About CTP
Carpenter Trade Preparation (CTP) is a Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program registered with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries. Through hands-on instruction with tools of the trade, this free, three-week course will teach you what a Union Carpenter does. Your attendance, positive attitude, and willingness to learn are key to success. Expect ongoing feedback. In the last week your instructor will provide you with an honest assessment of your readiness for the apprenticeship program. Set a goal to earn your instructor’s recommendation for a direct interview for an apprenticeship program.
What To Expect from CTP
- A portion of your time in CTP will be in a classroom (at PNCI and/or online), but there is plenty of in-person, hands-on learning as you gain experience with tools, materials and fasteners
- Textbooks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tools, and other class materials are provided
- Course topics include safety, blueprint reading, construction measurement techniques, using tools, materials and fasteners, understanding construction industry culture and the Union Carpenters place within the industry
- Earn the OSHA 10 safety certification required to work
- Wear a T-shirt with minimum 4” sleeve, jeans or work pants, and 6″ leather work boots
- Bring a writing utensil, a notebook or paper for note taking, and your lunch
- On the first day of class, you will be asked to verify that you have a driver’s license so be sure to have that with you
Preview Your Options
CTP introduces you to the five apprenticeship options at PNCI. At the conclusion of your three weeks in the free training you will know which of the apprenticeships is the best match for your interests.
Carpenter | Exterior Interior Specialist | Millwright | Pile Driver | Scaffold Erector
Each apprenticeship is designed as a four-year “earn and learn” program with community college credit. Paid On-the-Job-Training is part of apprenticeship and PNCI Apprentices return to our campus four times a year to take week-long classes on topics related to their trade (blueprint reading, welding, concrete forms, scaffolding, etc.) These classes are free for apprentices who also earn up to 64 credits towards an associate’s degree from Mt. Hood Community College.
Your Preparation is Our Purpose
Successful CTP graduates confidently apply to their choice of apprenticeships, feel well-prepared for the interview and are primed to succeed as an apprentice. This pre-apprenticeship experience will help you make an informed decision about your future.
The Path: From Apprentice to Journey Worker
On average, our first term apprentices earn $26 per hour plus benefits. As you gain more experience and knowledge, you qualify for a series of eight raises on your four year path to become a journey-level worker. Current journey-level wage is about $43 per hour plus benefits. As a member of a local union and the NW Carpenters Union, you will join 29,000 professional carpenters at work in the Pacific Northwest. The Union is committed to a fair day’s pay, safe work site, secure retirement and an inclusive work site for all workers. Union apprentices can expect job placement help, wage increases, and health insurance. Learn more at nwcarpenters.org.
CTP Schedule
Expect nine CTP classes in 2023! Locations and dates to be announced. The online application is open now. Contact outreach@pnci.org with questions.
- April 10 – 28, 2023 at PNCI-Portland campus
- April 10 – 28, 2023 at PCC’s OMIC-campus in Scappoose
- May 22 – June 9, 2023 at PNCI-Portland campus
- More to come!
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