Carpentry Apprentice (ABC)

A carpentry student in the shop

Carpentry Apprentice (ABC)

Registered Apprenticeship

16 Credits | 4 Years

Rice Lake

Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction

What is an Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a state-certified training program that combines paid related instruction and on the job training. Apprentices are trained under a written training agreement called an indenture. While indentured, the employer agrees to teach the student the skills of the trade and the apprentice agrees to learn the skills involved.

Carpentry Apprentice (ABC) Overview

Carpenters construct, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel and other materials. Topics covered during the Carpentry Apprentice (ABC) program include, but are not limited to: wood building materials, fasteners and adhesives; hand and power tools; floor systems; wall and ceiling framing; window and exterior doors; blueprint reading and elevations; site layouts; foundations and flat work; concrete and patented forms; reinforcing, handling and placing concrete; tilt up wall systems; exterior finish; roof framing and applications; thermal and moisture protection; stairs; framing with metal studs; drywall installation; interior finishes; metal building; and welding.

Program Outcomes

Carpentry Apprentice (ABC) graduates will be able to:

  • Explore trade options
  • Practice construction safety
  • Operate construction-related tools
  • Interpret blueprints to construct projects
  • Apply construction theory to related practice
  • Demonstrate measurement and layout practices
  • Identify construction materials and their applications
  • Investigate and incorporate green and sustainable energy conservation practices
Carpentry student smiling on job site

On-the-job learning is 90% of apprenticeships. Apprentices are full-time, paid employees trained by the employer's skilled workers. 

student smiling on site

Wage scale of apprentice systematically increases throughout the apprenticeship

carpentry worker measuring wood for project

Apprentices learn the theory and lab to support on-the-job learning.


Academics

The Carpentry Apprentice (ABC) courses are on site available at the Rice Lake campus.

Continuing Education

Graduates are able to apply 39 program credits towards the Technical Studies – Journeyworker associate degree program

Program Features

This four-year training program includes 5,840 hours of on-the-job training, 576 hours of paid-related instruction and 120 hours of unpaid related instruction.

Transition to Trainer

The Transition to Trainer course is required for completion. Students will take this course the last year of the apprenticeship


Required Courses

Program courses are state approved and designed specifically to meet employer needs. The unpaid related coursework is designed specifically to the local employers needs.

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Carpentry Apprentice (ABC) Courses

50410771
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Course competencies align with NCCER Core and Level 1 learning outcomes. Course topics includes an orientation to the trade; building materials, fasteners and adhesives; hand and power tool use; introduction to construction drawings, specifications, and layout; flooring systems and trade math.
50410777
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Course competencies align with NCCER level 4 learning outcomes. Advanced carpentry course topics include site layout, angular and distance measurement, advanced roofing systems, and advanced exterior wall systems.

Admissions and Tuition

To become an apprentice in the state of Wisconsin, one must first be indentured by the State Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS). To become indentured you must:

  • Contact an employer on your own. Employment is a requirement of entering an apprenticeship.
  • Once you have an employer/sponsor, contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to initiate the application process between you and your employer.

To learn more, visit the ABC of Wisconsin website. 

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Carpentry Apprentice (ABC)

16 Credits | 4 Years

$3,069

There will be additional fees from ABC of Wisconsin in addition to the estimated tuition and fees listed above.


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Carpentry Apprentice (ABC) Program

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will receive a Completion Credential from the Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.


Partnership

 ABC of Wisconsin’s flexible, affordable craft and safety training leads to industry-recognized, national credentials for today’s leading construction positions. Together, ABC of Wisconsin helps individuals train, transform and triumph as they pursue meaningful careers that advance their potential and building strong communities.


Contact

Eric Lockwood, Director, Apprenticeships and Academies
715.246.1871
Email Eric

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