Explore construction jobs right here in Erie, PA
Program Details
Next Start Date
October 22, 2025
Tuition Cost
No cost to the student
Schedule
Wednesdays and Thursdays 6PM-8PM at Bayfront Maritime Center 40 Holland St, Erie, PA 16507
8 weeks
BMC (Bayfront Maritime Center) and ECAT are offering an 8-week Introduction to Woodworking course, held twice a week, designed to provide foundational skills in woodworking and tool safety. Tuition is offered at no financial cost to any student. Graduates are prepared to apply for jobs available in Erie County.
applications Open September 22, 2025
Overview
Utilizing BMC’s fully equipped woodshop and experienced instructors, program participants will become familiar with beginner woodworking skills and techniques. Lessons will include hands-on engagement with the entire woodworking process – from rough cut lumber to final product – and participants will gain experience in precise measuring and cutting, use of hand and power tools, joinery, various finishing methods, and more.
Each participant will complete an individual project (make your own box) and contribute to a group project that simulates the construction process.
Participants will leave the program with a greater understanding of the construction trades and experience in the core competencies required to be a successful student in the ECAT Construction Trades Program.
You will graduate confident you have the language, understanding, and support system to start your career in the construction industry!
Construction Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pennsylvania is among the top five states with highest employment rates for carpenters and among the top ten states with highest employment rates for construction laborers, electricians, painters, and plumbers. Pennsylvanians in these occupations make an average of $25 to $30 per hour.
The Erie Center for Arts & Technology provides an avenue for Pennsylvania residents, especially those in Erie County, to acquire the skills and qualifications necessary to obtain these employment opportunities through their Construction Trades Program.
Graduates will be strong applicants for ECAT’s Construction Trades Program.
Program Details
In line with ECAT’s program, this course is intended for individuals ages 18 or older who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Throughout the course, 12-15 participants will attend evening classes at BMC’s facility twice a week for two hours each day. Utilizing BMC’s fully-equipped woodshop and experienced instructors, program participants will become familiar with beginner woodworking skills and techniques. Lessons will include hands-on engagement with the entire woodworking process – from rough cut lumber to final product – and participants will gain experience in precise measuring and cutting, use of hand and power tools, joinery, various finishing methods, and more.
Each participant will complete an individual project (make your own box) and contribute to a group project that simulates the construction process.
Participants will leave the program with a greater understanding of the construction trades and experience in the core competencies required to be a successful student in the ECAT Construction Trades Program.
This program is sponsored by BMC and facilitated by ECAT.
Schedule:
Intro to woodworking is an 8-week program with a weekly commitment of 4 hours.
Sessions take place Wednesdays and Thursdays 6pm-8pm at the Bayfront Maritime Center.
Fall
First day of classes: Wedsday, October 22nd, 2025
Last day of classes: December 18, 2025
Cost
Tuition is offered at no financial cost to any student.
Costs associated with driver’s license or PA State ID, and/or diplomas are the applicant’s responsibility.
Additional Support
Our program includes a dedicated Student Support Specialist that helps remove barriers that might get in the way of your success. For 90 days following completion of the program, our Specialist will follow up with graduates to ensure they have the support they need to apply for jobs, transition to employment in the construction industry, and acclimate to their new roles and responsibilities.
Program Requirements
To participate in Introduction to Woodworking you must:
- Be a resident of Erie County, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at least 18 years of age.
- Be legally eligible for employment in the United States.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Possess a valid photo ID: driver’s license, passport, state-issued identification card, military ID, or tribal ID.
Contact Us
Courtney Wyatt
OJT Project Manager/Construction Trades Program Supervisor
814-707-9543
