Consider online training in carpentry to acquire the skills you need to work in a growing industry. Keep reading to learn more about what you'll study and what equipment you'll need.
What You Need to Know
Online carpentry education opportunities may be offered as certificate programs or as career diplomas. In programs like these, you'll practice basic carpentry in addition to studying building codes, blueprint reading, math and business management. The courses will typically cover roofing, wall paneling, wood-joining techniques and materials estimation, among other topics. You'll also learn how to use hand and power tools. Depending on the program, you might even take a Spanish course.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> General contractor courses, basic carpentry, business management, building codes, blueprint reading</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Requirements</b></td><td> Minimum system requirements</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td> Certificate and diploma programs are open to those already in the industry as well as to newcomers</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfClassesAndCertificatesAreAvailable">What Kind of Classes and Certificates Are Available?</h3><p>You might be able to enroll in a General Contractor's License Preparation Certificate, a Carpentry Diploma or a Career Diploma in Carpentry program, among other options. Programs might require a high school diploma or its equivalent and a placement test. The programs may prepare you for entry-level positions in industry, engineering and the construction trades. The following topics might be covered in a carpentry or contracting program:
</p><ul><li>Design
</li><li>Sustainable buildings
</li><li>Building codes
</li><li>Math for carpentry
</li><li>Estimating
</li><li>Construction materials and methods
</li><li>Safe operation of hand and power tools
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WillTheSchoolProvideAnyToolsOrMaterials">Will The School Provide Any Tools or Materials?</h3><p>Some schools will provide you with a toolkit, instructional videos and illustrated study guides. Others may require you to purchase your own. Schools that do supply materials will typically include the cost of them in your tuition.
</p><p>Along with your materials, there will usually be practical exercises that you can do at home. Illustrated textbooks and study guides, along with instructional videos, will guide you through construction techniques step-by-step. And if you still need additional help, you can always contact your instructor via phone, e-mail, chat or some other method.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAboutTutorSupport">What About Tutor Support?</h3><p>Some programs provide tutor support each step of the way. The tutor will give you constructive feedback and assess your progress in the course through a series of assessment papers that you complete at the end of each lesson. The tutor will use these papers to monitor your progress and help you in any areas where you may need it.
</p><h3 id="section---WillINeedToMeetAnyRequirements">Will I Need to Meet Any Requirements?</h3><p>It all depends on the program. Some programs are designed for those already working in the construction industry. Other programs are open to anyone, regardless of their background. Some classes have a specific date by which you must have all of your work completed. Others impose no time limits and give you an unlimited timeframe to complete your work.
</p><p>In an online program, you'll have technical requirements that you will need to meet. First, you'll need a computer with a high-speed Internet connection and the latest operating system. You'll also need a Web browser and an e-mail account to keep in touch with your instructors.</p>
