How to Enroll in Free Carpentry Courses

Ready to start your carpentry training? This guide walks you through the enrollment process for each type of free program – online courses, YouTube learning paths, apps, and professional apprenticeships.

Most programs take less than 5 minutes to sign up. No credit card required for the free options listed here.

Online Courses: How to Enroll

Alison (Recommended for Beginners)

1. Visit alison.com
2. Click “Start Course Now”
3. Create a free account with email or Google
4. Begin learning immediately (no approval wait)

Time to enroll: 2 minutes. The full Diploma in Carpentry Studies unlocks instantly.

Coursera

1. Visit coursera.org
2. Search “construction” or “woodworking”
3. Click any course, then select “Audit this course” (free option)
4. Create account and start watching

MIT OpenCourseWare

1. Visit ocw.mit.edu
2. Search “fabrication” or “design”
3. Click any course to access materials
4. No account needed (completely open access)

YouTube Learning: How to Start

YouTube requires no enrollment, but having a structured approach helps:

1. Create a YouTube account (free with Google)
2. Subscribe to recommended channels:
   • Steve Ramsey — beginners
   • Essential Craftsman — construction
   • Paul Sellers — hand tools
3. Create a playlist called “Carpentry Training”
4. Add beginner videos in order from each channel
5. Watch one lesson, practice, then continue

Carpentry Apps: How to Download

On iPhone:

1. Open App Store
2. Search “woodworking” or “carpentry”
3. Download: Woodcraft, iHandy Carpenter
4. Create free account in each app

On Android:

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search “woodworking” or “carpentry”
3. Download: Woodcraft, iHandy Carpenter
4. Create free account in each app

SketchUp (Project Planning):

1. Visit sketchup.com/free
2. Click “Start Modeling”
3. Create free account
4. Use browser version — no download needed

Professional Programs: How to Apply

Union Apprenticeships

1. Visit carpenters.org
2. Click “Find Training” or “Become a Carpenter”
3. Enter your zip code to find local programs
4. Review requirements (usually 18+, high school diploma)
5. Submit application during open enrollment periods

Note: Apprenticeships have competitive application windows. Apply early when programs open.

Job Corps (Ages 16-24)

1. Visit jobcorps.gov
2. Click “Apply Now”
3. Complete eligibility questionnaire
4. Submit application with required documents
5. Interview with admissions counselor

Job Corps is free but residential — you’ll live at a training center during the program.

Tips for Success

• Start with one program. Don’t sign up for everything at once. Complete Alison’s course first, then expand.
• Set a schedule. Treat free courses like paid ones. Block 30-60 minutes daily for learning.
• Practice immediately. After each lesson, try the technique with real wood. Watching without doing teaches nothing.
• Track your progress. Keep a simple log of completed lessons and projects built.
• Join communities. Reddit’s r/woodworking and r/BeginnerWoodWorking offer free advice and feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose Your Path

You now have clear steps to enroll in any free carpentry program. The only decision left is which path fits your goals:

• Quick start: Alison course + Steve Ramsey YouTube
• Mobile learning: Woodcraft app + YouTube
• Career focused: Union apprenticeship application
• Traditional craft: Paul Sellers + hand tools focus