Carpentry
The RVCC Carpenter Program utilizes the national Center for Construction Education (NCCE) curriculum and
cover technical information that is used in the trade to provide students with hands-on experience to
master the skills needed for the job. Topics covered by the program include: Construction Safety,
Construction drawings, Foundations, Framing fundamentals, Building codes and building layout, Lumber,
building materials, and fasteners, Floor, wall, stair, and roof framing, Finishing floors and ceilings.
What Carpenters Do: Carpenters construct and repair building frameworks and structures—such as
stairways, doorframes, partitions, and rafters—made from wood and other materials. They also may install
kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall. Carpenters are involved in many types of construction, from building
highways and bridges to installing kitchen cabinets. Students master the skills needed to work as a
carpenter to perform various job duties. Students learn to solve carpentry problems and work with other
members of a construction team to build a successful project.
Job Outlook: Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the
average for all occupations. Job prospects for carpenters should improve over the decade as construction
activity rebounds from the recent recession.
Education Prerequisites: Students may be required to complete a placement assessment and prove manual
dexterity. A high school diploma is preferred, not required.
Carpentry Fundamentals I
36 hours
Construction safety and proper use of carpentry
tools as stressed. Course covers the building
materials used in construction work including
lumber, sheet materials, engineering wood
products, structural concrete and structural
steel. Covers proper use of hand tools and
power tools used by carpenters. Emphasis is on
safe and proper operation, as well as care and
maintenance. Work experience includes rough
framing, including layout, cutting, and fastening
of rough members in wooden structures.
Emphasis is on determination of size and span
of rough members. Floor systems, and wall and
ceiling framing and basic mathematics for
carpenters are included. Prerequisite: None
Dates: See course schedule*
Tue/Thu 6:00-9:00pm
($218 tuition, plus fees
Carpentry Fundamentals II
36 hours
Provides instruction about commercial and
residential drawings; their format, content and
use in conveying specific construction
requirements. Other topical units in Part Two
covered: Roofing Applications; Thermal and
Moisture Protection; Exterior Finishing; Coldformed Steel Framing; Drywall Installation and
Finishing. Learn to repair doors and Hardware;
Window, Door, Floor and Ceiling Trim; Cabinet
Installation and Fabrication. Prerequisite:
Carpentry Fundamentals 1 or permission of
instructor.
Dates: See course schedule*
Tue/Thu 6:00-9:00pm
Fee: $290 ($218 tuition, plus fees
Fee: $290
The Center for Workforce Development at
Raritan Valley Community College
908-218-8871 | *See Course Schedule at www.raritanval.edu/ce
Fee: $290