Schools Overview
Certificate and associate degree programs in carpentry are available at colleges and technical schools around the country. In addition to hands-on carpentry training, students learn about relevant safety and health regulations and some schools offer field experience opportunities that allow students to work under a professional carpenter.
Students interested in gaining an undergraduate education in the field of carpentry can find many schools with top-notch associate and certificate programs. Each school offers wide ranging training that covers many aspects of carpentry.
College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV
The College of Southern Nevada allows students the choice between some 150 degree and certificate programs. Aspiring carpenters can pursue an associate degree in construction technology with a carpentry emphasis. In this program, students learn about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's rules and regulations for carpentry, as well as the Industrial Residential Code. By the end of the program, graduates can read blueprints, know different lumber types and utilize a variety of tools, including power, hand, and pneumatic tools.
American River College in Sacramento, CA
The American River College in Sacramento, California, has a Carpenter Apprenticeship program that has gained state approval from the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Associate degrees are available in Carpentry Apprenticeship, Electrical Apprenticeship, and Sheet Metal Apprenticeship. Certificates are offered in similar areas, like the Carpenters Apprenticeship, Electrical Residential Apprenticeship, Ironworker Apprenticeship, and Residential/Commercial Electrician Trainee. Department apprenticeships are also available in four areas, including a Green Technology Apprenticeship and a Utilities Worker Pre-Apprenticeship.
Austin Community College District in Austin, Texas
Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, offers relevant associate degrees and certificate programs for aspiring carpenters as well. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management, a carpentry specialization certificate, or a woodworking certificate. The carpentry certificate program can be completed in a year or less and emphasizes wood-framing techniques. Students also gain skills in blueprint reading, interior and exterior finishing and construction safety. Before they are awarded the certificate, students must get real world training through a cooperative internship course.
Top Carpentry Schools
Many more schools offer solid carpentry programs around the country. For example:
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | Offers certificate and apprenticeship programs in carpentry, as well as an associate degree in construction technology that includes the study of carpentry | Albuquerque, NM |
| Des Moines Area Community College | The Building Trades/Finish Carpentry program is part of the Career Advantage program, which allows high school students to enroll for college credit | Ankeny, IA |
| Florida State College | The certificate program in carpentry offers students the option to earn two additional embedded certificates in specialized areas of carpentry, such as building materials or roof framing | Jacksonville, FL |
| Hillsborough Community College | An apprenticeship program is available through the school's Dale Mabry campus | Tampa, FL |
| Lansing Community College | Offers a Certificate of Achievement program in building construction that includes the study of carpentry | Lansing, MI |
| Palomar College | Offers a 4-year apprenticeship program | San Marcos, CA |
| Rio Salado College | Certificate of Completion in Workforce Development - Carpentry program is offered at two levels | Tempe, AZ |
Aspiring carpenters can get the real world training they need by pursuing undergraduate studies in the field. Most include a combination of classroom courses and real world training opportunities.
