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Carpentry Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Assembly Technician

Duluth, MN

$20 - $26.50/hr

No prior assembly experience required for trainee level--just a willingness to learn and grow ... Experience in assembly, mechanical trades, carpentry, construction, plumbing, manufacturing, or ...

StuartCo

Maintenance Tech 2

Edina, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... locks, carpentry, and general building systems * Respond to maintenance requests under the ... High school diploma preferred (may be waived for trainee roles) * 0-1 year of experience preferred ...

Kelly Services

Assembler Technician

Duluth, MN

$20 - $26.50/hr

Are entry-level (no experience required for Trainee/Level 1; one year related experience preferred ... Have experience in assembly, carpentry, construction, plumbing, or military aircraft maintenance ...

All JobsCarpentry JobsCarpentry Trainee JobsCarpentry Trainee Jobs in Minnesota

Carpentry Trainee information

What is a carpentry trainee?

Carpentry trainees are individuals who are learning the basics of carpentry, either through formal apprenticeships, vocational programs, or on-the-job training. They assist skilled carpenters with tasks such as measuring, cutting, and assembling wood and other materials. As trainees, they gain hands-on experience in using tools, reading blueprints, and following safety protocols. This role is the entry point to becoming a fully qualified carpenter, providing foundational skills and knowledge needed for advancement in the trade.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a carpentry trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Carpentry Trainee, you need a basic understanding of construction principles, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, measuring devices, and safety procedures is essential, often gained through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure work is completed accurately, safely, and efficiently while supporting growth into a skilled carpenter.

What can a carpentry trainee expect in terms of hands-on experience and on-the-job training during their first year?

As a Carpentry Trainee, you can expect to spend most of your time working alongside experienced carpenters, learning through direct, hands-on tasks such as measuring, cutting, assembling, and installing materials. You'll gradually take on more complex responsibilities as your skills develop, with frequent supervision and feedback to ensure safety and quality. The first year typically includes both classroom instruction on carpentry fundamentals and significant time on job sites, exposing you to a variety of projects and construction environments. This blend of practical and theoretical learning is designed to build your competence and confidence, setting a strong foundation for career advancement.

What is the difference between Carpentry Trainee vs Carpenter?

AspectCarpentry TraineeCarpenter
CredentialsOn-the-job training, apprenticeship programsCompleted apprenticeship or vocational training, certifications
Work EnvironmentLearning phase, supervised tasksFull responsibility for carpentry projects
Job RoleAssists experienced carpenters, learns skillsPerforms carpentry tasks independently

The main difference is that a Carpentry Trainee is in the learning phase, gaining skills under supervision, while a Carpenter has completed training and works independently on projects.

How do I get into a carpentry trainee role with no experience?

To start as a carpentry trainee with no experience, seek entry-level positions or apprenticeships that provide on-the-job training. Building basic skills with tools like hammers and saws, and obtaining relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training, can improve your chances of securing a trainee role in carpentry.

What do carpentry trainees do?

Carpentry trainees assist experienced carpenters by measuring, cutting, and assembling wood and other materials for construction projects. They learn to use tools, follow safety protocols, and develop skills in framing, finishing, and reading blueprints under supervision.

What are the most commonly searched types of Carpentry jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Carpentry jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Carpentry Trainee jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Carpentry Trainee job openings:

Carpentry Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Carpentry Trainee job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Carpenter Foreman, 8 hours per day, 12 months per year

Minnetonka Public Schools

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$28 - $35.25/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Minnetonka Public Schools rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 632 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

  • Position Type:
    Custodial/Maintenance/Carpenter Specialist/Foreman
  • Date Posted:
    8/3/2026
  • Location:
    District Wide
  • Date Available:
    ASAP
  • Closing Date:
    08/10/2026


    • Assignment:
    8 hours per day, 12 months per year
    Standard work schedule is 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
    Minimum pay rate is $28.88 (based on 2025-2026 wage schedule)
    Medical and dental benefit eligible position. Click here to view benefit details.
    Pay information is found in Schedule A of the Custodian and Maintenance Master Agreement
    Job Responsibilities:

    1. Makes scheduled and emergency repairs to doors, cabinets, locks, closures, windows, floors, ceilings, partition walls, signage, etc.
    2. Performs carpentry tasks to repair district furniture, outdoor equipment, and storage facilities.
    3. Research products, equipment and procedures to increase efficiencies or lower maintenance costs or improve services as provided by the carpentry department.
    4. Maintains a program for the preventive maintenance and replacement of all doors, locks, windows and closures.
    5. Repairs and replaces bathroom privacy stalls in all buildings.
    6. Maintains a keying system and repairs lock/door hardware as needed.
    7. Gives work direction to maintenance personnel in the buildings, outlining specific tasks and procedures which must be completed.
    8. Coordinates work schedules with other trades when completing larger projects.
    9. Provides assistance to the painter, grounds foreman, maintenance specialists and trainees as needed.
    10. Works with Grounds Department providing snow removal and coordinates with others for team removal.
    11. Performs other duties and other responsibilities of a similar nature or level as assigned or apparent.


    Job Qualifications:

    1. High school diploma or equivalent.
    2. Trade School graduate in skill area and a minimum of four years experience in the skill, one of which must be with the District. Without Trade School, the employee must have a total of seven years experience in the skill, one of which must be in the District.
    3. Detail oriented with demonstrated ability to organize and maintain records
    4. Demonstrated accurate mathematical skills
    5. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both written and orally
    6. Strong mechanical and technical skills.
    7. Strong interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.


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