PROGRAMS | CONSTRUCTION
CARPENTRY
Carpentry is the basic trade of the residential construction industry. Students are provided "hands-on" training in a wide variety of carpentry skills. From creating rough drawings, to applying blue prints, to installing the finished carpentry work, this course reinforces classroom theory with "live" construction projects. Students will gain experience constructing, erecting, installing and repairing structures and fixtures made of wood. The carpentry field presents excellent opportunities for self-motivated individuals who desire immediate employment after high school or plan to pursue post secondary education.
Entry-level earnings
$7.50 to $10.00 per hour
Career-level earnings
$36,350–$72,000
Student certifications
Vinyl Siding Installers Classroom Certification
NCCER - National Center for Construction Education and Research
NOCTI - National Occupational Competency Testing Institute Certification
OSHA Safety Certification
Accreditations
NCCER
INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Stephen Weber
Biography
I am married with seven children.
Date of hire:1981
Education
Vocational Instructional II Teaching Certification – Temple University
Journeyman’s Papers – Berks County Home Builders Association
Experience
Goggle Works Instructor/Woodshop Coordinator
Teaching HBA Carpenter Apprentice program
Baldwin Hardware Manufacturing
K Builders
O’Brien Construction
Calumet Company
Berks Excavating
Community service
Executive Board for Greater Governor Mifflin League
Pack #236-Cub Master for four years, Den Leader for two years, and Unit Commissioner for one year
Shillington Soccer Club President for one year
Education and Apprentice Committee Member
Berks County Home Builders Association
Advisor to SkillsUSA
Interests
I enjoy motocross, auto racing, white water canoeing, canoe racing, woodcarving, and fly fishing.
Message
Carpentry is a satisfying and creative career field. Imagine how good it will feel to step out of your truck each morning into the fresh outdoors, helping to build, repair, or renovate homes or commercial buildings, enjoying relaxed friendships with other professional people who are very much like you, and taking pride in the craftsmanship of the work you do with your own hands.
There is a high demand for carpenters and there are excellent opportunities for workers that choose this career field. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor and Home Builders Association Workforce Development initiatives show that carpenters will continue to be in strong demand as one of the top 30 occupations with the most annual job openings and occupations with the highest number of people employed. Local job market data also supports the need for entry-level carpenters who have a good foundational background of math, science and manipulative skills along with a desire to work.
Carpenters may work alone or for small or large contractors. They may specialize in certain aspects of the trade such as rough or finish carpentry, remodeling, or repair work. Well-rounded carpenters with diverse skills will be in highest demand. They may build residential, agricultural, and/or commercial buildings.
Within the construction industry, carpenters have the highest number (almost one third) of self-employed people.