We’re building the future of the trades industry – one person at a time
The Forge Apprentice Program is for people looking to start a career in carpentry and construction.
Here’s how it works:
12 weeks of paid, foundational training
Our program starts with 12 weeks of full-time training, where apprentices are paid $15/hour to learn specific carpentry skills, preparing them to join specialized crews in the field.
Graduate into a full-time position on our team
Program graduates are hired for a full-time role on the Forge pro team, which comes with a pay increase, medical insurance, a 401k, and other benefits like paid gas.
Continue to learn and grow on one of our crews
Apprentices continue to learn from experienced pros in small crews, and receive performance feedback every three months.
Crew lead opportunities are available to apprentices who excel and want to grow into a leadership role.
Interested in the apprentice program?
We are not hiring for an apprentices class right now. If you want us to let you know when we are hiring, fill out the form below and we'll send you an email so you can apply.
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Foundational Training
What apprentices learn
Our hands-on training is a combo of foundational carpentry instruction and specialized skill building that’s specific to what apprentices will do in the field after the program. Apprentices learn:
Framing walls with window and door openings
Door and window installations
Cabinet installations and trim work
Use of basic carpentry hand and power tools
Use of our internally developed technology
OSHA-10, tool, and ladder safety practices
Job site setup, containment, and cleanup
Is our apprentice program right for you?
If you want to learn new skills, work hard, and start a new career in carpentry, then the odds are that yes, it is. Here at Forge, we’re building a diverse and inclusive trades workforce, and our apprentice program is where it all starts. Join us and become part of the next generation of tradespeople.
What you DON’T need:
Any professional trades experience (although a natural ability to work with tools and build things will help you be successful).
What you DO need:
A US driver’s license and a vehicle, to consent to a background check, and to be eligible to work in the United States.
In the typical apprentice class:
identify as female, nonbinary, or transgender
have no prior professional trades experience
don’t have a higher ed degree
of participants graduate
Whether you want to start a trades career, take yours further, or move it in a different direction, the Forge apprentice program allows you to pursue that dream.
Get inspired to join our apprentice program
Take a different post-secondary path.
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Change your career
Meet
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Brittany had a great career in healthcare, but she always wanted to work with her hands. Forge was perfect because our apprentice program provided her with an income while she was trained in new skills — and not having to pay tuition meant she was able to support her family as she started her new career journey.
The desire to dismantle the artificial barriers for women in the trades empowers me to show up every day.
Build on your trades experience
Meet
Eli
Junior Carpenter
After working as a welder, Eli was looking to take his trades career to the next level. The Forge apprentice program allowed Eli to expand his skills by learning carpentry and construction. After completing the apprentice program, Eli joined a residential construction crew at Forge, where he is able to use both his welding experience and his new carpentry skills in a new phase of his career.
I found a love of carpentry thanks to Forge. Now I couldn’t be happier!
Break into the trades
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Grow your trades career
Meet
Alex
Junior Crew Lead
With some professional trades experience, Alex was just looking for a company where he could grow his career as a carpenter. So he completed our apprentice program and worked on the specialized window crew for about a year, where he trained under one of our carpentry supervisors to develop his skills. Alex now leads one of our window crews and helps less experienced Forge team members grow themselves.
My first experience with carpentry was when I would help my grandfather build pieces of furniture. That is what led me to becoming a carpenter and working with Forge. I really enjoy the precision and attention to detail that finish carpentry requires.
Zach graduated high school with plans of joining a union, but when Covid hit, he had to find another way to start his career in the trades. He chose the Forge apprentice program so he could get hands-on learning experience before starting work in the field. Through the apprentice program, Zach learned foundational carpentry skills that he’s continued to build on throughout his career at Forge.
Working with my hands has always been in my family — ever since I was able to walk, I knew that I wanted to make it my career.
Meet
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Brittany had a great career in healthcare, but she always wanted to work with her hands. Forge was perfect because our apprentice program provided her with an income while she was trained in new skills — and not having to pay tuition meant she was able to support her family as she started her new career journey.
The desire to dismantle the artificial barriers for women in the trades empowers me to show up every day.
Meet
Eli
Junior Carpenter
After working as a welder, Eli was looking to take his trades career to the next level. The Forge apprentice program allowed Eli to expand his skills by learning carpentry and construction. After completing the apprentice program, Eli joined a residential construction crew at Forge, where he is able to use both his welding experience and his new carpentry skills in a new phase of his career.
I found a love of carpentry thanks to Forge. Now I couldn’t be happier!
Meet
Autumn
Junior Carpenter
Autumn always enjoyed working with her hands, so when she discovered the Forge apprentice program, she decided to give construction a try. Since Autumn didn’t have any prior experience, the apprentice program was a great introduction to the industry and provided her a solid onramp to a long term career in construction.
