Carpentry

What is Carpentry?

There are two types of carpentry work: rough and finish. Rough carpentry includes framing, boarding, sheathing, bracing, roofing, and studding; finish carpentry includes the installation of finished flooring, stairwork, siding, trim, wallboards, windows, and hardware. Students in the Carpentry program will learn the basics of both rough and finish carpentry, including such areas as blueprint reading, using power and hand tools, framing techniques, installing trim and hardware, estimating, and identifying materials. Many of these skills are developed through live work projects performed throughout the school. Safety instruction is emphasized throughout the program.

For more information about the opportunities available through this program, please visit the "College Credits" and "Industry Certifications" links to the left and check out this video all about the Carpentry program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uiaSP9Xrhc.

Is it for You?

Students seeking to apply to the program should enjoy hands-on labor and working with construction materials and machines. Carpentry work is strenuous and difficult, and students will be expected to utilize the techniques they learn in the classroom. Prolonged standing, climbing, and squatting are often necessary, and carpenters risk injury from slips and falls; from contact with sharp or rough materials; and from the use of sharp tools and power equipment. Work may be done alone, with a helper, or with a crew, and may be performed indoors or outdoors. Carpenters working indoors normally work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week while carpenters working outdoors tend to work irregular hours due to weather conditions. To be successful in this program, students should possess the following skills:

The ability to work cooperatively with others.
The ability to follow oral and written directions.
Average math and reading ability and measuring skills.
Eye, hand and finger coordination.
Good physical stamina and coordination.

Program Objectives

Complete PA Department of Education POS (Program of Study)
Complete NOCTI Competencies
Obtain Industry Certifications (OSHA 10 & 30, JLG, PBA, First Aid & CPR)
Earn College in the High School Credits (Pennsylvania College of Technology)
Industry Visit (Level 1)
Post-Secondary Visit (Level 2)
Complete Internship
Cooperative Education Employment (Level 3)

Level 1

CHS: BCT 103(Construction Hand and Power Tools)

Basic Safety Practice
Proper Use and Care of Hand and Power Hand Tools
Proper Use and Care of Different Types of Ladders
How to Read a Tape Measurer and Properly Measure Things
Using Stationary Electric Tools
Drawing, Reading, and Understanding Blueprints
Learning How and Why to Obtain a Building Permit, Inspections Involved in the Building Process, Layout of Square Foundations, and Properly Installing Batter Boards
Installation of Sill Plate, Floor Joists, and the Proper Order of Installing a Floor Opening and Bridging
Basic Wall Framing--Door and Window Openings, Corners, and Partitions
Ridgeboard, Rafters, Roofing Paper, and Shingles