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Carpentry Technology (CARP)

Degrees & Certificates:

The focus of Green River’s Carpentry Technology Program is to train you to become employed in the field of carpentry. You can earn a variety of certificates or an Associate in Applied Science degree in Residential and Light Commercial Carpentry.

Carpenters build and maintain wood structures ranging from rough scaffolds and concrete forms to buildings that require exact finish work. Using both hand and power tools, carpenters erect wood framework buildings, install windows, apply exterior siding, and install moldings, cabinets, doors and hardware.

Carpentry Technology is a pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare the student for entrance into the carpentry field. Students graduating from the Carpentry Technology program may be evaluated and placed as advanced apprentices.

Green River Community College also offers a variety of certificates relating to the construction field:

As a carpenter, you can work for:

  • apartment complexes
  • boat building firms
  • construction companies
  • contractors
  • lumber companies

You may find work as a:

  • boat builder
  • cabinet maker
  • carpenter
  • carpenter’s apprentice
  • carpenter’s helper
  • concrete contractor
  • finishing carpenter
  • framer
  • general contractor

When can new students enroll?

You may enter Green River’s Carpentry Technology program or specific class at the beginning of any quarter as space is available.

Prerequisites

You must be able to understand verbal and written communications.

How long does the program take?

For some students, it may take as little as one or as many as five quarters depending upon how many certificates they want to earn. For those pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree, it may take five to six quarters (less than two years) to complete all of the degree requirements.

Special fees

Lab fees will vary, depending upon the courses taken. Basic hand tools and a tool bag will be loaned to students during their first and second quarters only. Before leaving the program, students can expect to spend $300 or more on their own tools.

Personal requirements for success

You should be a person in relatively good physical health who enjoys working outdoors, likes to be creative, and likes to work with both mind and hands.

Does the program transfer to four-year schools?

In general, the Carpentry Technology classes are not designed to transfer. However, an agreement has been made with Central Washington University so that certain Carpentry Technology classes will be a direct equivalent to classes in their Construction Management degree. For more information, contact Glen Martin at ext. 4208 or Paul Mueller at ext. 2635.

Special program notes

Here’s what Green River’s Carpentry Technology program offers you:

  • Hands-on experience. Students actually build a house—from laying out the site to installing all finish hardware
  • A pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare you for entrance into the carpentry field. Students graduating from the Carpentry Technology program may be evaluated and placed as advanced apprentices
  • A certificate of completion for satisfactory completion of any Carpentry Technology course
  • Instruction in methods of constructing forms, frames and room systems, as well as finish carpentry
  • Training in blueprint reading and material estimation
  • An opportunity to participate in Cooperative Education
  • Opportunities to learn skills that will allow you to start and build your own contracting business

Employment outlook

The outlook for employment in carpentry is excellent. Nearly 100 percent of Green River's carpentry students have been placed in full-time carpentry positions. This includes both degree graduates and those who have completed the certificate programs.

Salary range

Salaries have been on the rise for the past few years. Currently the entry level wage for most students who complete at least three quarters of training is $11-14 per hour. Pay increases correlate to the amount of full-time experience a person achieves.

Course Descriptions:

For course descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.

Contact Information:

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