Carpenter Apprentice

Bonsai builders; Leicester (MA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

Bonsai Builders is seeking an Apprentice Carpenter to support residential remodeling projects while developing carpentry skills under the Lead Carpenter. You will assist with jobsite preparation, material handling, demolition, cleanup, and progressively more advanced tasks as you grow.

Reporting to the Lead Carpenter, you will learn Bonsai's systems, safety standards, and craftsmanship, with mentorship, hands-on practice, and a path toward becoming a skilled craftsman.

Qualifications

• Apprentice role focused on hands-on learning and safety.
• Strong willingness to learn carpentry and Bonsai standards.
• Ability to follow instructions and take feedback.

Responsibilities

• Assist with jobsite preparation, material handling, demolition, cleanup, and organization.
• Progressively take on more advanced carpentry tasks as skills develop.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas; protect client property.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Positive attitude

Desire to learn

Mechanical aptitude

Reliability

Teamwork

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

OSHA 10 certification (preferred)

Tools

Basic hand tools

Job description

Benefits

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Purpose

The Apprentice Carpenter supports the field team while developing the technical skills, craftsmanship, professionalism, and leadership qualities required to become an exceptional carpenter. Working alongside the Working Project Manager, Lead Carpenter, and Carpenters, this position combines hands‑on experience with structured learning to build a long‑term career in residential remodeling.

Mission: Develop exceptional craftsmen through mentorship, continuous learning, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.

Apprentice Philosophy

At Bonsai, we are not simply hiring laborers—we are developing future craftsmen, Lead Carpenters, and Working Project Managers. An Apprentice is not expected to know everything, but is expected to show up on time, work hard, ask questions, accept coaching, maintain a positive attitude, and improve every day. Skill can be taught. Character cannot.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Lead Carpenter, the Apprentice Carpenter assists with residential remodeling projects while learning Bonsai's systems, quality standards, safety expectations, and construction techniques. Responsibilities include jobsite preparation, material handling, demolition, cleanup, tool organization, and progressively more advanced carpentry tasks as skills develop.

Core Responsibilities

Learning & Development

• Learn residential construction methods and Bonsai standards.
• Learn proper tool use, blueprint reading, and safety procedures.
• Seek feedback and ask questions.
• Practice new skills daily.

Jobsite Support

• Prepare work areas.
• Load and unload materials.
• Organize tools and equipment.
• Maintain clean and safe jobsites.
• Protect homeowner property.

Basic Carpentry

• Assist with demolition, framing, blocking, insulation, drywall repairs, trim, cabinet installation, flooring, and painting preparation as skills develop.

Safety

• Follow all company safety policies.
• Wear required PPE.
• Report hazards immediately.
• Help maintain a safe work environment.

Professionalism

• Arrive on time and prepared.
• Communicate respectfully.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Represent Bonsai professionally.

Decision-Making Authority

• Stop unsafe work and report hazards.
• Ask questions whenever uncertain.
• Recommend improvements.
• Report quality concerns.
• Request additional training.

Key Performance Indicators

Attendance

• Punctuality
• Dependability
• Preparedness

Learning

• Skill progression
• Coachability
• Initiative
• Willingness to learn

Productivity

• Task completion
• Efficiency
• Tool organization
• Material management

Teamwork

• Communication
• Respect
• Attitude
• Cooperation

Safety

• PPE compliance
• Housekeeping
• Safety awareness

Required Competencies

• Strong work ethic
• Positive attitude
• Desire to learn
• Mechanical aptitude
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to perform physical work

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic construction or shop experience
• Basic hand tool knowledge
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• OSHA 10 certification (preferred but not required)

Department Relationships

Reports to: Lead Carpenter

Works closely with the Working Project Manager, Lead Carpenter, Carpenters, subcontractors, and other Apprentices.

Daily / Weekly / Monthly Responsibilities

Daily

• Arrive prepared and on time.
• Assist the crew.
• Organize materials and tools.
• Maintain jobsite cleanliness.
• Learn new skills.
• Ask questions.

Weekly

• Review progress with the Lead Carpenter.
• Practice new skills.
• Improve efficiency.
• Organize equipment.

Monthly

• Review development goals.
• Complete training assignments.
• Meet with supervisor to discuss progress.

30 / 60 / 90 / 180 Day Expectations

First 30 Days

• Learn safety procedures.
• Learn company expectations.
• Learn tool names.
• Demonstrate reliability.

First 60 Days

• Assist with demolition.
• Perform basic layout.
• Assist with framing.
• Read simple plans.

First 90 Days

• Complete basic framing tasks.
• Install simple trim.
• Assist cabinet installation.
• Understand project sequencing.

First 180 Days

• Complete many tasks independently.
• Demonstrate Bonsai quality standards.

Performance Standards

• Shows continuous improvement.
• Works safely.
• Maintains professionalism.
• Supports teammates.
• Protects client property.
• Demonstrates initiative and dependability.

Definition of Success

The Apprentice Carpenter succeeds by steadily developing the knowledge, skills, habits, and professionalism required to become a skilled Carpenter at Bonsai. Through hard work, curiosity, coachability, and pride in craftsmanship, the Apprentice contributes positively to every project while building a rewarding long‑term career.

Craftsman's Commitment

I will arrive prepared. I will work safely. I will respect my teammates and our clients. I will take pride in my work. I will continue learning every day. I will accept coaching with humility. I will leave every project better than I found it. Above all, I will protect the reputation of Bonsai through my actions, my attitude, and my commitment to excellence.