Pre-Apprenticeship Syllabus

Syllabus: Carpenter / High Performance Builder Apprenticeship 

Program Overview

This two and a half year competency-based apprenticeship combines 4,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) with 1,020 hours of related instruction to develop a well-rounded and highly skilled carpenter. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in traditional carpentry skills while integrating modern, high-performance building principles.  420 hours will be an initial training period before Apprentices are hired by an employer.

Year 1: Foundational Skills & Shop-Based Learning

The first year focuses on hands-on, practical skills in a controlled workshop environment before transitioning to the field.

Pre-Apprentice 12 weeks, 7 hours/day: 420 Hours

Related Instruction, 1 day/week in classroom for 25 weeks: 200 hours

On the Job training: 1,380 hours

Pre-Apprenticeship (3 Months Intensive: ~420 Hours) 📚

  • Orientation & Safety (Days 1-5): Introductions to the trades, program orientation, and essential safety training, including an OSHA 10-hour Outreach for Construction certification. Topics cover hazard recognition, fall protection, electrical safety, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Construction Math (Days 6-10): A deep dive into the math required for carpentry, including working with fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic geometry for calculating areas and volumes. This is integrated with a hands-on project.
  • Tools & Equipment (Days 2-5 & Weeks 1-2): Hands-on training with hand tools (hammers, wrenches, measuring tapes) and power tools (drills, saws, grinders, nailers). Apprentices learn safe operation, maintenance, and application.
  • Building Fundamentals (Days 13-20): Learn to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. This culminates in a team project to build a shed, focusing on floor, wall, and roof framing systems.
  • Intermediate Projects (Days 21-60): Apprentices apply their skills to more complex projects like building a tiny house. This section also introduces building materials, fasteners, adhesives, basic rigging, and heavy equipment operation.
  • Soft Skills: Throughout the year, instruction covers essential workplace skills, including basic communication, employability skills and character development along with problem-solving and teamwork.

Related Instruction 200 hours:

  • OSHA 30


  • Building materials and basic installation methods: 170 hours
    • Roofing 
    • Exterior Finishes 
    • Drywall finishing
    • Flooring
    • Cabinet and Counter Installation
    • Doors and Hardware
    • Windows
    • Interior Trim
    • Fasteners

Year 2: High-Performance Building & Specialty Trades

Year two moves beyond basic carpentry to focus on the specialized knowledge of a “High Performance Builder.”

On the Job training: 1,800 hours

Related Instruction (~200+ Hours) 📚

  • High Performance Building 128 hours
    • Reading Construction drawings with a focus on water, vapor, air, thermal systems
    • Foundation systems related to the four control layers
    • Floor systems integrating the four control layers
    • Wall systems integrating the four control layers
    • Roof Systems integrating the four control layers
    • Basics of Weatherization
    • SEON Basics of High Performance Building
    • SEON Continuous Control Layers
    • Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards
    • Topics include understanding the thermal envelope, air barriers, and vapor drive, as well as citing the Vermont Residential Energy Code Handbook.

  • Integrated Trade Skills: 24 
    • This year introduces other critical trades that intersect with carpentry:
    • Electrical Safety: Safe work practices around electrical hazards.
    • HVAC: Basic principles of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
    • Plumbing (DWV, Plastic & Copper): Learn about Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) systems, as well as the properties and installation of plastic and copper piping and fixtures.
  • Business & Codes: 48
    • International Building Code
    • NFPA 101
    • Rental Housing

Year 3: Advanced Building Principles

The final year of the apprenticeship focuses on cutting-edge and advanced construction methods.

On the Job training: 820 hours

Related Instruction 📚200 hours

  • Cost Estimating
  • Modular & Panelized Construction: Understanding the processes and principles behind modern, prefabricated building techniques.
  • Advanced Green Materials: Learning about and working with sustainable and environmentally friendly construction products.
  • Understanding Advanced Building Principles: Further development of skills related to holistic, high-performance construction, building upon the knowledge gained in Year 2 and including Passive House principles..

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Total ~4,000 hrs🛠️

    • Concrete (120 hours): Basic concrete work, such as preparing equipment pads and sidewalks.
    • Floor Systems (320 hours): Installation of subfloors, hardwood floors, and underlayments. Apprentices learn to read drawings, select materials, and construct floor assemblies.
    • Building Wall and Ceiling Systems (600 hours): The core of the OJT, covering the construction of walls, ceilings, and floor systems. This includes laying out sills, girders, and joists, and erecting and bracing wall partitions.
    • Roof Framing (480 hours): Learn to frame and set common, valley, hip, and jack rafters. Apprentices will apply sheathing and various roof coverings, and use framing squares and calculators to determine rafter lengths.
    • Windows & Doors (200 hours): Proper installation of pre-hung windows, skylights, and exterior doors. This includes understanding flashing, thresholds, and locksets.
    • Insulation and Weatherization (240 hours):  Install various types of building insulation, and learn air sealing methods including caulking and spray foam 
    • Exterior Trim (200 hours): Learn to use various tools for exterior finishing, including skill saws, drills, and sanders. This section also covers rain screen installation.
  • Siding (400 hours): Learn to install various types of siding
    • Interior Wall Coverings (200 hours): Focus on installing drywall and other interior wall materials.
    • Stairs (120 hours): Learn to lay out and cut stair horses and install stringers, treads, and risers.
    • Interior Finish (300 hours): All essential interior tasks, including cutting and fitting base, molding, and trim; setting door jambs; installing finish hardware..
    • Bathrooms & Kitchens (200 hours): Specific OJT for installing bathroom surrounds, fixtures, and kitchen and bathroom components.
  • Flooring (200 hours):  Install underlayment and various types of flooring
  • Painting and Finishing (120 hours):  Select and install select paint and finishes
  • Air Barrier (80 hours):  SEON integrates High Performance Building into the building envelope
  • Moisture Control (120 hours): Demonstrate SEON High Performance Building training in controlling moisture as it moves through buildings
  • Building as a System (100 hours): SEON ties together building systems that work together to create low maintenance and high efficiency.

Wage Schedule & Program Details

  • Term: 2 ½  years
  • OJT Hours: 4,000
  • Related Instruction Hours: 1,020
  • Journeyworker Wage: $28.00/hour
  • Apprentice Wage:
    • Period 1 (1,580 hrs): $19.46/hour (69.5%)
    • Period 2 (2,000 hrs): $22.26/hour (79.5%)
    • Period 3 (1,020 hrs): $25.06/hour (89.5%)
  • Probationary Period: 90 days