What Does an Apprentice Carpenter Do?

An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction. An apprentice carpenter must have excellent organizational and time-management skills and extensive knowledge of the carpentry industry to support the project completion for the customer's satisfaction.

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Apprentice Carpenter Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real apprentice carpenter resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

Operate tools ranging from drills, caulking guns, tape measure to chop saws, table saws, skill saws.
Provide help with certain tasks such as drywall, paint, caulking and framing, brickwork, roofing, and landscaping.
Trim work, framing, paint, Sheetrock.
Maintain a clean work site, while utilizing the proper PPE.
Help with multiple side jobs and bathroom renovations, from demo to finish.
Operate a terrain telescoping man lift, backhoe, skid steer and tractor.
Carry materials up and down ladders with a tool belt on ready to install it.
Certify in using heavy equipment, such as backhoe, skid-steer, fork-lift, and man-lift.
Show up to various job sites to demo kitchen and bathrooms to prepare rooms for new installations.
Ensure that the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are worn for each task to reduce injuries.
Perform and assist with framing, roofing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, interior installation and various rough carpentry tasks.
Assist and learned proper skills of framing, roofing and various rough carpentry tasks while gaining experience through an apprenticeship.
Perform residential maintenance and construction work, including home remodels, concrete, siding, plumbing, carpentry, and painting.
Move and install machinery and erect scaffolding.
Determine amount of materials identify appropriate construction locations and transport scaffolding materials.

Apprentice Carpenter Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, apprentice carpenter jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "faster than average" at 8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become an apprentice carpenter?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of apprentice carpenter opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 80,100.

An apprentice carpenter annual salary averages $37,902, which breaks down to $18.22 an hour. However, apprentices carpenter can earn anywhere from upwards of $30,000 to $47,000 a year. This means that the top-earning apprentices carpenter make $14,000 more than the lowest-earning ones.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become an apprentice carpenter. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That's why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include a mason, construction assistant, general foreman, and journeyman.

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12 Apprentice Carpenter Resume Examples

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Willie Greene Apprentice Carpenter Contact Information Fort Campbell North, KY (990) 555-9825 wgreene@example.com Skills Basic Training Hand Tools Platoon Process Prisoners MOS Osha Individual Training Reference Points Mathematics Physical Security Employment History Apprentice Carpenter 2020 - Present BL Harbert International Fort Campbell North, KY Observed all building codes, company, state, OSHA safety rules, regulations and guidelines. Bottom sheeter/ able to accurately read tape measure. Update and log all contracts, contract change orders and purchase orders prior to forwarding to accounting in the corporate office. Apprentice Carpenter 2016 - 2020 BL Harbert International Fort Campbell North, KY General construction Accomplishments Made lead carpenter after 2 yrs on the job. operated power tools, hand tools, saws, nail guns, power lift, fork truck. Managed hand tools and supplies Installation of siding, /Residential and Commercial Completed different phases of finishing Designed and built custom cabinets and furniture for Madison area homes. Maintained all Carpentry hand tools and experienced with related power tools. Infantryman 2012 - 2016 US Army Fort Campbell North, KY Operated and maintained field communications equipment Completed two combat tours Iraq 2008-2009, Afghanistan 2011-2012 Functioned and maintained communications equipment in an active combat radio net. Served two combat tours totaling nineteen months of overseas service in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Maintain all unit equipment; vehicles, communications equipment, tools, night vision devices, weapons, electronic equipment. Education High School Diploma 2012 - 2012


Alice Crawford Apprentice Carpenter Contact Info Fairfax, VA (780) 555-4965 acrawford@example.com Skills Additional OrdersWater GlassesCustomer ServiceGuest TablesPossible HazardsSafety RulesCommunicationFast ServicePlumb BOBIce Cream Employment History Apprentice Carpenter 2020 - Present Miller&Long Fairfax, VA Assist heavy equipment operators to secure special attachments to equipment. Operate forklift, drills, saws, pneumatic nail guns, and other various power tools and equipment. Utilize drills, saws, bolts, and hammers to repair structures Use levels, rules, plumb bobs, framing squares, and surveying equipment to ensure everything is level Apprentice Carpenter 2019 - 2020 Tradesmen International Fairfax, VA Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level. Implemented and studied the specifications in blueprints, sketches, and project layout. Performed finishing/taping work and installing windows on occasion. Use of heavy equipment( backhoe, bobcat skid steer, and various forklift equipment.) Food Runner 2009 - 2019 IHOP New York, NY Provide customer service, accurately write down guests food orders, accept payment. cash register,customer service applies.I train new hire ,if necessary.I am very hard worker.I am very punctual. Maintain thorough knowledge of menu to ensure customer satisfaction. Education High School Diploma 2009 - 2009


