Can You Go to School for Carpentry?

Aspiring carpenters may choose to receive a formal education before entering the field. While a high school diploma is required to be a carpenter, education beyond that is preferred. Beyond an education, an apprenticeship is recommended. Ashworth’s online Carpentry Career Diploma can help you take the first steps you need to start your career.

What do you do in carpentry?

As a carpenter, you’ll construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. You’ll also work with blueprints and measure and mark materials while adhering to building codes. Our online, self-paced program let’s you study when and where you want and may help prepare you for the field. In our career diploma course, you’ll complete lessons such as

• Wood and Building Materials. In this lesson, you’ll learn about common building materials that you’ll encounter on a residential construction job site. The lesson focuses on wood and engineered wood products, concrete, fasteners, and adhesives.
• Building Layout. You’ll learn the steps required to layout the foundation of structures that begin the building process. The lesson will cover manual techniques using steel tapes and builder’s level, as well as more automated methods.
• Roofing. You’ll learn the terminology, materials, and processes needed to protect building interiors through proper application of common roofing materials. This lesson will also cover asphalt shingles, alternative roofing materials, the accurate estimation of required materials, and configurations of gutter systems.
• Cabinets. This lesson will cover the specification, selection, and instillation of cabinet systems for kitchens and baths including the construction of cabinet doors and drawer assemblies.

What are the different types of carpentry?

As a carpenter, you may choose to specialize in one or two areas. This allows you to develop your skills and, eventually, take on larger projects. Some types of carpentry include

• Framing carpenters. A framing carpenter works with framing, roofing, and other structures.
• Trim carpenters. Trim carpenters specialize in moldings and trims and other ornamental work.
• Cabinet makers. Cabinet makers make cabinets as well as other furniture such as dressers.
• Commercial carpenters. Commercial carpenters specialize in the construction of large buildings, like hotels, offices, and schools.

While there are other specialties, these are the most common types of carpenters. Carpenters may also build stairs and install doors and windows, and work may vary based on the project.

How much does it cost to go to carpentry school?

If you’re hands-on and think you’ll thrive in a career as a carpenter, take the first steps with Ashworth. Our flexible payment options help you choose what works best for you. Start today and pay as low as $49/month. If you have questions about our payment options, call to speak with an Admissions Advisor at .

How do I get a job in carpentry?

An education is just the first step towards becoming a carpenter. You also need to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships may take 3-4 years to complete and you’ll receive on-the-job training that may prepare you for the field. Once you enter the field, there are many career paths you can take as a carpenter. A carpenter’s salary may depend on the work they do. In 2018, the median annual wage for carpenters was $46,590 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Once you complete our program, you should be able to identify tools and materials used for standard residential construction projects and the steps for transmitting building requirements and specifications from construction documents to an actual building layout. Enroll today to start constructing your career path with Ashworth.