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Carpenter
Where Skill Becomes Structure
Carpentry is a skilled construction trade focused on building, installing, and repairing structural and finish elements. Carpenters work across residential, commercial, and public projects, using precision, safety practices, and blueprint knowledge to deliver high-quality results.
Hands-On Work
Build real structures using tools and materials every day.
Earn While You Learn
Get paid while completing classroom and jobsite training.
Career Growth
Progress from apprentice to journeyworker through structured advancement
What Carpenters Do
Carpenters play a central role in nearly every construction project, turning plans into physical structures through skilled, hands-on work. From the earliest stages of a build to the final details, carpenters shape the framework, install essential components, and ensure each structure is built safely, accurately, and to standard.
Carpenters commonly perform work such as:
Frame walls, floors, and roofs
Install doors, windows, and interior finishes
Read and interpret blueprints and layouts
Operate hand and power tools on active job sites
ECWA
Our Tailored Training Path
Core Curriculum
80 hours minimum of foundational instruction covering basic construction, communication, and employability skills
CET Introduction
Construction Expedited Technology (CET) provides 8–12 weeks of hands-on exposure across a minimum of five construction trades.
On-the-Job Training
Work alongside experienced professionals while applying classroom knowledge on real job sites.
Wage Progression
Carpenter apprentices earn increasing wages as skills, training hours, and experience progress. On public works projects in Cook County, wages follow the Illinois Department of Labor prevailing wage schedule.
| Level | Typical Wage Progression |
|---|---|
| Year 1 Apprentice | 40–50% of journeyworker prevailing wage |
| Year 2 Apprentice | 50–60% of journeyworker prevailing wage |
| Year 3 Apprentice | 60–70% of journeyworker prevailing wage |
| Year 4 Apprentice | 70–80% of journeyworker prevailing wage |
| Journeyworker | 100% of prevailing wage rate |
Build Your Future With Us
Turn ambition into skill through apprenticeship opportunities designed to support growth, confidence, and lasting success.