Angela West Apprentice Carpenter New York, NY (410) 555-3702 awest@example.com Experience Apprentice Carpenter2020 - Present United Brotherhood of Carpenters ...•New York, NY Build projects from start to finish using various hand tools, power tools and air tools associated with carpentry. Removed and spotted damaged or defective parts or structure sections Changed from one task to another without compromising project standards. Managed hand tools and supplies Installation of siding, /Residential and Commercial Completed different phases of finishing Painter Apprentice2010 - 2020 Wright Tree Service•East Lansing, MI Sprayed with hvlp conventional sprayer also drove fork truck. Painted interior and exterior surfaces, including houses and furniture, for private and commercial clients. Ground Crew (Part-Time)2010 - 2010 Wright Tree Service•East Lansing, MI Calculated and devised ways to remove trees safely Operate power tools and heavy equipment Dispose of tree limbs and remains Perform lawn care, snow removal, landscaping and bobcat services. Skills Direct SupervisionCustom CabinetsPunch ListSoundproof SectionsDifferent TypesWeather ConditionsJob TrainingKitchen CabinetsHand ToolsExterior Surfaces Education Certificate Kinesiology2009 - 2010 Michigan State University•East Lansing, MI

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Apprentice Carpenter Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 19% of Apprentices Carpenter are proficient in Hand Tools, Ladders, and Caulking. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

We break down the percentage of Apprentices Carpenter that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Hand Tools, 19%
Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, or glue.
Ladders, 10%
Accustomed to working on ladders, rooftops, atop rafters and other high-risk environments.
Caulking, 9%
Apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings and operate woodworking equipment/machinery
Work Ethic, 9%
Maintained proactive work ethic in order to gain new skills, improve work environment and ensure customer satisfaction.
Scaffolding, 9%
Determined amount of materials identified appropriate construction locations and transported scaffolding materials.
Reference Points, 7%
Mark reference points on construction materials.

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Some of the skills we found on apprentice carpenter resumes included "hand tools," "ladders," and "caulking." We have detailed the most important apprentice carpenter responsibilities below.

Business skills can be considered to be the most important personality trait for an apprentice carpenter to have. According to a apprentice carpenter resume, "self-employed carpenters must bid on new jobs, track inventory, and plan work assignments." Apprentices carpenter are able to use business skills in the following example we gathered from a resume: "helped family business with roofing in my off time . "

Another commonly found skill for being able to perform apprentice carpenter duties is the following: detail oriented. According to a apprentice carpenter resume, "carpenters make precise cuts, measurements, and modifications." Check out this example of how apprentices carpenter use detail oriented: "received positive feedback from the customers and supervisors for my work ethic and attention to detail. "

Apprentices carpenter are also known for dexterity, which can be critical when it comes to performing their duties. An example of why this skill is important is shown by this snippet that we found in a apprentice carpenter resume: "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injury or damaging materials" We also found this resume example that details how this skill is put to the test: "performed various hands-on tasks, including demolition, roofing, siding, framing, priming, and heavy lifting. "

A thorough review of lots of resumes revealed to us that "math skills" is important to completing apprentice carpenter responsibilities. This resume example shows just one way apprentices carpenter use this skill: "carpenters frequently use basic math skills to calculate area, precisely cut material, and determine the amount of material needed to complete the job." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical apprentice carpenter tasks: "used mathematical skills to successfully sheet rock and frame commercial buildings engaged in quarterly classes to increase skill level"

Another common skill for an apprentice carpenter to be able to utilize is "physical strength." Carpenters use heavy tools and materials that can weigh up to 100 pounds an apprentice carpenter demonstrated the need for this skill by putting this on their resume: "perform tasks involving physical labor in custom residential construction: * framing * finish carpentry * tile * roofing"

Lastly, this career requires you to be skillful in "problem-solving skills." According to apprentice carpenter resumes, "carpenters may need to modify building material and make adjustments onsite to complete projects." This resume example highlights how apprentice carpenter responsibilities rely on this skill: "design and implement creative solutions following building code and strict safety regulations"

See the full list of apprentice carpenter skills.

After discovering the most helpful skills, we moved onto what kind of education might be helpful in becoming an apprentice carpenter. We found that 21.6% of apprentices carpenter have graduated with a bachelor's degree and 1.4% of people in this position have earned their master's degrees. While some apprentices carpenter have a college degree, you may find it's also true that generally it's possible to be successful in this career with only a high school degree. In fact, our research shows that one out of every two apprentices carpenter were not college graduates.

