Train for jobs right here in Erie, PA
Program Details
Next Start Date
September 16, 2025
Tuition Cost
No cost
Schedule
Monday-Thursday:
5-9 PM
4 months
This program allows students to train as a carpenter’s apprentice in state-of-the-art facilities. Tuition is offered at no financial cost to any student. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of construction jobs.
applications Open June 19, 2025
Your Career in Construction
Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from installing cabinetry to building infrastructure like highways and bridges. Those who are employed in the construction industry work predominantly on construction sites and are typically engaged in aspects of the industry other than design or finance.
Job Outlook
Pennsylvania is among the top 5 States with the highest employment level for carpenters. The average hourly wage for a Carpenter in Pennsylvania is $ 26.64/hour.
Program Details
Students will complete modules to prepare them to successfully pass NCCER credentials in Masonry, Carpentry, Plumbing, and Electrical. Successful graduates will also obtain the following OSHA Certifications: OSHA 10, ladder safety training, asbestos awareness, and confined space.
Schedule:
The Construction Trades Program is a 4-month program (15 weeks, 218 total training hours) with a weekly commitment of 16 hours.
All classes will be held in person in the ECAT Wayne Building, Monday through Thursday, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Chose Your Cohort
The program is offered in the fall or spring. Both cohorts offer the same experience. Choose the cohort that best fits your schedule.
Fall 2025 Cohort
Starts: September 16, 2025
Ends: December 23, 2025
Monday-Thursday from 5-9 PM
Spring 2026 Cohort
Starts: February 3, 2026
Ends: May 12, 2026
Monday-Thursday from 5-9 PM
Tuition
Tuition is offered at no financial cost to any student.
Students are responsible for providing their own personal construction gear; however, Erie Center for Arts & Technology will offer financial assistance to help with purchasing the necessary equipment.
Students are provided all necessary tools and equipment needed to complete lessons.
Additional Support
Our program includes a dedicated Student Support team that helps remove barriers that might get in the way of your success.
We work with you to solve problems related to childcare, transportation, and stress by connecting you with solutions right here in your community. We’re invested in your success and will be with you every step of the way!
Program Requirements
To participate in the Construction Trades Program you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or national or have an eligible non-citizen status (please be prepared to provide a copy of a U.S. birth certificate or passport OR a copy of a valid U.S. visa information).
- Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at least 18 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Possess an unexpired PA driver’s license.
Enrollment Process
The enrollment process has three important steps. Final decisions are made after all steps have been completed and carefully reviewed.
1. Application
All candidates must complete and submit an application form. The application deadline is July 18, 2025.
2. Assessment Test
In the next stage applicants complete a series of skills assessments. These help ensure we understand each candidate’s strengths and where support may be needed.
Assessments begin week of July 7, 2025
3. Interviews
Finally, applicants will be invited to an interview. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about your goals, motivation, and readiness to take on the program’s challenges.
Interviews begin week of July 21, 2025
Final Selection and Notification of Prospective Students
Candidates will be notified at the email address provided during the application process. Applicants who are not selected will also be informed via email. We encourage all candidates to regularly check their inboxes and spam folders.
Enrollment Communication & Application Status Updates
All communication throughout the enrollment process will be through email. Please provide an email address you check regularly. Important updates, instructions, and next steps will be sent there. Staying on top of your email will help ensure you don’t miss any critical information.
Contact Us
Courtney Wyatt
Construction Trades Program Supervisor
