Columbia-Montour AVTS
Carpentry & Construction

Hello and welcome to the on-line home of Carpentry and Construction. This page is intended to give you an overview of what is offered in this program.

What is Carpentry and Construction?
Carpentry and Construction involves a variety of jobs including building the framework for homes, erecting walls and roofs, installing doors and windows, flooring, cabinetry, wood paneling, molding, and ceiling tiles. Construction jobs done by carpenters include remodeling, maintenance repair work, prefabricating buildings, constructing new buildings, and building forms to hold concrete at industrial and commercial building sites. The duties of carpenters vary by the type of construction, type of company, skill of carpenter, and size of community.

What Qualities Should I Have?
You should be able to visualize and appreciate good design. As in other building trades, the work is active and sometimes strenuous. You are required to stand for prolonged periods and should be able to climb and squat. Good muscular dexterity is required. Certain jobs will require you to work in fair or inclement weather. You should also have a good working knowledge of mathematics.

Post Graduation Opportunities
Entry-level positions which exist as possibilities for you upon completing this program of study include: Carpenters Apprentice, Mill worker, Lumberyard sales, Maintenance carpenter. Once experience and knowledge are gained through apprenticeship or as a helper, you may be able to advance to supervision or general construction supervision. Additional positions available requiring further education and training include: Lumber product store managers, carpentry instructors, and finish carpenters. The employment outlook for carpenters is good; however, the number of openings may change greatly from year to year due to interest rates, availability of mortgage funds, government spending, and business investments.

Students wishing to go on to further schooling should confer with their instructor or counselor to determine what level of math and science is required for entrance. Some of the colleges, universities, and technical schools student may enroll in for an associate and/or bachelors degree are: The Pennsylvania College of Technology, Johnson College, Stevens Trade School, DuBois School of trade, Technician Training School, and Delaware valley School of Trades.