Course Description
The construction and carpentry program at South Shore provides students with experience in both mill and house carpentry. Mill carpentry is performed in the shop setting learning milling techniques and the safe use of all hand and power tools used in industry. The construction phase provides hands on experience in residential and light commercial framing practices including all exterior and interior finish procedures on live job sites.
Freshman & Sophomores
In 9th grade, students begin their carpentry journey by focusing on safety, tool identification, and the basics of hands-on learning. They develop fundamental skills through lessons in measurements, math, and blueprint reading, while also being introduced to cabinet making and small shop projects. This foundation is paired with an emphasis on teamwork and work ethic, helping students build both technical ability and professional habits.
In 10th grade, the program advances as students frame the future one wall at a time. They take on full-scale projects such as floor systems, wall layout and construction, roof framing, and detailed cutting and assembly. Through erection and connection exercises and team-based builds, students strengthen their craftsmanship while preparing for real-world readiness in the carpentry field.
Skills: Basic Framing | Exterior Finishing | Interior Finishing Techniques
Juniors & Seniors
House Carpentry Program – Juniors and Seniors will participate in our outside crew program, where students leave the school campus to construct projects such as garages, additions, decks and new homes for actual customers. Students will learn all phases of framing, side walling, roofing, exterior and interior trim. They expand on the competencies learned in their sophomore years on a much larger scale to become entry level proficient to enter into the union or residential construction field.
Skills: Framing | Side Walling | Roofing | Exterior and Interior Trim
Certifications
| OSHA 10 Hour |
| OSHA 30 Hour |
| Powder Actuated Certification |
| Hot Works |
| NCCER Carpentry Certification |
Career Pathways
| Surveying |
| Site Work |
| Concrete Forms |
| Framing |
| Scafflold Erection |
| Roofing |
| Siding |
| Drywall |
| Suspended Ceilings |
| Exterior/Interior Finish |
| Retail Sales |
| Facilities Maintenance |
| Architectural Drafting |
| Window Installation |
| Manufacturing |
| Door Installations |
| Cabinetmaking |
College Pathways
The skills learned in this program apply to the Union Carpenter’s Training Program in Milbury, MA. Students receive credit for their Construction Technology work when they enter college because of our articulation agreements with Franklin Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and the New England Institute of Technology.
About the Industry
The carpentry trade offers numerous career opportunities from constructing concrete forms to creating fine cabinetry. Carpenters build beautiful structures that last for centuries and have one of the highest job satisfaction rates of any career in the construction industry. Carpenters have opportunities to work in residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.
Work Environment
Carpenters have opportunities to work in residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites.
How to become a...
Four years of training in the Carpentry program. Apply to the Union Carpenter’s Training Program in Milbury, MA. Apply to college, taking advantage of our articulation agreements with Franklin Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and the New England Institute of Technology.