No cost info
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
No cost info
Looking to start a career in carpentry or sharpen your woodworking skills in Memphis? Carpentry is a steady, hands-on trade with reliable job opportunities in residential, commercial, and specialty construction. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpenters in Memphis earn an average of $52,420 per year or $25.20 per hour (May 2024). This guide covers where to find carpentry classes, how fast you can become a carpenter, and what the job market looks like in Memphis.
Carpentry is the skilled trade of building, installing, and repairing wooden structures such as homes, furniture, and cabinets. Carpenters use tools like saws, drills, and measuring equipment to cut, shape, and assemble wood.
Common tasks include:
To become a carpenter, you’ll need both classroom training and on-the-job experience. Training usually includes:
The timeline depends on the program you choose:
Here are local options for carpentry training:
Memphis Vocational Technical College
Offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry, covering blueprint reading, roofing, framing, and finishing. Includes hands-on projects and internships.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Mid-South Apprenticeship
A four-year program combining classroom study with paid jobsite experience. Apprentices learn while earning a wage.
Memphis Woodworking Academy
Specializes in woodworking and carpentry. Offers beginner and advanced courses in furniture making, cabinetry, and wood turning. Classes range from single-day workshops to multi-week training.
While in-person carpentry classes are the most common option in Memphis, there are also some online and free resources available for those interested in learning carpentry skills.
Online Carpentry Classes: Several online platforms, such as Udemy and Skillshare, offer self-paced carpentry courses that can be completed from the comfort of your own home. These classes cover a wide range of topics, from basic woodworking techniques to advanced cabinetry and furniture making.
Free Carpentry Classes: The Memphis Public Library system occasionally offers free carpentry workshops and seminars, often in partnership with local organizations. These classes provide an opportunity for community members to learn basic carpentry skills without incurring any costs.
In Memphis, many carpenters pursue certifications to prove their skill level:
Carpenters in Memphis can work in a variety of settings, such as:
The city’s construction growth and infrastructure projects create steady demand for carpenters with up-to-date training.
What is the best way to learn carpentry?
The best way is through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in a carpentry program or apprenticeship.
What is the fastest way to become a carpenter?
Short-term certificate programs or apprenticeships can prepare you in a few months, though most take 1–2 years.
How to become a carpenter in Tennessee?
Complete a technical or vocational program, gain on-site experience, and consider certification as a journeyman carpenter.
Carpentry offers long-term career stability, practical skills, and opportunities to earn while you learn. In Memphis, students can choose between technical colleges, apprenticeships, or private workshops, with additional online and free options for flexibility.
Explore more skilled trades training in Memphis through Dreambound, where you can compare programs across healthcare, technology, and construction.
Wondering if there's more? Perhaps these other articles will be more helpful if this one isn't exactly what you're after:
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