How Long Does It Take To Become A Carpenter?

Carpenters are the ones responsible for construction of buildings, highways, bridges and other infrastructures. They also repair and make fixtures and furniture form wood and other types of materials. This may sound like a very challenging job requiring sufficient skills and creativity which could make you ask: how long does it take to become a carpenter? If you want to know the answer, read further and learn more about this profession.

After high school, it would take 3 to 4 years for you to learn and familiarize the craft of carpentry through on-the-job trainings, apprenticeship programs, vocational schools or enrollment in technical colleges. However, if you wish to excel in this career, you can choose from the following degrees to attain formal education:

• 2-year Associate Degree in Carpentry – To be qualified as a journeyman or for admission to higher degree programs, you need to complete this degree. Requirement of an internship program for 4 hours aims to combine demonstration and hands on experience in classroom training. The following are the courses expected to improve the student’s educational and training skills:

• safety
• introduction to microcomputers
• interpersonal relations and professional development
• cabinet making
• stair design, roofing
• residential remodeling
• residential framing
• materials estimation
• basic carpentry math
• materials selection
• job estimating
• blueprint reading, foundations
• finish carpentry techniques
• building codes and standards

• 4-year Bachelor Degree in Carpentry - This is a great leap if you prefer to complete projects with engineers, architects and building designers. Same with the associate degree, it is also required that you undergo and complete an internship program with emphasis in commercial or residency carpentry. Courses within the program includes:

• technical mathematics
• framing
•  construction materials and selection
•  job estimating
• interpersonal relations and professional development
• blueprint reading
• foundations and roughing in
• finish carpentry techniques
• Applicable codes and standards.

• Masters Degree – This is advised if you would like to specialize in the construction field. For you to complete this, you need to submit your thesis and finish an internship in residential or commercial carpentry. Trainings included during graduate programs include the following:

• home renovation
• remodeling
• antique restoration
• technical mathematics
• framing
• interpersonal relations and professional development
• construction materials and selection
• job estimating
• blueprint reading
• foundations and roughing in
• finish carpentry techniques
• applicable codes and standards

Provided the choices, I am sure you now have an idea on how long it takes to become a carpenter. This may require some time especially if you would like to attain a specialization. Whichever you prefer, remember that in any profession, job and career opportunities are better for those who possess trainings and excellent skills. Don’t stop learning and develop your abilities.