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/programs/Pages/carpentry.aspxCareer & Technical ProgramsNoMichael Johnson 23/22/2023 9:42 AM
Carpentry Diploma
Carpentry Diploma
10/20/2016 11:47 AM
No
  • Be employable
    Connect to other trades and expand your skillset
  • Stimulating environments
    Work on different projects, in different locations and with different people
  • Excellent return on your investment
    Low cost program compared to future earnings

​​Building construction is one of the fastest growing industries in America today. As well-trained carpenters, students can take advantage of numerous opportunities in residential construction.

The Median Hourly Wage in 2015 was $28.26, resulting in a yearly salary of $58,780 (Source: EMSI).

​Typically, graduates will work as carpenters for construction companies or start their own business. Graduates can choose to continue on a union pathway, starting as an apprentice, then moving on to become a journeyman, foreman and superintendent. 

Carpentry Gainful Employment InfoCarpentry Diploma

​Perry Franzen
perry.franzen@saintpaul.edu​

Carpentry is one of the time-tested and most fundamental of all building trades due to the knowledge, skills and techniques carpenters use when working with wood. If you enjoy doing meaningful work with your hands and like the idea of building homes out of lumber, our Carpentry Diploma program is for you!

The Carpentry Diploma program at Saint Paul College provides hands-on training and the theoretical skills needed to succeed. Students learn to use basic tools such as saws and pneumatic nail guns, starting with Summer Term. Carpenters use these tools to frame floor systems, assemble walls and install doors. Students learn mastering these tools in our state-of-the-art workshop and they'll apply their skills on our project site. All carpentry students work on our service learning project sites, either building a new home from the ground up or remodeling an existing house. This unique approach helps students to work in a real life setting and to work together as a group.

Classroom instruction helps student understand the steps they will be utilizing on our project site. Subjects include blueprint reading, assembly layout and project management.

After one year (Summer Term, and Fall and Spring Semesters), graduates of the Carpentry Diploma program have options that include continuing their training by entering a formal apprenticeship program run by the union or working for residential contractors.

Program Delivery Methods
Traditional in-class and hands-on training in state-of-the-art lab on Saint Paul College campus, St. Paul, MN​​

Full-time enrollment is required
Full-time enrollment is required. This is a full-time, 5-day per week day program, starting at 8am and ending at 2pm. ​

Special Supplies and Tool Costs
Students should expect to spend approximately $1100 for tools, in addition to the cost of tuition, fees, and books. A detailed list with a cost breakdown is available from the advisor. ​

Additional Recommendations
Carpentry is a demanding trade due to its complexity. Students should have good work habits, mechanical aptitude and strong math skills. Students must be able to climb, lift, carry and have a good sense of balance because carpenters often work at considerable heights.

Saint Paul College has an articulation agreement with Goodwill-Easter Seals. Students who successfully complete the Construction Program at Goodwill-Easter Seals​ can bypass the first term of our Carpentry Diploma program and start in Semester 2.

​​Saint Paul College has a transfer articulation agreement between our Carpentry Diploma program and the Minnesota State University-Moorhead​ BS Operations Management baccalaureate degree program. For more information please go to ​www.saintpaul.edu/Transfer.​​​​

Carpentry Video

​This program prepares students with skills, knowledge and techniques for a successful career in the construction industry, with a focus on residential carpentry. Students learn to:

  • Use many different hand and power tools
  • Apply safety practices and procedures
  • Interpret blueprints and construction drawings
  • Build stairs, frame roofs and walls
  • Install various siding, exterior finish products, doors and windows
  • Assemble and erect scaffolding
  • Work together in a team 

​​​​​​​​​​

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