Apprentice Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Apprentice Framer

Company: D.R. Horton, Inc.

Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction & Trades

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level position offers hands-on training in residential framing, a critical component of the new home construction process.

• The role involves assisting experienced framing crews with structural framing activities, material handling, and jobsite preparation, fostering a learning environment for developing carpentry skills.

• Candidates will learn to read and interpret basic construction drawings and work instructions, contributing to the efficient and safe execution of framing tasks.

• This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to build a career in the skilled trades, with a focus on developing proficiency in safe tool operation and construction methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an "Apprentice Framer," indicating a focus on training and development rather than immediate expert-level performance. The emphasis is on learning foundational skills in residential framing within a large homebuilding organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist experienced framing personnel with all aspects of residential structural framing, including walls, floors, and roofs.

• Efficiently load, unload, organize, and stage lumber, hardware, tools, and other construction materials at the jobsite.

• Measure, mark, and cut framing materials accurately according to instructions and under supervision.

• Safely operate hand tools and power tools after receiving proper training and demonstrating competency.

• Learn to read and follow basic construction drawings, framing layouts, and work instructions to ensure accurate construction.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by removing debris and staging materials as directed.

• Strictly adhere to all company safety procedures, jobsite rules, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations.

• Actively participate in hands-on training sessions, applying feedback to enhance framing skills, accuracy, productivity, and overall knowledge of residential construction.

• Be available to work overtime as needed to meet project deadlines and construction schedules.

• Support jobsite preparation activities, including site clearing and setup, and perform general labor tasks related to framing.

• Assist with maintaining an organized inventory of materials and tools, and contribute to punch-list completion efforts.

• Conduct all business activities in a professional and ethical manner, upholding the company's reputation and contributing to its profitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to guide an apprentice through a learning progression, starting with assistance and material handling and moving towards more complex tasks under supervision. The emphasis on safety, learning, and teamwork is paramount for an apprentice role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience: No prior framing experience is required. Previous construction, carpentry, vocational training, or trade school experience is beneficial but not mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Ability and strong willingness to learn residential framing methods and techniques.

• Aptitude for understanding construction measurements and safe power/hand tool operation.

• Capability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.

• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills to work as part of a construction crew.

• Physical ability to perform demanding construction labor, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs regularly), carrying, reaching, and working at heights and in various weather conditions.

• Capacity to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or application-based formats. Preferred Skills:

• Completion of construction or carpentry coursework.

• OSHA 10 certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong emphasis on teachability, physical capability, and a willingness to learn, which are key indicators for an apprentice-level role in a hands-on trade. The preference for OSHA 10 suggests a proactive approach to safety training.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not typically required for an apprentice role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any projects or coursework that demonstrate practical skills or a strong interest in construction and carpentry.

• Examples could include vocational school projects, personal building endeavors, or detailed descriptions of relevant coursework.

• Focus on showcasing an understanding of basic construction principles, tool usage, and safety awareness. Process Documentation:

• No formal process documentation is expected at this level. The focus will be on learning and adhering to established D.R. Horton framing processes and safety protocols as guided by senior team members.

• Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to learn and follow established workflows for material handling, cutting, and assembly of framing components.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an apprentice role, the emphasis shifts from a documented portfolio of past achievements to demonstrating potential and a willingness to learn. The "portfolio" here is more about showcasing foundational knowledge and a positive attitude towards skill acquisition.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for entry-level construction apprentices in the Rochester Hills, Michigan area, the estimated hourly wage is typically between $17.00 - $22.00 per hour. This range is subject to change based on candidate experience, specific project needs, and D.R. Horton's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• 401(K) retirement savings plan.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Comprehensive Life & Disability Insurance coverage.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including Vacation, Sick Time, and Personal Time.

• Paid Company Holidays.

• Access to multiple voluntary and company-provided benefits.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Availability for overtime is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for apprentice-level construction roles in Michigan, considering the cost of living and typical pay scales for skilled trades. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting D.R. Horton's status as a large, established employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: D.R. Horton operates within the Homebuilding industry, a sector characterized by its cyclical nature, reliance on skilled labor, and significant economic impact. As the largest homebuilder in the U.S., D.R. Horton holds a dominant position, influencing market trends and construction standards.

Company Size: D.R. Horton is a Fortune 500 company, employing a large workforce across numerous divisions and locations. This scale offers stability, robust training programs, and opportunities for career advancement within a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Founded in 1978, D.R. Horton has a long-standing history in the homebuilding market, establishing a reputation for quality and market reach. This longevity suggests a stable operational framework and established best practices.

Team Structure:

• The framing team is likely composed of experienced Lead Framers, Journeymen Framers, and Apprentice Framers, working collaboratively on construction sites.

• Reporting structures will typically funnel up through a Site Superintendent or Project Manager responsible for overall construction site management.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving coordination with other trades (e.g., concrete, roofing, electrical, plumbing) to ensure seamless project progression and adherence to build schedules. Methodology:

• D.R. Horton likely employs standardized framing methodologies and construction blueprints to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.

• Emphasis is placed on efficient material usage, adherence to building codes, and safe work practices, often supported by internal training and quality control checks.

• Automation is less prevalent in the direct framing process but may be utilized in project management, scheduling, and material procurement.

Company Website: www.drhorton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: D.R. Horton's status as a large, publicly traded company implies a structured, process-driven environment. For an apprentice, this translates to a consistent learning experience with clear guidelines and expectations, supported by a vast network of resources and experienced professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the foundational "Apprentice" level, signifying the beginning of a career path in skilled trades. It is designed for individuals with minimal to no prior experience who are eager to learn and develop expertise in residential framing. The scope of responsibilities is directly supervised and focused on skill acquisition.

Reporting Structure: The Apprentice Framer will report to experienced framing crew members and ultimately to a Site Superintendent or Project Manager. This hierarchical structure ensures direct mentorship and oversight, crucial for learning safe and effective construction techniques.

Operations Impact: While an apprentice's direct impact on high-level revenue operations is minimal, their role is crucial to the fundamental operational success of D.R. Horton. By learning and executing framing tasks efficiently and correctly, they contribute directly to the timely completion of homes, adherence to budget, and maintenance of construction quality, which are key drivers of the company's overall revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Progression from Apprentice to Journeyman Framer through demonstrated proficiency, experience, and potentially certifications