Carpenter Programs in St. Louis, Missouri

Becoming a Carpenter in St. Louis, Missouri

Are you considering a career as a carpenter in St. Louis, Missouri? This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of becoming a skilled carpenter in this bustling city. Carpenters are essential in the construction industry, responsible for building and repairing structures made of wood and other materials. There are various paths to becoming a carpenter, including apprenticeships, trade schools, and certification programs. Let’s explore your options in St. Louis.

About St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri, known for its iconic Gateway Arch, is a city rich in history and culture. Located along the Mississippi River, St. Louis offers a diverse range of neighborhoods and landmarks, such as Forest Park and the historic Soulard district. For more information about the city, visit the official St. Louis website.

Carpentry Training Programs in St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis offers several carpentry training programs and apprenticeships to help you start your career. Here are some options:

  1. St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program
    Located in the heart of St. Louis, this program offers comprehensive training with 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 720 hours of Related Technical Instruction over 4.5 years. For more information, visit the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council’s Apprenticeship Programs page.

  2. Ranken Technical College
    Situated in the Central West End, Ranken provides a Carpentry and Building Construction Technology program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Learn more about their offerings on the Ranken Technical College website.

  3. St. Louis Community College
    With campuses across the city, including Florissant Valley, STLCC offers a Construction and Building Technology program that covers essential carpentry skills. Visit their program page for more details.

Carpentry Employment Opportunities in St. Louis

St. Louis is home to several construction companies and unions that offer employment opportunities for carpenters:

  1. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
    Located in the Clayton neighborhood, McCarthy is one of the largest construction firms in the U.S. They offer various career opportunities for carpenters. Explore their careers page for current openings.

  2. Tarlton Corporation
    Based in the Central West End, Tarlton is a leading general contracting and construction management firm. Visit their employment page to learn about job opportunities.

  3. Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
    This union represents carpenters in the St. Louis area and offers resources for finding work. Check out their website for more information.

Prerequisites for Carpentry Programs

To enroll in a carpentry program or apprenticeship in St. Louis, you typically need to meet the following prerequisites:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Pass a drug test
  • Demonstrate physical stamina and manual dexterity

Carpentry Certification and Licensure in Missouri

In Missouri, completing an apprenticeship will earn you a Journeyman Certificate from the Department of Labor. If you plan to work as a self-employed carpenter or start a contracting business, you must obtain a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License (GBL) from the City of St. Louis. For more details, visit the City of St. Louis – Construction – Contracting Business page.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a carpenter in St. Louis is a rewarding journey. With the right training and dedication, you can build a successful career in this essential trade. Contact a local school or apprenticeship program today to start your path toward becoming a skilled carpenter.

For more information on the job outlook for carpenters, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page on Carpenters.