This Program
The Wayland Carpenters and Millwright Training Center sponsors a registered Carpenter apprenticeship program in Wayland, MI. This time-based program offers paid training for individuals ready to pursue a skilled trade career in carpentry in western Michigan.
Over four years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. The curriculum covers structural framing, concrete formwork, finish work, door and window installation, and interior systems. Classroom instruction introduces blueprint interpretation, jobsite safety, building codes, and construction calculations to support practical field work.
Successful completion earns apprentices journeyman carpenter status, a recognized credential for employment in residential, commercial, and light industrial construction. The program is paid throughout, with wages that typically increase as apprentices advance and demonstrate competency in the trade.
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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