Industry Description Carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction activity, from the building of highways and bridges, to the installation of kitchen cabinets. Carpenters construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. Depending on the type of work and the employer, carpenters may specialize in one or two activities or may be required to know how to perform many different tasks. Small home builders and remodeling companies may require carpenters to learn about all aspects of building a house-framing walls and partitions, putting in doors and windows, building stairs, installing cabinets and molding, and many other tasks. Large construction contractors or specialty contractors, however, may require their carpenters to perform only a few regular tasks, such as framing walls, constructing wooden forms for pouring concrete, or erecting scaffolding.
Department Overview Each year the Carpentry program builds a residential home with the support of the WWCC Foundation. This hands-on training allows students to participate in the "foundation-to-finish" experiences necessary to build a new home while completing the required carpentry coursework and related instruction for the AAAS Degree. Students will graduate from the Carpentry program with the knowledge and experience necessary to begin employment in the construction industry. Carpentry curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.
CONTACTS:
Walla Walla Campus Donna Young
Carpentry Secretary - Walla Walla Campus
Office Location: Main Building
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, Wa. 99362
Degrees Students may earn an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Carpentry upon completion of the two-year program of study. This degree will prepare students to take the journeyman carpenter examination. A Carpentry Certificate, is available upon completion of the first year of study in the program. Students in the Carpentry Assistant program may earn a Carpentry Basics I Endorsement after completing CARP 100. They may also receive a Carpentry Basics II Endorsement after completion of CARP 101.
Career Opportunities
Construction Mgrs / Supervisors
Experienced Carpenters
Carpenters' Assistants
Scholarships See WWCC web site under Student Services/Financial Aid for current list of scholarships available.
Entrance Requirements It is recommended that students in the Carpentry program contact the lead instructor regarding appropriate program placement and paying a priority list fee to determine specific quarter start in the program. Students may enter the program fall, winter or spring quarter, however, due to course sequencing it is recommended to begin in the fall. A placement test offered by the Student Development Center must be completed prior to admittance to the program.
Other Information All construction work expected of carpenters is completed by students. Electricians, plumbers, and heating/air conditioning technicians and concrete flat work sub-contractors are hired to assist in meeting strict building codes.
Students interested in basic carpentry may enroll in WWCC's Carpentry Assistant program. A six to nine month program, students may earn credits toward endorsements in the carpentry industry and/or towards WWCC's Carpentry program.
For additional program information including regional employment data, completion rates, student characteristics, and employment see http://www.wtb.wa.gov/etp.
