On the path to beginning a new career, there will always be a few confusions along the way. Starting a journey as a carpenter is no different. Luckily, that’s exactly the purpose of this article.
Below we’ll clear up any questions or doubts you may have about how to begin a career as a carpenter in New Jersey. First, we take a look at the things you’ll need to begin the process, then we’ll provide a list of some training programs that can serve as veritable options to choose from.
Finally, we will look at a few certification and licensing options before providing insights regarding how much you can expect to earn as a carpenter in New Jersey and what the outlook projection for the next few years looks like.
How to Become a Carpenter in New Jersey
To become a carpenter in New Jersey, you will most likely have to acquire hands-on training from a college/vocational school or enroll in an apprenticeship program run by trade unions and organizations.
Both directions have their benefits. Formal training programs place a huge emphasis on fundamentals and strong mathematical foundations. Apprenticeships imbibe a strong hands-on mentality right from the go.
To enroll in most of these training programs, applicants are usually advised to have a high school diploma or GED to acquire the necessary mathematical and other skills for success.
After these steps, New Jersey carpenters may consider certification and its corollaries, which we’ll look deeper into in one of the upcoming sections.
Top Carpentry Schools in New Jersey
A top carpentry school in New Jersey must have great facilities, knowledgeable staff, comprehensive coursework, and a connection with the industry. Below are some of the best institutions that meet these criteria.
1. Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Training Fund
75 Fieldcrest Avenue, Edison, New Jersey 08837
A popular program for bringing up top-quality carpenters in New Jersey, the Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Training Fund was created by a group of competent professionals who wished to provide a platform for more successful carpenters in the state.
Here, students become technically sound carpenters under instructors who know what they’re talking about.
2. Camden County Technical School
343 Berlin - Cross Keys Rd. Sicklerville NJ 08081
Based in Sicklerville, Camden County Technical School remains one of the top technical schools in New Jersey that always makes it onto the list of the best carpentry programs around.
One of the highlights of the program is the fact that it focuses on strong fundamentals and lays a good technical foundation for students to build upon on their own through creative thinking.
Additionally, along with providing a great deal of comprehensive training, the school is also known for helping its graduates secure job placements.
3. Ocean County Vocational Technical School
137 Bey Lea Road, Toms River, NJ 08753
Lastly, Ocean County Vocational Technical School is another wonderful school worth considering for aspiring carpenters in New Jersey. The school has a great carpentry program and woodworking courses.
Here, Students may also choose to specialize if they please. This will help them build their skills even further and make job placements a lot more straightforward.
Ocean County Vocational Technical School is also known for its rigorous hands-on philosophy.
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Carpentry Licensure and Certification Requirements in New Jersey
As of the moment of publishing this article, carpenters in New Jersey are not mandated to seek certification or licensing. Some still do, however, thanks to the extra layer of credibility and appeal the step offers.
Picking a certification alternative may be challenging. Usually, one is enough in conjunction with a safety certification. For industry-specific certifications, some notable options are the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Certified Lead Carpenter credential, the US Green Building Council’s Green Building and Sustainable Technology certification, and the National Wood Flooring Association’s Certified Installer and Sand & Finisher certification.
As for the safety and health standard certifications, OSHA’s certification for safety standards adherence and the Red Cross’s CPR/first aid certificates are great choices.
Salary and Job Outlook
Entry-level carpenters in New Jersey often begin with an annual average salary of around $43,308 which is on par with the average salary in other states. Once they work their way up, they may start earning a salary on par with the annual state average of $63,284.
The highest-paid carpenters in the state usually earn as high as $92,474. Apart from experience level, location also plays a huge role in how much a carpenter makes every year in New Jersey.
Cities such as Cherry Hill, Trenton, and Franklin Park reward carpenters the most, with an annual average salary of $77,295, $68,341, and $64,218, respectively.
Carpenters in Jersey City earn an annual average salary of $56,569.
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