You can get a head start by studying math and enrolling in shop work in your school. Classes in industrial arts and mechanical drawing will help you decide whether or not you have an aptitude for the trade.

Then, when you're out of school, apply for apprenticeship training with the local labor-management program of the Carpenters' union and the construction contractors.

Many communities have joint labor and management apprenticeship committees which will accept your application for training. Many young people start out by telephoning, writing or visiting a local union of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and asking for information on how they can become carpenter apprentices.