Construction is the major industry of employment for workers in this occupational group. Most carpenters are skilled in all areas of construction, but tend to specialize in one area. The steady upturn in the construction industry has resulted in increased employment opportunities for carpenters. As the demand for construction trades increases, so is the demand for qualified carpenters.

Construction

A job in the construction trades can take you anywhere from a hands-on carpenter to a site superintendent, from building design to construction project management…and you can start your career skills training right here at CCBC with the apprenticeship program sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The construction industry pays well, and offers great job security. Whether it's new construction, a residential emergency call, or the installation of medical gas systems from components to proper operation, highly skilled plumbers and steamfitters are in high demand.

They receive instruction in the methods and principles of building construction, carpentry math, blueprint reading, drawing house plans, energy efficient building, building materials, cabinetry, concrete forming, and other related areas such as drywall, roofing, etc. Students prepare for apprenticeship employment in the construction industry, filling positions within the carpentry trade such as carpenter, framer, concrete worker, or interior or exterior finisher.

Carpenters are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments. Cabinetmakers are employed by furniture manufacturing or repair companies, construction companies and cabinet making contractors. Finishing carpenters work on the final stages of construction, such as the installation of doors, moldings, stairs, and so forth. These workers may be members of a construction union and will work out of a union hiring hall.

Carpenters are among the most numerous of skilled construction trades people because they work on all types of construction projects. Based on the historic relationship between population growth and construction activity and with the anticipation of generally good investment and housing activity, COPS projects that about 3,510 new jobs will be created between 1998 and 2008, and 5,450 replacement jobs (60% of total openings) will become available as workers retire. However, between 1996 and 1999 construction activity declined due to weaker population growth, slower economic growth and weaker labor markets. This is related to the cyclical nature of construction and the seasonal slowdowns within the industry, which result in numerous layoffs during the year.

The Carpentry Foundation program (formerly Entry Level Trades) course is aimed at those students interested in initial entry into the carpentry trade. The program deals primarily with the residential construction end of the industry but will also introduce students to some aspects of the heavy construction industry and joinery trade. Upon completion of the program you'll have the skills to enter various construction fields or seek a Carpentry apprenticeship.

Carpentry is a multi-faceted specialty in the construction industry. While many carpenters are employed on new construction sites, others earn their living doing remodeling or structural alteration work. But even more importantly, since carpenters are generally familiar with the entire construction process, they are regularly presented with opportunities to be promoted to construction foremen and superintendents.