I chose Forge because the company is dedicated to keeping the trades alive.
Meet
Alex
Junior Crew Lead
With some professional trades experience, Alex was just looking for a company where he could grow his career as a carpenter. So he completed our apprentice program and worked on the specialized window crew for about a year, where he trained under one of our carpentry supervisors to develop his skills. Alex now leads one of our window crews and helps less experienced Forge team members grow themselves.
My first experience with carpentry was when I would help my grandfather build pieces of furniture. That is what led me to becoming a carpenter and working with Forge. I really enjoy the precision and attention to detail that finish carpentry requires.
Great training can’t happen without great trainers: meet our instructors.
Each apprentice program class is taught by a different pro (with the help of a teaching assistant), but there are a few faces you’ll always see around the workshop.
Christof got his start in the trades by working at his dad’s sawmill in his native South Africa. The creator of the apprentice program curriculum and overseer of all of our program operations and training initiatives, Christof has years of experience as a cabinet and furniture maker. He is extremely passionate about sharing all he has learned with the trades workers of tomorrow.
Christof
Head of Apprentice Program
Christof
Head of Apprentice Program
Christof got his start in the trades by working at his dad’s sawmill in his native South Africa. The creator of the apprentice program curriculum and overseer of all of our program operations and training initiatives, Christof has years of experience as a cabinet and furniture maker. He is extremely passionate about sharing all he has learned with the trades workers of tomorrow.
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When Nick was growing up, he would watch his stepdad work, never expecting to follow in his footsteps — but he’s glad he did. Nick saw how Forge is changing the trades industry, and he wanted to be a part of it. A 2021 graduate of the apprentice program, Nick now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator. He loves helping others discover their passion for carpentry and watching them grow.
Nick
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Nick
Apprentice Program Coordinator
When Nick was growing up, he would watch his stepdad work, never expecting to follow in his footsteps — but he’s glad he did. Nick saw how Forge is changing the trades industry, and he wanted to be a part of it. A 2021 graduate of the apprentice program, Nick now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator. He loves helping others discover their passion for carpentry and watching them grow.
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A Massachusetts native, Brittany comes from a family of artists and tradespeople. Her father was an artisan and master carpenter, and Brittany always wanted to get into the trades herself but never quite knew how. The Forge Apprentice Program changed that, though, and she switched careers in 2021. After completing the program, Brittany now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator and plays a key role in keeping the workshop running smoothly.
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
A Massachusetts native, Brittany comes from a family of artists and tradespeople. Her father was an artisan and master carpenter, and Brittany always wanted to get into the trades herself but never quite knew how. The Forge Apprentice Program changed that, though, and she switched careers in 2021. After completing the program, Brittany now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator and plays a key role in keeping the workshop running smoothly.
Nope! A Forge apprenticeship is a full-time job that starts with training, so WE pay YOU to learn!
How much is the pay?
It’s $15/hour during the 12-week apprentice program. After completing the program, pay increases with consistent feedback and performance evaluations.
What am I expected to bring or purchase?
Not a thing — we provide tools, materials, and protective equipment. Work boots are recommended, but not required.
Who can apply?
Anyone looking to begin their full-time career in residential construction and carpentry. (Maybe…you?)
Can I just do the 12-week training program if I don’t want a full-time job afterward?
Right now, Forge does not have an option to take our training program and then move on to a different job. We are looking to hire people for full-time jobs, which is why we pay our apprentice program participants.
Is there an age limit?
Nope! We are open to any age as long as an applicant is looking for a full-time career in the trades.
Do I need any prior experience to apply?
While experience and familiarity with tools and materials is a plus, experience is not required. Almost two-thirds of our program graduates have no professional trades experience.
What are the program requirements?
All applicants must have a US driver’s license and a reliable vehicle to get to work every day, consent to a background check, and have US work eligibility.
What specific skills or specialties does the program focus on?
We believe most tradespeople need to learn carpentry first in order to be successful — it provides such a solid foundation. So all Forge apprentices start by going through our core carpentry apprenticeship and then joining a crew upon program completion. From there, a number of possible career paths open up, including working on, and maybe eventually leading, a specialized crew.
Where are classes held?
Classes take place at our workshop facility in Newton, Massachusetts. After the program, continuing apprentices are expected to commute to jobs across Metrowest. We’ll be expanding to other cities and states soon, so keep an eye on our website for the latest.
What happens when the 12 weeks are over?
At the end of the program, those who are successful are assigned to a specialized crew and continue their apprenticeship as a full-time member of our pro team.
What kind of construction company is Forge, and what kind of work would I be doing on a crew?
Forge is a preferred installer and service provider for other companies who need experienced and skilled trades workers. Our crews specialize in areas like window installation, cabinet installation, and trim work. As a new carpentry apprentice, you can expect to spend time on all of these crews to sharpen your specific residential construction skills.