Introduction/Overview | Curriculum Requirements | Student Learning Outcomes | Skills & Proficiencies | Instructors | Occupational Outlook
As students at LCHC complete the Cabinet Making program at the Ferguson unit in Midway, Texas or at the Ellis unit in Huntsville, Texas, they are qualified for jobs as construction carpenters, cabinetmakers, bench carpenters, and woodworkers.
On a national basis, the job outlook for this industry is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Texas, the outlook is even better with a 20.20 percent increase from 2012 to 2022, according to Texas CARES Regional Occupation Information.
In the Gulf Coast region of the state, employment of construction carpenters was 15,150 in 2012, and Texas CARES predicts it will grow to 19,010 in 2022. The hourly average income was $16.60 in 2013.
Population growth should result in more new-home construction — the largest segment employing carpenters — which will stimulate the need for many new workers. Home remodeling needs should also spur demand for carpenters, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, the need to repair and replace roads and bridges should increase employment of carpenters. The construction of factories and power plants also may result in some new jobs.
Once students complete the Cabinet Making program, TDCJ places them in jobs with the furniture factory at the Ellis unit, Texas Correctional Industries (TCI), and maintenance shops throughout the TDCJ system.