Those apprentices carpenter who do attend college, typically earn either business degrees or general studies degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for apprentices carpenter include criminal justice degrees or construction management degrees.

Once you've obtained the level of education you're comfortable with, you might start applying to companies to become an apprentice carpenter. We've found that most apprentice carpenter resumes include experience from Aerotek, Messer Construction Co., and PeopleReady. Of recent, Aerotek had 14 positions open for apprentices carpenter. Meanwhile, there are 10 job openings at Messer Construction Co. and 4 at PeopleReady.

If you're interested in companies where apprentices carpenter make the most money, you'll want to apply for positions at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cleveland Construction, and Baker Concrete Construction. We found that at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the average apprentice carpenter salary is $46,203. Whereas at Cleveland Construction, apprentices carpenter earn roughly $44,967. And at Baker Concrete Construction, they make an average salary of $44,558.

View more details on apprentice carpenter salaries across the United States.

If you earned a degree from the top 100 educational institutions in the United States, you might want to take a look at Tradesmen International, Michaels Stores, and Hobby Lobby. These three companies have hired a significant number of apprentices carpenter from these institutions.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious apprentice carpenters are:

Aerotek14 Apprentices Carpenter Jobs
Messer Construction Co.10 Apprentices Carpenter Jobs
Swinerton4 Apprentices Carpenter Jobs

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What Masons Do

A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.

In this section, we compare the average apprentice carpenter annual salary with that of a mason. Typically, masons earn a $6,072 higher salary than apprentices carpenter earn annually.

While their salaries may differ, one common ground between apprentices carpenter and masons are a few of the skills required in each craft. In both careers, employees bring forth skills like caulking, scaffolding, and reference points.

There are some key differences in responsibilities as well. For example, an apprentice carpenter responsibilities require skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "work ethic," and "strong work ethic." Meanwhile a typical mason has skills in areas such as "masonry," "dump truck," "retaining walls," and "windows." This difference in skills reveals how truly different these two careers really are.

The education levels that masons earn is a bit different than that of apprentices carpenter. In particular, masons are 4.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an apprentice carpenter. Additionally, they're 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What Are The Duties Of a Construction Assistant?

A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.

Now we're going to look at the construction assistant profession. On average, construction assistants earn a $1,170 higher salary than apprentices carpenter a year.

Not everything about these jobs is different. Take their skills, for example. Apprentices carpenter and construction assistants both include similar skills like "caulking," "reference points," and "drywall installation" on their resumes.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, apprentice carpenter responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "work ethic," and "scaffolding." Meanwhile, a construction assistant might be skilled in areas such as "safety procedures," "general contractors," "equipment operators," and "manual labor." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, construction assistants earn a higher salary than apprentices carpenter. There are industries that support higher salaries in each profession respectively. Interestingly enough, construction assistants earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $59,937. Whereas, apprentices carpenter have higher paychecks in the construction industry where they earn an average of $42,204.

When it comes to the differences in education between the two professions, construction assistants tend to reach similar levels of education than apprentices carpenter. In fact, they're 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

How a General Foreman Compares

Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.

The general foreman profession generally makes a higher amount of money when compared to the average salary of apprentices carpenter. The difference in salaries is general foremen making $10,615 higher than apprentices carpenter.

By looking over several apprentices carpenter and general foremen resumes, we found that both roles utilize similar skills, such as "safety rules," "power saws," and "construction projects." But beyond that the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers are a few of the skills necessary to fulfill responsibilities. Some examples from apprentice carpenter resumes include skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "caulking," and "work ethic," whereas a general foreman might be skilled in "safety procedures," "osha," "quality standards," and "oversight. "

General foremen make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $54,753. Whereas apprentices carpenter are paid the highest salary in the construction industry with the average being $42,204.

General foremen typically study at similar levels compared with apprentices carpenter. For example, they're 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of a Journeyman

A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.

Journeymen tend to earn a higher pay than apprentices carpenter by about $19,780 per year.

While their salaries may vary, apprentices carpenter and journeymen both use similar skills to perform their jobs. Resumes from both professions include skills like "hand tools," "caulking," and "work ethic. "

Each job requires different skills like "ladders," "scaffolding," "reference points," and "door frames," which might show up on an apprentice carpenter resume. Whereas journeyman might include skills like "safety procedures," "osha," "pvc," and "preventative maintenance."

In general, journeymen make a higher salary in the construction industry with an average of $62,379. The highest apprentice carpenter annual salary stems from the construction industry.

In general, journeymen reach similar levels of education when compared to apprentices carpenter resumes. Journeymen are 1.2% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Updated October 2, 2020