Carpentry Training
Gain the skills you need for a career—at no cost to you! Job-ready in just 20 weeks.
About the Training
Do you want a career that keeps you on the move?
Are you a natural problem solver?
Do you enjoy working on a team to achieve shared goals?
Becoming a carpenter might be the right choice for you!
Enroll in Summit’s accelerated, 20-week training and learn the skills you need to land a living-wage career in the construction field. This training focuses on the instruction necessary to become an entry-level carpenter, either with a union or a non-union employer.
We offer accredited, hands-on training, industry-informed skills and credentials, and job placement support.
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Top Carpentry Graduate Jobs
Apprentice Carpenter
Trim Carpenter
Finish Carpenter
Window Installer
Maintenance Technician
Framer, Roofer, General Labor
20
weeks
Accelerated training
Gain the skills you need to land a career quickly.
$0
cost
No cost to you
Financial aid supports your full tuition.
$45k
Average salary
Most students earn a higher wage after Summit.
What Carpentry Students Say
Hands-On Skills
Akeeylah, ‘25
Build Your Future
Maria, ‘25
No Cost to You
Duane, ‘25
Find Success
Angelica, ‘25
Courses & What You’ll Learn
Our dedicated instructors and staff will support your 20-week journey.
Weeks 1-10
Basics of Carpentry
During the first 10 weeks of the training, students are mostly in the classroom. This starts with instruction on safety training, math principles, blueprint reading, and identifying and understanding basic hand and power tools like tape measure, hammer, circular and reciprocating saws.
The instructors discuss everyday carpentry examples to help students understand how all the components impact the building process. While students get a high-level view of the processes and complexities of carpentry, they’ll also get a chance to learn about some of the building blocks of the construction industry.
Classes meet in-person, Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–2:50 p.m.
Goals
- Learn general industry terms and construction concepts
- Identify hand and power tools and understand safety techniques
- Gain confidence and build workforce readiness skills
Phase I Courses
- Introduction to Safety
- Hand and Power Tools
- Building Materials
- Print Reading
- Construction Math
Weeks 11-20
Practical Experience
During Phase II, students are mostly completing hands-on projects outside of the classroom. This part of the training is designed to challenge students with a higher degree of difficulty in carpentry execution. Students work in pairs and small teams on residential and commercial framing systems. Students gain practical experience with the entire framing process, from problem-solving to evaluating, refinement and execution.
By the end of week 20, students will have gained a deeper understanding of carpentry and begin to see the challenges they are likely to encounter when working on a job site.
Classes meet in-person, Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–2:50 p.m.
Goals
- Learn framing practices and systems
- Understand and apply construction safety
- Participate in hands-on installation and special projects
- Develop practical skills with hand and power tools
- Continue workforce readiness, participate in mock interviews
- Attend a hiring fair on campus and connect with employers
Phase II Courses
- Framing
- Special Projects
- Career Development
Steps to Enroll
Complete Application
Complete the online application. We’re here to help if you have questions!
Pass Placement Test
A Summit staff member will contact you to schedule an on-site placement test. Testing generally takes 2-3 hours. Passing requirements vary by program.
Complete the FAFSA
You must complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our school code is 015950.
Financial Aid Meeting
After completing the FAFSA, you will receive an email from your financial aid counselor to set up a meeting to discuss next steps. If you are 25 and younger, you will need financial information from your parent or guardian.
New Student Orientation
Attend a half-day orientation on campus one week before your start date. More information about this event will be provided to you once you have completed all prior steps and are enrolled.
Begin Your Journey
Congratulations! By this step, you are a Summit student. We look forward to having you on campus and supporting your individual journey.
Carpentry FAQs
Below you will find questions and answers specific to the Carpentry training, or you may also visit our general Summit FAQs.
Students are required to:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have earned a high school diploma or GED, which must be presented if requested.
- Bring a valid State ID, driver’s license, or other government issued ID to all testing and meetings with admissions staff.
- Pass the placement test. Passing requirements vary by program.
- Complete the FASFA form and meet with a Financial Aid counselor.
Carpenters may work in many different settings within the residential and commercial construction field. Job examples include: cabinetmaker, trim carpenter, wall framer, deck builder, formwork carpenter, roofer, and more!
We partner with many local employers, and especially have deep roots in the construction industry. See a list of employers we partner with here.
Yes! We have an entire team dedicated to supporting your career journey beyond the walls of Summit. We have staff who will work with you throughout the 20 weeks on workforce readiness skills and staff who will help connect you directly to employers towards the end of your coursework. We also host on-campus mock interviews and hiring fair events.
Yes, you can. We suggest that you apply to one of our construction trainings, including carpentry, if you have a felony record.
Many companies in the Financial Services, IT, or Healthcare fields require background checks prior to hiring. This may include both criminal and financial. Having a felony record WILL affect your ability to find employment in those fields.
Questions? Contact Our Admissions Staff
