Carpenters

The Work
Carpenters work with power and hand tools. They build forms for concrete and frame buildings, walls, footings, columns and stairs. Wood framing includes house building, roofs, stairs, decking and sheathing. Carpenters install doors, windows, storefronts and hand rails, and build cabinets, counter tops and finished stair handrails. They also work on drywall, wood flooring, metal jams and ceilings.

Carpenters do interior and exterior finish work, work with drywall and metal studs, install other interior systems, weld, and do many other related work processes. They also read blueprints, and must measure accurately and calculate dimensions. They may be involved in the original construction or remodel of almost every kind of structure, including houses and commercial buildings, bridges, churches, factories, and highways.

Working Conditions
The work is very physical and involves a good deal of standing, climbing, kneeling, lifting and squatting. Work is done both indoors and outdoors, depending upon the stage and nature of construction and area of emphasis. Location of the job site generally changes several times during the year. Apprentices may need to travel and relocate to take an available job. One day they may work inside where it is warm and dry and the next day outside where it is cold and wet. They must be in good health, meet certain strength requirements, be agile and have good hand-eye coordination. Work conditions vary with each job. Some are quite strenuous, while others such as cabinetry and finish work are less so.

The Apprenticeship
This program, depending upon specialty, requires 5,200-8,000 hours (two to four years) on-the-job to complete and attendance at related training classes for 160 hours per year. These are scheduled in four one-week daytime sessions; carpenters are not expected to be at work during these times.

To Apply Contact:

King County:
Charlie Blankenship 425/235-7854
Jody Kane, Assistant 425/235-2465
PO Box 2020 FAX 425/235-7831
Renton WA 98056 charlieb@ctww.org
RTC Bldg. L

Yakima:
Randy Teague 509/452-0320
Carolyn Durkee, Assistant
1720 Presson Place FAX 509/573-9960
Yakima WA 98903 ctcyak@nwinfo.net