Overview of Carpenters

A Carpenters Associate degree focuses on fundamental skills and techniques of carpentry including safety practices, construction terminology, layout and design principles as well as how to read blueprints and job specifications. The Carpenters will also learn to use tools such as saws, drills, wrenches, hammers and pneumatic tools. Additionally, the carpenter will learn about processing lumber, plywood and other components used in construction projects.

Career Opportunities for Graduates with an Associate Degree in Carpenters

Graduates of a Carpenters Associate degree program can pursue a number of career options. They may seek employment as a construction worker, a project manager, a supervisor on construction sites, a sales representative, or even become self-employed as a contractor. There are also plenty of opportunities for those in certain areas to pursue a higher line of carpentry as a specialist in building construction, building inspection work or even cabinetry.

Internship or Co-Op Opportunities Related to Carpenters

Many schools offer internship or co-op opportunity courses for a Carpenters Associate degree program. These can provide valuable on-the-job training and experience while in school. These internships or co-ops can also be great networking opportunities, and a way to get a better job after graduation. Additionally, students can join student clubs or local trade organization to stay connected with the industry and be ready to find work after graduation.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Carpenters

Some associates degree program in Carpenters offer specialized tracks or concentrations. Depending on the school, these could include topics like residential construction, commercial carpentry, interior finishing, cabinet making and other related fields. By taking specialized courses within the Carpenters Associate degree program, students can gain additional knowledge to further their careers in the industry.

How does an Associate Degree in Carpenters Prepare Students for Further Education

An Associate degree in Carpenters prepares students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs. Completion of an associates degree can provide a student with a solid foundation in theory and skills that can help them succeed in other programs such as architecture, construction management or civil engineering. Furthermore, completion of a Carpenters Associate degree can set students apart from other job applicants, as they will have a greater knowledge of construction terminology, safety practices and tool usage that employers are looking for.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Carpenters

Artificial intelligence will likely have a major impact on the Carpenters industry. With the advent of robotic carpentry tools, it is likely that some manual labor jobs in carpentry will become automated, which could result in job losses in the short-term. However, many experts believe this would surely lead to new jobs in the long-term in areas such as AI programming and robotics engineering. In addition to this, AI could also bring new safety and productivity options to the carpentry industry, which could ultimately benefit both carpenters and consumers.

The Career Outlook for Carpenters

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for carpenters is growing faster than average, with a 10% growth rate projection in the next ten years. This is partly due to the increasing demand for construction in the industry. Furthermore, most states and localities require proof of carpentry experience and license to practice certain jobs, so an Associate degree in Carpenters may be a major asset to job seekers and existing professionals.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Carpenters:

Ivy Tech Community College, Salary: $64,697

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Salary: $36,722

Austin Community College District, Salary: $34,521

Triangle Tech Inc-Greensburg, Salary: $29,765

Triangle Tech Inc-Bethlehem, Salary: $29,765

Triangle Tech Inc-Pittsburgh, Salary: $27,622

Ranken Technical College, Salary: $26,984

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, Salary: $23,412

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their associate degree in Carpenters.