Course Overview

Carpenters play crucial roles in every step of construction. In our Carpentry course, students learn how these skilled tradespeople build homes and other structures from foundation to roof. As they prepare to launch careers in the construction trades or pursue postsecondary education, students develop the following skills:

• Read blueprints, building specifications, section views and elevation views; draw plans to scale
• Perform sitework such as staking out buildings and constructing footers, foundations and slab forms
• Frame floors, walls, ceilings and roofs
• Construct and install exterior finish, including windows, doors, siding, roofing, gutters and downspouts
• Construct and install interior finish, including drywall, door trim, window trim, flooring and baseboards

Working in a course lab outfitted with the latest industry-standard equipment, including SawStop saws for enhanced safety, students first master fundamentals like using hand and power tools, building walls and hanging doors. Later, they advance to installing siding, framing staircases and estimating material costs. Along the way, they learn how concepts like green building and universal design are applicable in the field.

Upperclassmen gain real-world experience by tackling carpentry projects for community schools or nonprofit organizations and securing co-op positions with local contractors. Practicing job site safety, learning to work in teams and adhering to building codes, zoning regulations and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements are important elements of the course, too.

Our Carpentry course is endorsed by the following organization:

Pennsylvania Builders Association

Course Details

Course length: 9 months

Next start date(s): Fall 2024 dates TBD

Tentative schedule: 8:15 am – 2:45 pm, M-F

Credentials & college credit

Students who complete our course earn the following industry-recognized credentials:

• OSHA Certification via CareerSafe®
• Pennsylvania Skills Certificate via NOCTI®
• Pennsylvania Builders Association® Skills Certificate
• Residential Construction Academy National Registry

Students who complete our course are well-positioned to earn associate degrees at the following school(s):

• Lehigh Carbon Community College

Career pathways

with credentials earned at LCTI:

• Apprentice Carpenter
• Finish Carpenter
• Rough Carpenter

with credentials + experience:

• Construction Foreman
• Contractor

with more postsecondary training or college degree:

• Building/Construction Inspector
• Civil Engineer
• Construction Manager

Learn more about potential career pathways.