Construction & Skilled Trades
Carpentry
Program Summary
Carpentry is the most common way of joining, cutting and framing wood in the construction of buildings, furniture and other objects. Carpenters must observe building code requirements to construct, erect, install or repair structures and fixtures made of wood, such as concrete forms, building frameworks, including screens and partitions, joists, studding and rafters; wood stairways, window and door frames, trim, and flooring. They may also install cabinets, counters, siding, drywall and insulation.
While each carpentry task varies, most involve the same basic steps. Working from blueprints or instructions from supervisors, carpenters first layout the project — measuring, marking, and arranging materials, when appropriate, in accordance with local building codes. Next, they cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, or drywall using hand and power tools; such as saws, drills, planers, and sanders. Then they join the components using nails, screws, staples, and/or adhesives. In the last step, carpenters perform a final check for the accuracy of their work with levels, rules, plumb bobs, framing squares, and surveying equipment and make any necessary adjustments.
To be successful, carpenters must be knowledgeable in each of these areas and skilled in their application. They must also be able to make accurate mathematical calculations and have skill and dexterity in the use of their hands.
Carpenters enjoy the flexibility of being able to work in various locations and can be found working outdoors on construction sites or indoors working on interior structures and fixtures, such as walls, floors, windows, doors, and stairs. Most carpenters are employed by contractors or builders and many belong to labor unions. About one-third of all carpenters are self-employed entrepreneurs.
Employment Trends
- Employment for carpenters should continue to increase in parallel with new housing starts and as commercial ventures grow and renovate. While jobs are available in most parts of the country, typically there are more jobs in urban areas.
- New and improved tools make the job of a carpenter more flexible. Therefore, carpenters with the latest equipment and the best all-around skills tend to work on the better projects.
- Training involves several years of formal training, such as in a trade school, combined with on-the-job training by an employer -– often in an apprenticeship program.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Skills development and preparation potentially leading to professional credentialing through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
Curriculum
PGCC’s comprehensive program offers both lecture and hands-on lab. It is comprised of two courses. At the conclusion of the program, students will be familiar with basic safety, building materials, fasteners and adhesives, hand and power tool usage, blueprint reading, floor systems, framing, walls, ceilings and concrete and reinforcing materials.
|
Crs #
|
Course Name |
Hrs
|
|
CRP301
|
Introduction to Carpentry, Level One, Part I (4.8 CEUs) |
48
|
|
CPR301
|
Introduction to Carpentry, Level One, Part II (4.8 CEUs) |
48
|
|
|
Program Total |
96
|
As required by the State of Maryland, applicants for apprenticeship programs must possess a high school diploma or GED and be at least 17 years of age. The program requires 4 years and 144 to 160 hours per year of related instruction. Additional requirements can be found online at http://www.dllr.state.md.us.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I skip Level 1 Part 1?
No, the courses must be completed sequentially to ensure you have the fundamental knowledge and skills to proceed to the next level in the NCCER curriculum.
- Will more classes be offered?
Yes, an expansion of the program is planned to provide all four levels of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum in Carpentry.
For additional information, contact:
Adrienne Crowell, PGCC Program Coordinator
301-322-0894, acrowell@pgcc.edu
Key Words