Lesson Schedule

Introduction to Carpentry - Teaching Guide (180 days)

Carpentry Careers 2 days

Chapter 1 Power Point – Modern Carpentry

A. Economic Outlook

a. Using a current edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, prepare a handout for students on the economic outlook for construction.

b. Emphasize that a share of the nation’s economic growth is in construction of buildings.

c. Note that there are other areas of construction that also offer opportunities for individuals with carpentry skills.

B. Employment Outlook

a. Discuss the size of the current workforce in carpentry (more than 900,000). Note that the demand for carpenters is the highest of any of the trades.

b. Have students look at the cyclical nature of layoffs.

c. Suggest that for those interested in a carpentry career, careful budgeting of finances is necessary to bridge layoffs.

1. Construction Careers power point

a. Activity- Introduce students to the Build Iowa web site (BuildIowa.org)

1. Complete the interactive Career Path

2. Career Investigation work sheet (need to develop)

C. Working Conditions

D. Job Opportunities and Training Opportunities

a. Discuss the types of job opportunities available for a carpenter.

b. Have the student’s list factors that should be considered when selecting the type of work they would like to do.

E. Training

a. List the types of courses that students should take in high school to enhance their career in carpentry. Be prepared to explain why courses such as English or social studies are important in their training.

b. Describe the “roads” that can be taken after graduating from high school to prepare for a career in the carpentry profession

c. Have the students list the personal qualifications necessary to become a successful carpenter. These should include not only work-related traits, but also character traits and interpersonal skills.

F. Assessment – Chapter 1 Workbook Questions