Carpenters are usually immensely talented, creative, and graceful. But of course, the field is so vast that no matter how gifted and creative aspiring carpenters are, they will still have to consolidate their inherent gifts with training and mentorship.
To help aspiring carpenters in Georgia begin their careers, we have provided the guide below to help make the journey very pleasant. First, we offer a detailed overview of the steps involved in starting a carpentry career in the state before following it up with specific certification and licensure requirements to consider.
And, of course, to satisfy the need for training and mentorship, we have also included a few top programs for aspiring carpenters in Georgia to enroll in.
How to Become a Carpenter in Georgia
The following are the steps required to become a carpenter in Georgia.
Step 1: Understand the Basic Requirements
The basic requirements for becoming a carpenter in Georgia include being at least 17 years old, being in physical shape, and having a passion for carpentry and woodworking. Possessing complementary skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, interpersonal, and communication skills is also helpful.
Step 2: Choose your Training Option
Carpenters in Georgia usually obtain the required skills through academic or on-the-job training programs.
- Academic Program- Individuals interested in becoming carpenters in Georgia may enroll in carpentry courses in community colleges or trade schools. These programs can be completed in weeks, months, or even years.
- On-the-Job Training- Becoming a carpenter in Georgia is possible by skipping academic training and going straight to acquiring skills on the job. Candidates may enroll in apprenticeship programs organized by trade unions and non-profit organizations.
Apprenticeship programs usually take between 3 and 4 years to complete and include many hands-on instructions.
- Carpenter Assistant- Another on-the-job training alternative for aspiring carpenters in Georgia is working directly as a carpenter’s assistant before graduating to become fully-fledged carpenters.
Step 3: Specialize
Not all carpenters in Georgia specialize, but it is an option for fresh carpenters who have just completed their training to consider specialization.
Among the possible specialization areas for carpenters in Georgia include cabinet making, flooring and finishing, window installation, deck building, and more.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
The state of Georgia categorizes rough carpentry and finish carpentry as specialty trades. Therefore, there are no licensing requirements for professionals in these fields. The state does not have any particular certification requirements, if any.
That said, whether or not to obtain certification is left to individual carpenters.
As obtaining certification has many benefits, many choose to pursue one anyway.
As a fresh carpenter in Georgia, some popular certifications to pursue include the Certified Lead Carpenter and the Green Building and Sustainable Technology credentials. Obtaining accreditation from OSHA and the Red Cross is also advisable.
Top Carpentry Schools in Georgia
Below are some of the top carpentry schools in Georgia.
Columbus Technical College
Aspiring carpenters in Georgia may study residential carpentry at Columbus Technical College. Before they graduate, they will become familiar with key topics, from how to read blueprints to how to fabricate various carpentry components following construction principles.
South Georgia Technical College
South Georgia Technical College offers a framing carpentry program where students develop all the skills needed to be professional carpenters. To enroll, candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED.
Upon admission, they will start with an introduction to basic carpentry principles before moving on to more advanced topics. Students will have to complete 11 credit hours of training to graduate.
Lanier Technical College
Finally, Lanier Technical College offers another excellent carpentry training program that is more than enough to prepare interested individuals for successful careers as carpenters in the state. Students may enroll for admission in the school’s locations at Winder, Cumming, and Gainesville.
Explore Carpentry Schools By City
Salary and Career Outlook
An aspiring carpenter in Georgia may look forward to an annual average salary of $34,637 after securing entry-level employment. Further down their career, they may earn a higher yearly average wage of $54,657.
Ultimately, a carpenter in Georgia can earn as high as $86,304 if they fall on the favorable side of factors such as experience and location.
Concerning location, Lawrenceville is the highest-paying city to be a carpenter in Georgia. Carpenters here earn an annual average salary of $58,876. Carpenters in Augusta are the second highest paid in the state, with an average yearly salary of $58,621.
Carpenters in Marietta, Savannah, and Kennesaw are the third, fourth, and fifth highest paid in Georgia, with annual average salaries of $55,305, $54,894, and $54,647, respectively.
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