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Carpentry

Carpentry

Carpentry is a skilled trade in which the primary work performed is in the use of wood to construct items as large as buildings and as small as desk drawers. Students will develop skills and the technical knowledge to layout, fabricate, frame, and install/repair structures and fixtures using hand and power tools. Students will have the opportunity to work for local nonprofit and community-based organizations, which provides valuable real-life experience.

  • TECHNICAL SKILLS

    • Wood framing 
    • Metal framing
    • Interior finishes, including drywall, trim, and finishes
    • Exterior finishes, including insulation and roofing
    • Building site layout and estimating 
    • CNC Machining
    • Blueprint drawing via CADD based system
    • Project Management software
    • Basic cabinetmaking

     

    PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

    • Social and Communication skills
    • Teamwork
    • Professional Attitude
    • Initiative and Self-motivation
    • Problem Solving
    • Interview Skills
    • Client Interactions

     

  • CAREER PATHWAYS

    • Carpenter
    • Carpenter Apprentice
    • Cabinet Maker
    • Wood Machinist
    • Home Improvement Installer

  • CERTIFICATIONS

    • OSHA Certification
    • Associated Builders and Contractors CORE Training and Certification
    • Hilti Powder Actuated Fastener System
    • Hilti Epoxy Anchor Installation Certification
    • Hilti Firestopping Solutions
    • NCCER Credentials

     

    COLLEGE CREDITS

    College in the High School – Pennsylvania College of Technology

    • Enrollment is at the beginning of each semester to take one or more of the following courses in your CareerTech program. Must have a 2.0 GPA.
      • BCT 103 – Construction Hand and Power Tools (1 credit)
      • BCT 109 – Framing Principles (4 credits) 

    Program of Study (POS) Statewide Articulations, SOAR

    • CareerTech will produce the paperwork for each semester whether they are or are not eligible to be exempt from the following credits at the following post-secondary schools. More information. 
    • The following are pending renewal and may or may not be offered by May 2025.
      • Clarion University of PA – 9 credits
      • Commonwealth Technical Institute – 11 credits
      • Delaware County Community College – 9 credits
      • Harrisburg Area Community College – 9 credits
      • Johnson College – 10 credits
      • Orleans Technical Institute – 1.5 credits
      • Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – 9 credits 

    Direct Articulations

    • Saint Francis University, Francis Worldwide – 6 credits for an Associate’s degree, 12 credits for a Bachelor’s degree.
      • 25% tuition reduction

    NOCTI

    • Pass your written assessment to recieve your recommended credit waiver at the Awards Ceremony.
      • 3 credits – Recommended to be awarded in Residential Carpentry. 1 to 2 additional credits may be awarded based on successful completion of the performance component with the written proficiency exam.
      • More details and 1300 colleges in 50 states

  • PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    Reading and math skills are very important. Students should be at grade level in these areas.

     

    UNIFORMS 

    A blue or gray CareerTech t-shirt is required. In addition, the following CareerTech items may also be purchased: sweatshirt, hooded sweatshirt (no strings), black embroidered ¼ zip sweatshirt (special order), or flannel (blue or gray). Uniforms may be ordered online or purchased at the school store.

    Jeans or work pants without holes.

    Work boots (steel toe not required)

     

    OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS

    School Uniform

Todd Swan

Mr. Swan is a CareerTech alumnus of the Carpentry program. His industry experience in commercial construction includes working as carpenter, superintendent, project manager, and business owner. He has received several certifications from NAHB, including Green Building and Business Management, and Construction Development Technologies from CSI. Mr. Swan also received the Associated Builders and Contractors Craft Instructor of the Year award.

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