Carpentry offers a choice of a number of specialties including: construction, mill-cabinet, flooring, millwright, pile-driver, interior systems and lather. Each of the specialties listed above require special training. Therefore, individuals must choose what program to enter.
Length of Apprenticeship:
- Four (4) years. Apprentices average 144 hours per year in the classroom.
- General Carpentry Apprentices begin by going to Pre-Apprenticeship training for nine weeks.
- Apprentices are required to attend five consecutive classroom days per quarter for the entire program.
- Apprentices must also obtain on-the-job training by working for union contractors throughout the term.
Wage Information:
1st year 40% of journeyman wage
2nd year 50% of journeyman wage
3rd year 65% of journeyman wage
4th year 80% of journeyman wage
Journeyman Level 100% of journeyman wage
Benefits:
Health and Welfare, Pension. (These benefits are accrued during on-the-job training.)
Basic Requirements:
- Must be at least 17 years old.
- Must have an original Social Security Card.
- Must complete two years (eight credits) of required high school study which meets graduation requirements in an accredited high school or possess a G.E.D. Certificate.
- Must reside in Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry or Will Counties.
- Must be physically fit to work as a carpenter.
- Must pass an aptitude test that measures vocabulary, arithmetic ability and reasoning power.
Working Conditions:
Carpenters work in all types of weather elements.
Recommended Preparatory Classes:
Algebra, geometry, sketching, drafting, science and wood shop classes.
Work Experience:
(Helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.) Experience working in any hands-on carpentry situation.
Abilities:
Must be physically fit to perform the job of carpenter with no restrictions.
Entry Process:
- Individuals meeting the basic requirements listed above must be recommended by one of the following referral agencies:
1) The Illinois Department of Employment Security Apprenticeship Information Center.
2) A union contractor.
3) A local carpenter’s union.
- being contacted by the program, the individual must fill out an application. (Applications are available Monday– Friday from 9:30 am–4 pm during specific application periods. Call for more information.) NOTE: At the time of application, the candidate must meet all basic requirements and all required documents must be presented.
- Take and pass the aptitude test as scheduled.
- Attend mandatory orientation session.
Contact:
Will, Chicago and Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters Apprentice & Training Program
1256 Estes Avenue
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
Phone: (847) 640-7373
Coordinator:
Douglas Lid
