Carpenter

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Instruction Sets
Your at-home learning program includes seven Instruction Sets designed to take
you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll employ in your new career as a Carpenter.

Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your learning materials:

Instruction Set 1
- Learning Strategies
  - The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
- Introduction to Building Trades
  - Career opportunities in the carpentry industry; demand for skilled workers; professional organizations; safety concerns.
Instruction Set 2
- Math Skills for Carpenters
  - Basic math skills encountered in the carpentry field.
- Textbook:
  - Practical Problems in Math for Carpenters
- Practical Exercise 1
Instruction Set 3
- Understanding Construction Drawings
  - Reading blueprints; floor plans; sections and elevations; plot and foundation plans.
- Building Codes and Building Layout
  - Zoning, codes, permits, and inspections required in construction; building layout techniques; use of leveling tools; foundation lines layout.
- Lumber, Building Materials, and Fasteners
  - Types of wood and lumber; how to inspect for quality; types of engineered panels and lumber products; fastening tools.
- Equipment:
  - Architect's Scale
  - Construction Print Set
- Supplement:
  - How to Read an Architect's Scale
- Textbook:
  - Carpentry
- Practical Exercise 2
Instruction Set 4
- Hand Tools and Power Tools
  - Types of hand tools for layout, boring, fastening, dismantling; types of power tools: saws, drills, drivers, planes, routers, sanders, staplers, and nailers; types of stationary power tools.
- Foundations and Concrete Work
  - Procedures for creating and using concrete; repairing drainage problems; types of foundations.
- Textbook:
  - Foundations and Concrete Work
- Practical Exercise 3
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Instruction Set 5
- Floor Framing
  - Types of frame construction; layout and construction of the floor frame; preventing termite attacks.
- Exterior and Interior Wall Framing and Stair Framing (includes ladder and scaffolding instruction)
  - Procedures, tools, and parts for framing interior and exterior walls; erecting scaffolding and ladders; constructing and framing stairways and stairwells.
- Roof Framing, Cornices, and Roofing
  - Procedures to construct roofs and cornices.
- Equipment:
  - Chalk Line
  - Utility Knife
  - Nail Apron
  - Hand Saw
  - Combination Square
  - Claw Hammer
  - 25' Tape Measure
  - Nail Puller
  - Framing Square
- Practical Exercise 4
Instruction Set 6
- Windows, Doors, and Insulation
  - Procedures for installing windows, exterior doors, insulation, and ventilation.
- Siding, Porches, and Decks
  - Procedures for applying siding; construction of porches and decks; tools and supplies.
- Equipment:
  - 2' Level
- Video:
  - Building Decks
- Practical Exercise 5
Instruction Set 7
- Drywall Techniques
  - Necessary tools and materials; hanging techniques; procedures for taping and sanding.
- Interior Finish
  - Types of interior doors; installation methods; application of trim; finishing stairs.
- Finish Floors and Ceilings
  - Types of wood floors; layout of wood floors and tile; installing suspended or tile ceilings.
- Equipment:
  - Nail Set
  - Coping Saw
- Textbook:
  - Drywall, Professional Techniques for Walls and Ceilings
- Supplement:
  - Work Experience Option
- Practical Exercise 6
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Graduation Set
- Equipment:
  - Circular Saw
- Textbooks:
  - Finish Carpentry
  - Smart Business for Contractors

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.