Carpentry
Whether you aspire to be a finish carpenter creating fine furniture or a construction carpenter building houses, bridges, and buildings, the goal of Quincy High School’s Carpentry program is to prepare you for a fulfilling career in this diverse field.
Our Carpentry Technology program covers a wide spectrum of carpentry skills, from traditional woodworking to the integration of sophisticated computer techniques.
Students progress through three levels:
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Carpentry 1: Foundational skills and knowledge in construction, traditional woodworking, and layout skills, along with an understanding of prints and technical drawings.
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Carpentry 2: Practical application through hands-on projects like building decks and sheds.
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Carpentry 3: Community projects, job expertise development, resume building, and interview skills enhancement.
Select students have the opportunity to enroll in the Cooperative Education Program, where they work in the field while attending school once a week, gaining valuable real-world experience.
QHS carpentry training is valued by the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Graduates can get an immediate head start in the apprenticeship program and boost their pay.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Graduates from our Carpentry Technology program have various pathways:
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Higher Education: Attend colleges or universities like Wentworth Institute of Technology, focusing on engineering and architecture.
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Apprenticeships: Begin apprenticeships with the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, leveraging QHS carpentry training for an immediate head start; or explore other options, such as the Boston Carpenter’s Apprenticeship and Training Fund or specialty programs, such as finish carpentry.
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Job Market Entry: Enter the workforce with a competitive skill set and experience as an entry-level construction helper. Apprentice at Boston Carpenter’s Apprenticeship and Training Fund. Apprentice to specialty programs such as finish carpentry.
Careers
Carpenters measure, cut, and install wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, engineered lumber, and concrete to fit. Carpentry ranges from rough framing to repairs to furniture construction. Carpenters who work for construction companies may specialize while self-employed carpenters may perform a wide variety of tasks including installing doors and windows, constructing buildings, and building decks. Some carpenters specialize in finish carpentry or building fine furniture.
With advanced training, students may also pursue construction management, licensed contracting, home building, furniture restoration, set construction for theatres and movies, cabinet installation, flooring contracting, antique home restoration, and door and window installation.
About 26% of carpenters are self-employed. About 35% work in building construction, and 23% work in specialty trades. Carpenters frequently switch between working for others and self-employment as jobs become available.
Average Salary
On average, Massachusetts carpenters earn $65,220, with higher salaries for business owners and those with special skills and experience. Union carpenters often earn higher salaries and benefits, while non-residential building construction pays around $59,000.
Industry/Career Outlook
Job growth will be about 2% over the next 10 years. A wide range of skills generally means more regular employment. Managers who speak Spanish and/or Portuguese have an advantage, reflecting the industry's diverse workforce. Additional career options exist in mill shops, building furniture and cabinets, as well as system-built (modular) construction.
Equipment/Software Training
Students will learn to use power tools, including table saws, band saws, jointers, planers, sanders, lathes, drill presses, skill saws, jigsaws, routers, biscuit jointers, Sawzalls, Ramsets, nail guns, screw guns, drills, Tapcon systems, and electric carving tools.
Certifications/Licenses
Students may graduate from our program with the following certifications:
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OSHA C10 Construction, Safety & Health 10 Hours
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NAVA Apprentice Carpentry Certification
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Hot Work Safety Certificate Program
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Ladder Training - Werner Ladder Co
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Scaffolding Training - Werner Ladder Co
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Certificate of Occupational Proficiency - Carpentry
Articulation Agreements
Students may earn college credits and/or scholarships via local colleges:
Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund
- Automatic Acceptance into Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program
New England Institute of Technology – 6 credits
Keene State College
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
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English
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Foreign Language
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Pathways
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1 Elective Course
Grade 10
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English
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Foreign Language
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Carpentry 1
Grade 11
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English
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Carpentry 2
Grade 12
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English
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Carpentry 3
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2 Elective Courses