
Carpentry is a foundational skill that can also be the start of a rich career. If you’ve never considered a career in carpentry before or haven’t had a way to learn more about it, the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) may be for you. CARP prepares candidates to complete the intake process for the Philadelphia Carpenters’ Apprenticeship Program and to be successful as a Union Carpenter in the field from day one.
CARP identifies and trains motivated women, people of color, and other Philadelphians who have existing barriers to employment in the building trades. Union commercial carpenters earn living wages, get access to healthcare and retirement benefits, and access to continuing education and training for career advancement.
About the CARP Program
CARP Training Includes
Interview Skills, Resume Building, Job Search Skills
Being Successful in Construction through Attitude, Character, and Ethics
Working with the Tools and Material – Shop Skills & Safety
Construction Math – Measurement and Beyond
Applicants should possess above average manual dexterity, coordination, and balance. Carpenters work both indoors and outdoors in extreme weather. The work is hard and physical by nature.
Requirements at Time of Application Include
High School Diploma/GED
Participants must be at least 18 years old
A valid driver’s license
Ability to pass a drug screening
Live in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County
2023 TRAINING DATES
OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 15 – Application Period
NOVEMBER 22nd – 10am & 6pm Virtual Information Sessions
DECEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 15 – Interviews
TRAINING ORIENTATION
JANUARY 10 & 12 – 5pm to 9pm
SATURDAY TRAININGS – 8am – 3:30pm
JANUARY 14th, 21st, 28th
FEBRUARY 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
MARCH 4th, 11th
APPLICATION DEADLINE
NOVEMBER 15, 2022
Apply Today
Applications for the first CARP cohort of 2023 are closed. Sign up to learn more about the program and updates for 2024!
The Carpenters Joint Apprentice Committee of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and the General Building Contractors Association, have partnered to offer the CARP. CARP is a Pre-Apprenticeship program registered with the PA Department of Labor.
Philadelphia’s Contractors Look for and Hire CARP Graduates
The CARP Difference.


