General Carpentry + Core – ToolBox Trades Academy

Carpentry Trades

General Carpentry + Core

250h

Available Seats: 12

Last Updated: May 18, 2026

General Carpentry + Core

19 Sections
19 Lessons
250h Duration

Expand All

Build Your Future in Construction

1 Lesson

Module ID 00100: Construction is an exciting, well-paying industry that offers an abundance of career opportunities. With a growing need for individuals who are ready to learn while getting paid, it provides a great fit for people of all backgrounds, skills, and strengths. Carpenter, pipefitter, welder, electrician, and crane operator are just a few of the construction professions in high demand. This module will help you understand the state of the industry, the job opportunities that currently exist, and the training options that will lead you on a path to your new construction career.

Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

1 Lesson

Module ID 00101: Work at construction and industrial job sites can be hazardous. Most job-site incidents are caused by at-risk behavior, poor planning, lack of training, or failure to recognize the hazards. To help prevent incidents, every company must have a proactive safety program. Safety must be incorporated into all phases of the job and involve employees at every level, including management.

Introduction to Construction Math

1 Lesson

Module ID 00102: Craft professionals rely on math to do their jobs accurately and efficiently. Plumbers calculate pipe lengths, plan drain slopes, and interpret dimensioned plans. Carpenters meet code requirements by using math to frame walls and ceilings properly. HVAC professionals develop ductwork and calculate airflow with practical geometry. Whichever craft lies in your future, math will play a role in it. This module reviews the math that you will need and sharpens the skills that you will be using in the exciting modules ahead.

Introduction to Hand Tools

1 Lesson

Module ID 00103: Every profession has its tools. A surgeon uses a scalpel, an instructor uses a whiteboard, and an accountant uses a calculator. The construction crafts require a broad array of hand tools. Even if you are familiar with some of the tools, all craftworkers need to learn how to select, maintain, and use them safely. A quality hand tool may cost more up front, but if it is properly used and maintained, it will last for years. A true craft professional invests wisely in hand tools, and uses, maintains, and stores them with the same wisdom.

Introduction to Power Tools

1 Lesson

Module ID 00104: Power tools play an important role in the construction industry. Thousands of construction workers across the world use power tools every day to make holes, cut different types of materials, smooth rough surfaces, and shape a variety of products. Regardless of their specialization, all construction workers eventually use power tools on their job. This module provides an overview of the common types of power tools and how they function. It also describes the proper techniques required to ensure their safe and efficient operation.

Introduction to Construction Drawings

1 Lesson

Module ID 00105: Various types of construction drawings are used to represent actual components of a building project. The drawings provide specific information about the locations of the parts of a structure, the types of materials to be used, and the correct layout of the building. Knowing the purposes of the different types of drawings and interpreting the drawings correctly are important skills for anyone who works in the construction trades. This module introduces common types of construction drawings, their basic components, standard drawing elements, and measurement tools that are typically used when working with construction drawings.

Introduction to Basic Rigging

1 Lesson

Module ID 00106: A common activity at nearly every construction site is the movement of material and equipment from one place to another using various types of lifting gear. The procedures involved in performing this task are known as rigging. Not every worker will participate in rigging operations, but nearly all will be exposed to it at one time or another. This module provides an overview of the various types of rigging equipment, common hitches used during a rigging operation, and the related Emergency Stop hand signal.

Basic Communication Skills

1 Lesson

Module ID 00107: The construction professional communicates constantly. The ability to communicate skillfully will help to make you a better worker and a more effective leader. This module provides guidance in listening to understand, and speaking with clarity. It explains how to use and understand written materials, and it also provides techniques and guidelines that will help you to improve your writing skills.

Basic Employability Skills

1 Lesson

Module ID 00108: Becoming gainfully employed in the construction industry takes more preparation than simply filling out a job application. It is essential to understand how the construction industry and potential employers operate. Your trade skills are extremely important, but all employers are also looking for those who are eager to advance and demonstrate positive personal characteristics. This module discusses the skills needed to pursue employment successfully.

Introduction to Materials Handling

1 Lesson

Module ID 00109: Lifting, stacking, transporting, and unloading materials such as brick, pipe, and various supplies are routine tasks on a job site. Whether performing these tasks manually or with the aid of specialized equipment, workers must follow basic safety guidelines to keep themselves and their co-workers safe. This module provides guidelines for using the appropriate PPE for the material being handled and using proper procedures and techniques to carry out the job.

Orientation to Carpentry

1 Lesson

Module ID 27101: Reviews the carpentry profession, describes the apprentice program, identifies career opportunities for carpenters, and lists the skills, responsibilities, and characteristics a carpenter should possess. Emphasizes the importance of site-specific safety and occupational safety relevant to the craft.

Building Materials and Fasteners

1 Lesson

Module ID 27102: Introduces building materials used in construction, including lumber, engineered wood products, concrete materials, steel framing, and a variety of fasteners and anchors. Also describes material handling and storage techniques, and basic calculations used to determine needed framing and concrete quantities.

Construction Plans and Documents

1 Lesson

Module ID 27113: Describes construction plans and documents used by carpenters, including drawings found in commercial and residential plans. Focuses on information included in civil, architectural, and structural drawings. Also covers the importance of specifications, and reviews building codes used by carpenters.

Principles of Site and Building Layout

1 Lesson

Module ID 27114: Explains how carpenters use specific construction drawings, as well as measuring tools and leveling instruments to perform basic site and building layout activities. Along with providing step-by-step instructions, this module describes the use of construction drawings and math to guarantee the accuracy of the building site.

Floor Systems

1 Lesson

Module ID 27105: Introduces carpenters to drawings used to construct flooring systems. Defines framing basics and the procedures for laying out and constructing a wood floor using common lumber, as well as engineered building materials. Covers the installation of floor components including sill plates, beams, girders, joists, and subfloors.

Wall Systems

1 Lesson

Module ID 27111: Describes basic wall systems and provides step-by-step instructions for laying out and framing both wood and steel components. Explains the process for laying out and framing walls. Includes instructions for assembling, erecting, and verifying plumb for wall systems.

Roof Framing

1 Lesson

Module ID 27112: Describes the most common roof types and introduces basic roof framing components. Includes instructions for laying out rafters for gable roofs, hip roofs, and valley intersections. Covers stick-built and truss-built roofs, and includes the basics of roof sheathing installation.

Basic Stair Layout

1 Lesson

Module ID 27110: Introduces stair types, basic stair system components, and common codes associated with stairway construction. Explains essential stairway construction techniques, including how to construct stringers, measure and calculate rise and run, and build concrete stairway forms.

Building Envelope Systems

1 Lesson

Module ID 27109: Introduces the concepts of moisture and insulation control from the ground up. Describes types of building wrap, windows, skylights and doors, while providing instructions for installation.

The Carpentry curriculum helps learners to build general carpentry skills, before moving into advanced topical coverage of framing and finish carpentry, as well as concrete and form carpentry.

The unique three tier approach to Carpentry complies with the U.S. Department of Labor’s standards for apprenticeship programs, while also supporting shorter programs focused on specific carpentry career pathways.  

A 4-year apprenticeship program can use the entire curriculum to cover the full scope of Carpentry topics and meet required apprenticeship hours. Alternatively, a shorter training program can focus the Finish Carpenter or Form Carpenter paths for trainees.

$4,569.00

Buy Now

This course includes

Two paths: normal and accelerated

Normal path is two semesters long

Accelerated path is one semester long

Day and night sections available