Carpenter
Become a Carpenter with at-home training from Penn Foster Workforce Development.
There are certain skills you need to begin a career as a Carpenter. The Penn Foster Career School distance learning Carpenter Program helps you learn about:
- Construction drawings
- Building codes and building layout
- Lumber, building materials, and fasteners
- Floor, wall, stair, and roof framing
- Finishing floors and ceilings
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Instruction Set 1
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
Introduction to Building Trades
Career opportunities in the carpentry industry; demand for skilled workers; professional organizations; safety concerns.
Instruction Set 2
Math Skills for Carpenters
Basic math skills encountered in the carpentry field.
Textbook: Practical Problems in Math for Carpenters
Practical Exercise 1
Instruction Set 3
Understanding Construction Drawings
Reading blueprints; floor plans; sections and elevations; plot and foundation plans.
Building Codes and Building Layout
Zoning, codes, permits, and inspections required in construction; building layout techniques; use of leveling tools; foundation lines layout.
Lumber, Building Materials, and Fasteners
Types of wood and lumber; how to inspect for quality; types of engineered panels and lumber products; fastening tools.
Equipment:
• Architect's Scale
• Construction Print Set
Supplement: How to Read an Architect's Scale
Textbook: Carpentry
Practical Exercise 2
Instruction Set 4
Hand Tools and Power Tools
Types of hand tools for layout, boring, fastening, dismantling; types of power tools: saws, drills, drivers, planes, routers, sanders, staplers, and nailers; types of stationary power tools.
Foundations and Concrete Work
Procedures for creating and using concrete; repairing drainage problems; types of foundations.
Textbook: Foundations and Concrete Work
Practical Exercise 3
Instruction Set 5
Floor Framing
Types of frame construction; layout and construction of the floor frame; preventing termite attacks.
Exterior and Interior Wall Framing and Stair Framing (includes ladder and scaffolding instruction)
Procedures, tools, and parts for framing interior and exterior walls; erecting scaffolding and ladders; constructing and framing stairways and stairwells.
Roof Framing, Cornices, and Roofing
Procedures to construct roofs and cornices.
Equipment:
• Chalk Line
• Utility Knife
• Nail Apron
• Hand Saw
• Combination Square
• Claw Hammer
• 25' Tape Measure
• Nail Puller
• Framing Square
Practical Exercise 4
Instruction Set 6
Windows, Doors, and Insulation
Procedures for installing windows, exterior doors, insulation, and ventilation.
Siding, Porches, and Decks
Procedures for applying siding; construction of porches and decks; tools and supplies.
Equipment: 2' Level
Video: Building Decks
Practical Exercise 5
Instruction Set 7
Drywall Techniques
Necessary tools and materials; hanging techniques; procedures for taping and sanding.
Interior Finish
Types of interior doors; installation methods; application of trim; finishing stairs.
Finish Floors and Ceilings
Types of wood floors; layout of wood floors and tile; installing suspended or tile ceilings.
Equipment:
• Nail Set
• Coping Saw
Textbook: Drywall, Professional Techniques for Walls and Ceilings
Supplement: Work Experience Option
Practical Exercise 6
Graduation Set
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)
Equipment: Circular Saw
Textbooks:
• Finish Carpentry
• Smart Business for Contractors
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
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