Frequently Asked Questions
Here Are the Answers to Your JSC Questions
1. How do I contact the Joint School of Carpentry?
A. You can follow these directions. The school is located at
9109 Westphalia Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.
A. The Joint School of Carpentry hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM – 3:30 PM.
4. How do I get into the program?
A. You must fill out our application online via our website or in person at the school and be interviewed. If approved for apprenticeship, you will go through a pre-assessment of your skills to determine placement in the program.
6. When does the next Carpentry class start?
A. The Joint School of Carpentry has an open enrollment. Classes start throughout the year; however you have to apply for the Apprenticeship Program and be accepted before you can attend.
- Carpentry Apprenticeship
- Trade Show Training Program
- Floor Laying Apprenticeship
- Millwright Apprenticeship
8. How much does it cost to attend the Joint School of Carpentry?
A. If you are accepted into one of the programs all costs are paid for you by your employer. However, you are required to pay union dues regularly to remain eligible for school.
A. Each Apprentice is required to attend class one week per quarter. This equates to four weeks per year. Starting and ending dates for the annual school quarters are as follows:
- Winter - January 1 to March 31
- Spring - April 1 to June 30
- Summer - July 1 to September 30
- Fall - October 1 to December 31
A. It is the policy of the Joint School of Carpentry for each new student to have an initial drug screening test upon entering the Program. There is no cost to the applicant if the test is passed successfully. Contractor employers may also require unannounced or random drug screening at the jobsite.
A. Paying apprentices for their school time is solely at the discretion of the employers.
A. The pay scale ranges from 1st Year Apprentice at $15.83 to Journeyman rate of $26.38.
A. You must work for Union contractors while in the Apprenticeship Program.
A. In addition to looking for work yourself, you can place yourself on our Out of Work List by calling the Out of Work Hotline, 301-802-4317, and leaving the requested information. We will work with the Union Business Agents to assist you in finding a job. You should also call the Union Business Agents yourself once a week.
A. Upon completion of your 90 day probation period you will select a Union Local and pay dues at the Union Council Office.
A. (301) 735-6660
A. The Union Hall is conveniently located at 8500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20772. Take Exit 11A onto Pennsylvania Avenue off the Capital Beltway. Make the first left at the traffic light onto Westphalia Road. Make the next immediate right onto the Service Road. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters office is on the left.
A. Yes. A graduation ceremony is held to formally present you with your Journeyman Certification.