CARPENTRY

ABOUT THE CARPENTRY: Black Girl Beauty School of Careers welcomes students who are strong, self-motivated and fast paced learners who desire to learn, grow, beautify and help others. The Carpentry Business is a recession free industry that’s wide open, with unlimited opportunities! 

As a carpentry apprentice, you will learn a wide range of hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and safety procedures that will allow you to work as a professional carpenter. Carpentry apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, preparing you for a career in construction or related industries. Here’s what you can expect to learn during your carpentry apprenticeship:

• Measuring & Cutting: Learn how to accurately measure and cut wood and other materials using hand tools, power tools, and saws.
   
• Joinery: Master various methods of joining wood pieces together, such as nails, screws, wood glue, dowels, and more.
   
• Framing: Learn how to build the structural framework for buildings, including walls, floors, and roofs.
   
• Shaping & Finishing Wood: Gain expertise in shaping and smoothing wood surfaces, such as sanding, planning, and finishing wood for final installation.
   

• Hand Tools: Learn to use essential hand tools like hammers, chisels, planes, levels, and tape measures.
   
• Power Tools: Get hands-on experience with power tools such as circular saws, drills, jigsaws, nail guns, and routers.
   
• Heavy Equipment: Depending on your specialty, you may also operate larger construction equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, or cranes.
   

• Reading Blueprints: Learn to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to understand project specifications and dimensions.
   
• Drafting & Design: Understand basic principles of drafting and how to convert designs into construction-ready plans.
   

• Accurate Measurements: Gain proficiency in taking precise measurements using rulers, tape measures, and laser levels.
   
• Layout Techniques: Learn how to mark out projects on building materials, such as how to measure and lay out cuts for walls, floors, and roofs.
   

• Framing: Learn to build the skeleton of houses, including floor joists, wall studs, and roof trusses.
   
• Roofing: Understand how to build and install different types of roofs, including pitched and flat roofs.
   
• Interior & Exterior Finishing: Install doors, windows, trim, baseboards, and other finishing elements to complete residential structures.
   

• Commercial Framing: Work on larger structures, including office buildings, schools, and shopping centers.
   
• Drywall & Insulation: Learn how to install drywall and insulation, as well as the framing for partitions and ceilings in commercial buildings.
   
• Steel Stud Framing: Gain experience with framing using steel studs for commercial applications.
   

• Cabinet Construction: Learn to design, build, and install custom cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces.
   
• Furniture Making: Work on fine woodworking projects such as furniture, shelves, and specialized woodwork items.
   
• Woodworking Techniques: Master the use of advanced woodworking tools and techniques for creating intricate designs.
   

• Structural Framing: Focus on the construction of the raw framework of buildings, including floor systems, roof systems, and wall framing.
   
• Decking & Formwork: Learn to build decks, scaffolding, and formwork for poured concrete.
   

• Workplace Safety: Learn to follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety standards, wear protective gear (PPE), and avoid common workplace accidents.
   
• Tool and Equipment Safety: Understand the proper operation and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery.
   
• Job Site Protocol: Learn how to handle dangerous materials, perform safe lifting practices, and work in hazardous conditions like construction sites.
   

As you progress in your apprenticeship, you will begin to learn more advanced carpentry techniques, such as:

• Roof Framing: More complex roof framing skills, including hip roofs, gable roofs, and vaulted ceilings.
   
• Staircase Construction: Building staircases, landings, and installing handrails.
   
• Advanced Joinery: Mastery of fine joinery techniques such as dovetail, mortise and tenon, and box joints for furniture or cabinetry.
   

While the majority of your training will be hands-on, you will also spend time in the classroom learning:

• Building Codes: Understand local and national building codes, zoning laws, and regulations related to construction.
   
• Mathematics: Gain a solid understanding of measurement, geometry, and math skills specific to carpentry, such as calculating angles, volume, and material quantities.
   
• Estimating Costs: Learn how to calculate the cost of materials, labor, and time required for carpentry projects.
   

As an apprentice, you will also gain practical experience working on job sites, including:

• Project Coordination: Learn how to collaborate with other tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, and masons, to ensure that all aspects of the project are completed on time.
   
• Time Management: Develop the ability to manage your work schedule and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality.
   
• Customer Communication: If you work with clients, you’ll gain skills in explaining project details, timelines, and costs to homeowners or business owners.
   

After completing your apprenticeship, you will be eligible to take the journeyman carpenter exam (in areas where it's required) and earn your certification. This will allow you to:

• Work Independently: You can begin working on projects without supervision, or even start your own carpentry business.
   
• Advance to Master Carpenter: After years of experience, you can become a master carpenter, specializing in complex and high-end carpentry projects.
   
• Supervisory Roles: As you gain experience, you may move into project management or supervisory roles, overseeing teams of carpenters on large construction projects.