The most reputed carpenters in the United States are those who have spent years honing their skills. Many of them learned the ropes of carpentry under the supervision of experienced carpenters. This process, formally known as apprenticeship, can transform an aspiring young carpenter into an able professional.
However, what does it take to become an apprentice for a handyman carpenter? Read on to know the answers.
1. Getting a General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
In the United States, GED is a qualification on par with high school diplomas. Before you become an apprentice, you must have this qualification under your belt. For an aspiring carpenter, having a GED qualification proves that the aspirant has basic reading, writing, and math skills.
While a GED is not mandatory for all apprenticeship programs, it would not harm you to get one, especially if you see yourself running a carpentry business one day. In the long run, having a GED would allow you to perform carpentry tasks and duties in independent and accurate ways.
2. Gathering experience in the construction sector
If you want to become an apprentice without a GED, don't worry - it is a possibility that you can explore. However, you have to be willing to compensate for your lack of a GED by working in the construction sector for some time.
How much experience you need depends on the apprenticeship program you want to enroll in. Some apprenticeship programs may regard you as an eligible candidate provided you have 3 months of experience in construction.
Others may require up to 6 months of experience. Working in construction would allow you to acquaint yourself with a variety of carpentry tools and techniques.
3. Making sure you are eligible on all fronts
Most apprenticeship programs require applicants to be over the age of 18 years. They also tend to be strict in terms of the state of an applicant's physical health. If you want to learn more about carpenter requirements for a license per state. Carpenters also should consider getting insurance, these provide a layer of protection against any potential risks.
Carpentry is a tough profession. Without a certain degree of physical strength, stamina, and endurance, you are likely to find it difficult to execute carpentry tasks. So, if you have an underlying medical condition that affects your physical well-being, you need to get it treated.
Otherwise, there is a high chance that your application for becoming an apprentice will be rejected.
4. Choosing a program based on your interests
Carpentry has evolved significantly through the ages, and right now, it is a vast field. Some carpenters specialize in residential carpentry. Then some carpenters are exclusively dedicated to commercial operations. There are further specializations as well based on the tools used, materials to work with, and more.
So, when you choose a particular apprenticeship program, make sure that it is aligned with your interests. When that happens, you can focus on a specific area of carpentry that you want to become an expert in.
5. Building contacts to find the right programs
Finding apprenticeship programs can be challenging. However, if you put some time into building contacts, you can find a variety of apprenticeship programs that suit your interests. The best place to start is your local trade union. Through your local trade union, you can get to know about registered apprenticeship programs. There are several unregistered programs as well, but it's best to steer clear of those as they may have safety issues.
Next, head online and visit job portals. Across these portals, you can find out about paid apprenticeship programs. These portals also state requirements you need to comply with to be eligible. Last but not least, you should visit carpenters in your local area to see if they would be willing to train you. These informal apprenticeship programs may not be rewarding in terms of a lucrative stipend, but would surely help you to gather some much-needed experience.
6. Applying for the programs
The final step is to apply for the programs you have shortlisted based on your preferences and interests. This step is all about ensuring that you have everything required to successfully apply on hand.
Once you have applied by the application rules, wait patiently until you hear back from bodies running the apprenticeship programs. If your application is approved, congratulations! You would be on your way to becoming a full-time carpenter.
Conclusion
Of course, you can become a full-time professional carpenter without enrolling in an apprenticeship program or module. However, during an apprenticeship, you can improve the most necessary skills in the carpentry business under the tutelage of an experienced carpenter. So, follow the steps in this post and begin your journey as a carpenter apprentice.
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