Carpentry Program
Our Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
ABCNM carpentry apprentices earn competitive wages and benefits while working on the job. Depending on the training period, an apprentice’s wages are based on a percentage of the journeyperson rate for public works projects or a wage survey for non-public works jobs.
The ABCNM Carpentry Apprenticeship Training Program encompasses a minimum of four years and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Applicants, who can document prior experience, may be eligible to take a placement test and could potentially begin their apprenticeship training program at a higher class year.
A normal workweek is 40 hours. However, due to the nature of this industry, hours may be more or less depending on weather conditions, other trades, job delays, or other unforeseen situations. Apprentices should be prepared to travel to job sites. Dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.
ABCNM apprentices attend school two nights a week, two semesters a year (Fall and Spring) for 4 years. Apprentices may also be required to attend scheduled Saturday classes throughout the year. In class, ABCNM instructors teach practical application and theory. In addition, demonstrations and hands-on instruction are conducted on safe and proper methods.
After completing ABCNM’s apprenticeship program, graduates receive a certificate of completion from the State of New Mexico and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. More importantly, they will have the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in today’s competitive workforce.
Because of the length of the program, commitment to the classroom, and on-the-job performance requirements, one should be passionate about and dedicated to their chosen trade. When making selection decisions, ABCNM looks for candidates who want to become career carpenters.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) developed the apprenticeship programs to help meet construction industry demands for skilled craftspeople. The ABCNM Carpentry Apprenticeship Program is accredited by the State of New Mexico, and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. ABC’s apprenticeship programs help contractors maintain a safe and skilled workforce. With competition as stiff as it is today, quality performance is critical in order to bring construction projects in on time and under budget.
About The Trade
Constructs, erects, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, and wallboard using hand and power tools. Verify trueness of structure with plumb bob and carpenter’s level.
Studies blueprints, sketches and building plans for information pertaining to required materials and dimension of structure or fixture to be fabricated. Selects specified type of lumber or other building materials.
Prepares layouts, using rule, framing square, chalk and making gauge.
Shape materials to prescribed measurements using saws, chisels and planes. Assemble cut and shaped materials, fastening them with nails, dowel pins or glue.
Lays hardwood, parquet, and wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to sub-floor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base. Apply shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, and decorative paneling to ceilings and walls.
Fits and installs prefabricated window frames, doors, door frames, weather stripping, interior and exterior trim, and finish hardware, such as locks, letter drops and kick plates.
Constructs forms and chutes for pouring concrete. Erect scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above ground level. Weld parts to steel structural members.
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. New Mexico Chapter will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. New Mexico will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30 and 11.2.2 NMAC.