How to become A Carpenter

• Joiner
• Carpenter Foreman
• Rough Carpenter
• Finish Carpenter
• Trim Carpenter
• Apprentice Carpenter
• Journeyman Carpenter
• Construction Carpenter

What do Carpenters do?

A Carpenter would typically need to:

• Read, interpret, and follow blueprints and building plans, drawings, and sketches to meet the needs of clients; prepare relevant cost estimates
• Help erect and install building frameworks and fixtures like walls, roofing systems, floors, door frames, windows, and molding with the aid of rigging hardware and cranes,
• Install wooden concrete forms for cement footings or pillars; build foundations, install floor beams, and lay sub-flooring
• Measure, cut, shape, and join materials made of wood, plastic, and other materials
• Help insulate buildings; inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures
• Make and assemble fitted and free-standing furniture; make and fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices, and public buildings
• Construct stage sets for theater, movie, and TV productions
• Instruct and direct laborers and other construction helpers working on-site

Rough Carpenters work mostly outdoors, while Finish Carpenters work indoors in shops or factories. Their jobs are physically intensive, requiring them to stand for hours on end while cutting, joining, and working wood materials.

Since Carpenters use sharp and heavy equipment, they should be safety-conscious and follow company or workplace safety standards at all times. Their dress code would be casual and comfortable unless attending meetings.

Nearly all Carpenters work full time, including evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines or with clients. Self-employed workers may be able to customize their work schedule. Extreme temperatures or inclement weather can adversely impact building construction timelines, in which case the work hours of Carpenters may be affected.

At any given time, about a third of all Carpenters are self-employed. A common strategy is to alternate between working for a contractor and working independently as a freelancer.

Carpenters are generally employed by:

• General Contractors
• Specialty Contractors
• Manufacturing Firms
• Retailers
• Government Agencies

Professional associations and organizations are key resources for Carpenters interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

Carpenters who complete a union-affiliated apprenticeship must seek membership therein. Membership in a labor union may come in handy when bidding on jobs.

• A high rate of work-related injuries; muscle strains from lifting heavy materials; falls from ladders; cuts from sharp objects and tools; risk of eye injury from flying particles
• Fatigue from frequent lifting, standing, and kneeling; exposure to loud noise from machinery and tools
• Dermatitis, allergic reactions, or respiratory problems due to the exposure to chemicals, solvents, and other materials
• Working with flammable or combustible materials, including wood dust
• Working in cramped spaces, at heights, and in extreme weather conditions
• Finding work in periods of unemployment during winter when construction activity slows down

To take up Carpentry as a career, you must complete a three- or four-year apprenticeship program or have on-the-job experience along with practical experience gained from accredited certification programs. Apprenticeship, which usually involves around 150 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training, is a good way to hone your skills.

Many technical schools offer two-year Carpentry degrees that are affiliated with unions or contractor organizations. Credits earned as part of an apprenticeship program usually count toward an associate degree. During technical training, apprentices may receive specialized training in occupational safety and health administration through courses run by accredited organizations.

Some contractors have their own Carpenter training program. Although many enter apprenticeships directly, some applicants start as helpers.

Although specific requirements may change by location, the candidate who wishes to enter an apprenticeship program must be at least 18 years old and have the physical ability to do the work. They must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, citizenship or proof of legal residency specific to countries, and clearance of substance abuse screening.

Outside of the classroom, prospective Carpenters may continue to prepare for an apprenticeship and their future trade as a teacher’s assistant (TA) in shop class after completing the class themselves.

They may help build sets for school drama productions, find part-time or summer work as a Carpenter’s helper, or volunteer with programs like Habitat for Humanity. Check with your local community centers for free or inexpensive basic carpentry classes and workshops.

Aspiring Carpenters need a high school diploma or equivalent, focusing on math courses like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Vocational and trade schools and community colleges offer highly recommended courses in mechanical drawing and blueprint reading along with other practical training programs. Look for certificate programs that include the prerequisites essential for applying to an apprenticeship.

Certification from an objective, credible and reputed organization can help you gain professional credibility, increase your confidence at work, build your knowledge in a specific area, stay up-to-date on technology, encourage renewal, and help you become an independent consultant.

Although certification is not mandatory for general carpentry work, individuals may seek certification in green building and sustainability technology as well as other specialties like scaffolding.

Carpenters need a license to perform the duties of a general contractor. Most locations require licensing to perform certain activities such as the demolition or remodeling of an existing structure. Since their work is on job sites, many Carpenters will also need a driver's license or reliable transportation.

Carpenters usually have better opportunities than other construction workers to become independent contractors or general construction supervisors. With experience, you could become a team leader or project manager.

You could also move into the fields of construction estimating and contract management or specialize in areas like stage sets or heritage restoration. You could also start your own business or move into training.

Individuals with a set of necessary carpentry skills will have the best job prospects.

The best Carpenters make the fewest chips. Experience combined with certifications and accreditations, technical degrees, or other proofs of technical proficiency may compensate for lack of a degree in some cases.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) allows individuals to upskill continually, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated. It enables Carpenters to identify any knowledge gaps and progress to a new specialism.

Advanced software skills such as AutoCAD and the full Microsoft Professional Suite would increase your marketability. Carpenters may also pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management to prepare for a position of greater responsibility. Fluency in multiple languages will help you communicate more efficiently with colleagues and employees from different regions.

A Carpenter's unique job duties vary depending on whether they work in Rough Carpentry or Finish Carpentry, and whether they specialize in specific products or processes.

Rough Carpentry

Rough Carpenters typically work outdoors on large construction projects. Finish Carpentry Finish Carpenters are primarily involved in making and installing cabinetry, furniture, models, and instruments. Finish Carpenters who focus on molding and trim for doors, window casings, and mantels are known as Trim Carpenters. Cabinet Makers, as the name implies, primarily create cabinets but also fabricate and refine wardrobes, storage chests, and dressers.

Scenic Carpenters work in the film industry, crafting elaborate sets. Shipwrights work on ships to make emergency repairs when necessary. Luthiers target the repair of stringed instruments while ‘Green’ Carpenters concentrate on using sustainable and recycled materials to make environmentally friendly and energy-efficient designs.

Tools of the Trade

Carpenters use hand tools such as squares, levels, chisels, and power tools such as sanders, circular saws, nail guns, and welding machines.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time

Employment Being a freelance Carpenter offers freedom regarding flexible schedules, working hours, and location. They have full ownership of the business and can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients presented.

While it has unlimited earning potential, freelancing comes with less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. There are no paid holidays, and sick/maternity/paternity leaves are almost unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.

A full-time Carpenter has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses.

Even so, they are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. With a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety, there is also a need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The Centre Pompidou-Metz museum in France possesses one of the most complex modern examples of carpentry - 16 kilometers of glued laminated timber, its total surface area being 8,000 m².

The biggest misconception about Carpentry is that it is a low-skilled and low-caliber trade not worthy of as much regard as mechanical trades or other skilled trades. The reality is that many Carpenters are consummate professionals, in dusty jeans and sweatshirts.

Measure twice, cut once. Slow down, pay attention, take the time to do things right. You’ve done your job if you make a chair comfortable for whoever will sit in it.