Carpentry

Course Description

The carpentry course includes customary procedures and methods used by the workers in the trade. The emphasis is placed on the proper use of tools, equipment, and materials. You get repetitive training on various trade operations used to develop the accuracy, neatness, and speed needed by carpenters. Some other related academic information includes trade theory, application of blueprint reading, and mathematics is an important part of the program. Students have the opportunity to analyze problems encountered in the trade and plan their solution. Shop organization and management is also stressed.

The carpentry program is a competency-based program for grades 9-12. CO-OP is available in the Senior year.

Students learn to work with hand tools, machines and materials commonly used in the trade. Emphasis is placed on laying out buildings, rough framing, roof construction, exterior finish, hanging of doors, interior finish, and concrete forms. The students do practice work with full size doors, stairs, concrete forms, interior trim, paneling, and cornices. Students are provided with detailed instruction in the logical order of the construction of a house throughout the building of models and full size construction.

Carpentry work is seasonal; because of rain, snow, and cold, the carpenter will average about 9.5 months working per year. Much of the work requires heavy lifting and working outside in all types of weather. For the person who likes the outdoors and takes pride in his/her work, the carpentry field offers the opportunity to advance basic skills.


Units Of Study

There are many units of study in carpentry, other than the stereotypical wood working. The other units include the fundamental tool process, laying out buildings, and framing. Other units of study have to deal with house construction. Some of these units of study are roof construction, exterior finish work, interior finish work. They also do stair construction, concrete forms, and machine operation and assembly.


Grading Procedures

Grading will be based on attendance, daily grades, test grades and task work.


Suggested Related Courses

Suggested related courses include: general math, industrial arts, and mechanical drawing.


Student Requirements

The student requirements for this shop are as follows: carpentry overalls with apron (white), hard soled work shoes, or tape measure (16' or larger), a pair of stair gauges, a 3 ring notebook, and a pencil.


Student Costs

The costs to the student is minimal consisting of work shoes, carpenter overalls with apron, a 16 foot tape (or larger), stair gauges, and a notebook (3 ring).


Some Related Occupations

Related occupations include: rough or finish carpenter, lead carpenter, roofer, materials salesperson, job supervisor, contractor, lumber yard worker, building inspector, cabinet maker, maintenance carpenter, and siding contractor.


Some Skills You Will Learn

A few of the many skills you will learn under leadership of our teachers are as follows: the proper use of hand and power tools, how to hang a door, build a gable roof, layout and cut rafters, install window units, install door jambs, hang and trim a door, cut and install floor joist, layout stairs and build stairs, build a hip roof, build a valley in a roof, install dry wall, cut and fit interior trim, install shingles, install aluminum and vinyl siding, install aluminum and vinyl soffit and fascia, shingle a roof, layout a building, and use of transit and builders level.


For More Information


Should you desire more information, please contact your home school counselor, contact CWCTC counselor at 925-3532, attend the CWCTC assemblies, attend the CWCTC tours for interested students, and attend CWCTC open house.