Welcome to the Career and Technical Education information for the Carpentry at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. This program is one of seven Chapter 74 Massachusetts certified programs available to all D-R students.

Mr. Jonathan Arnold is one of the Carpentry program teachers at DRRHS. Jonathan’s interest in carpentry started back in the year 2000 when he enrolled in Central Maine Technical College. Two years later he earned his Associates Degree in Building Construction Technologies. Jonathan has used his knowledge of carpentry as an Construction Estimator, Project Manager, and has also operated his own construction company. He hopes to inspire students to build great things by teaching them the fundamentals of construction. Jonathan is an avid hiker and has hiked Mount Katahdin/The Knife's Edge multiple times and dreams to complete the Appalachian trail some day.

Contact: JArnold@DRRegional.org

Stephen Gouveia discovered his passion for carpentry 40 years ago and built a successful career as a self-employed contractor, specializing in home additions and remodels. Holding a Construction Supervisor's License, he has extensive experience in managing projects and ensuring quality work. A motorcycle enthusiast and devoted dog lover, Stephen has rescued two pit bulls, reflecting his caring and hands-on approach in all aspects of life. Driven by a desire to teach and inspire the next generation, he now dedicates his time to passing on his trade skills to young people, preparing them for successful careers in carpentry.

Contact: SGouveia@DRRegional.org

Instructional Areas

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School’s Carpentry program covers several key instructional areas, including:

Construction Basics: Safety protocols, tools, materials, and foundational construction principles.
Framing: Techniques for building the framework of structures, including walls, floors, and roofs.
Finish Carpentry: Interior finishing work like installing trim, molding, and cabinetry.
Blueprint Reading and Design: Understanding and interpreting architectural plans and layouts.
Woodworking and Cabinet Making: Creating custom furniture, cabinets, and other wood items.
Building Codes and Regulations: Knowledge of local and national building codes to ensure compliance.
Project Planning and Management: Skills for estimating project costs, managing materials, and overseeing small-scale projects.

These areas provide students with the practical skills needed for careers in carpentry and construction.

Career Opportunities

After graduating from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, students' interested in Carpentry can pursue various career paths, such as enrolling in apprenticeship programs, attending trade schools, or seeking entry-level construction jobs to gain hands-on experience. Opportunities also exist in specialized fields like finish carpentry, cabinetry, or furniture making, and entrepreneurial graduates can start their own carpentry businesses. Additionally, pursuing further education in construction management or obtaining certifications can open doors to leadership roles or higher-paying jobs. With the right training and skills, graduates can build successful careers in the carpentry industry.

Program of Study

Introduction to Carpentry I (9)

Following 8000 CTE Exploratory, students will enroll in the shop area of their choice based upon availability, grading, and administrative approval. A high focus is paid to the introductory skills of the trade as well as safety, professional preparation and presentation, and workplace readiness. Students are evaluated on their hands-on performance in each program area as well as written assignments.

Carpentry II (10)

After meeting instructor required safety standards, students will be introduced to building materials, hand tools, and power tools. Through the use of project-based assessments including live work from outside customers, students will work towards proficient competency in the use of table saws, band saws, slide compound mitre saws, drill presses, and mortising tools. Students will develop competency in a variety of joining techniques including mortise and tenon joints, dado, spline, and pocket holing. Students will refine their finishing skills incorporating hand-sanding and orbital sanding while using a variety of stains and finishes including water- based polyurethane, lacquers and hand-rubbed mineral finishes. Within the scope of this course, students will obtain their Occupational Safety (OSHA-10) credential and begin participation in their career major.

Carpentry III (11)

In this course students will build upon their Exploratory experience and delve into a deeper application of entry level skills sets. Students will learn to read and interpret basic technical drawing plans and prints and translate the drawing into construction needs such as equipment and supplies. Local and state building codes are also introduced to students as they begin to formulate a full picture of the attention to detail required within the profession. Close attention is paid throughout the year to the safe and proper use of hand and power tools as well as product identification and selection, measurement and cutting, framing, and finishing. Additionally, students will perform entry level tasks within projects assigned from on-site “live work.”

Carpentry IV (12)

Students will be immersed in the management and operations of a complete business within the construction trades. Translating a customer’s needs into an action plan by providing time and supply estimates to the customer, provisioning tools and supplies, organizing and assigning personnel and responsibilities, performing and evaluating the work being done, communicating progress to the customer, and providing deliverables to the customer in a timely manner are all part of the instruction provided in this course. Students will take on various leadership and supervisory roles throughout the year within the scope of the projects that take place on-site and off-site.

Students will be immersed in the management and operations of a complete business within the construction trades. Students will learn to read blueprints and develop an estimate for the building project. Students will independently work on a full- year project that encompasses customer relations, project development, providing an estimate, and following through with production, purchasing, billing, installation, and customer relations through to completion.