Union Carpenter Apprenticeship Program
Build Your Career with AVM Group’s Union Carpenter Apprenticeship Program
Earn while you learn with paid on-the-job training, zero student debt, and top-tier union benefits.
What Does a Commercial and Specialty Carpenter Do?
A Carpenter is far more than a traditional builder. They are a master craftsman and technical specialist. Commercial and specialty carpenters transform complex engineering drawings into functional and reliable structures in high-performance physical environments.
Working with our commercial construction and installation team, carpenters construct everything from heavy-duty structural metal stud framing, commercial drywall, and acoustic ceiling systems to high-precision finish trim and door assemblies.
Take the next step.
Fill out the brief candidate application form. Once received, our hiring team will review your inquiry and contact you regarding potential employer sponsorship for the apprenticeship.
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program Requirements
To succeed in the apprenticeship program and build a lifelong career in commercial and specialty construction, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Soft Skills & Social-Emotional Qualities
Strong Work Ethic
Punctual, dependable, and committed to showing up ready to work every day.
Curiosity
Active listening skills and a strong desire to learn.
Detail-Oriented Problem Solving
Sharp attention to detail, pride in quality workmanship, and the ability to think critically when site conditions change.
Safety Mindset
A proactive commitment to job site safety, strict adherence to OSHA regulations, and zero-compromise for safety protocols.
Growth Mindset & Receptivity
Takes direction and constructive critique positively, using feedback from senior trade professionals to continuously improve work quality and site efficiency.
Team Collaboration
Ability to communicate effectively and work productively alongside Journeymen, project superintendents, and other trade crafts.
What you need to succeed.
As an Apprentice Carpenter, you are an active employee earning a competitive wage and full healthcare benefits while learning the trade from industry experts. The apprenticeship program is a minimum four-year commitment. Your responsibilities will span classroom instruction, hands-on shop training, and real-world job site application.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform demanding physical labor in various environmental conditions.
- Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver materials weighing up to 75 lbs.
- Physical stamina to stand, bend, kneel, climb ladders/scaffolding, and work at elevated heights for extended periods.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and spatial reasoning for precision alignment.
Classroom Instruction
- See through the four-year commitment of training.
- Complete 40 hours of intensive block-schedule training every quarter (160 per year) at a regional training facility.
- Complete coursework covering trade math, blueprint reading, OSHA 10/30 safety certifications, Infection Control Risk Assessment, framing, drylining, and specialty installation techniques.
On-The Job Training
- Work 40 hours per week under the direct mentorship of experienced AVM Group Journeymen on active commercial and specialty construction sites.
- Assist with site setup, tool maintenance, material handling, layout, cutting, fitting, and material or component installation.
- Practice strict job site cleanliness, contamination control, and environmental safety protocols.
Be Eligible to Apply.
- You are at least 17 years old and will be 18 before starting work on a jobsite.
- You have a High School diploma, GED equivalent, or documented 1,500 hours of trade-related work experience.
- You have a valid state-issued photo ID, birth certificate, and legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- You can pass a mandatory pre-employment and ongoing random substance abuse screenings.
- You have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel to various job sites and regional training centers.
Ready to Build Your Career with AVM Group? Submit Your Application Today!
Complete the quick form below to apply. Our recruitment team reviews every submission and will reach out to qualified candidates to discuss open positions, career pathways, and employer sponsorship eligibility.
What you can earn.
Wage Progression
- Bi-Annual Progression: Demonstrate core trade competencies, complete required work hours, and pass technical evaluations to advance through 8 program levels over the course of 4 years.
- Earning Progression: Start at 60% of the full Journeyman base wage in your first 6 months, receiving scheduled pay raises every 6 months until reaching 100% Journeyman pay upon graduation.
- As of May 2026, the current taxable Journeyman Carpenter base rates in Ohio start at approximately $39.54/hour depending on the regional zone/county.
- Full Benefits: The total package exceeds $65.11/hour when including employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision) and pension/annuity contributions. Full health benefit coverage begins after 90 days in the program.
Journeymen make $39.54 an hour!
Your Role as a Journeyman Carpenter
As an experienced trade professional and mentor at AVM Group, a Journeyman Carpenter is responsible for end-to-end execution, quality control, and safety on complex commercial buildouts:
Blueprint & Technical Reading
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, engineering drawings, and project specifications with exact accuracy.
Precision Layout & Framing
Perform layout work using laser levels and optical tools; erect metal stud framing, structural supports, and floor/ceiling grid assemblies.
Interior Systems Installation
Hang commercial drywall, construct fire-stop walls, install acoustic ceilings, hang commercial doors, and craft custom architectural woodwork.
Specialty Environment Buildouts
Precision-install modular cleanroom/dry room wall and ceiling panels, pass-through cabinets, airlocks, lead-lined drywall, lead bricks, and heavy radiation-shielding doors.
Quality Control & Code Compliance
Ensure all installations meet or exceed building codes, ISO cleanroom cleanliness standards, and radiation safety guidelines.
On-Site Safety & Mentorship
Lead daily site safety reviews, pre-task planning, job site safety hazard analysis, maintain AVM Group’s zero-injury standard, and guide, train, and supervise apprentices on proper trade techniques.
Ready to Get Started?
Let our team know that you are interested in a Carpentry Apprenticeship by completing the form below.