Carpenter

What does a carpenter do?As a carpenter you will be involved in the design, cutting, and building of furniture using different types of wood. You could be working on site, in clients homes, or in a workshop.The job role of a carpenter involves the following duties:Measuring, marking up, cutting, shaping, fitting and finishing timberUsing a range of hand and power toolsInstalling floor joists, floorboards, roof trusses and wall partitionsFitting interiors such as staircases, doors, skirting boards, cupboards and kitchensPutting up frames for bridges, roads, dams and buildingsDrawing and working with technical drawingsGaining knowledge of different types of wood and their usesWorking in residential or commercial buildingsRestoring historical buildingsWorking in a workshop, a client’s business or home, or on a construction siteCarrying out jobs in dusty conditions, or working outdoors in all weather and at height.How to become a carpenterThere are several routes to becoming a carpenter or joiner. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course or an apprenticeship.You should explore these routes to find which one is right for you. Although some options will list qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to follow instructions.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.College/training providerSome colleges offer part-time, short courses in carpentry and joinery which could be a good way to find out if working with wood/timber is for you, especially if you have no experience or are thinking of changing career.Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a course near youFunding adviceApprenticeshipA construction apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery is a good way into the industry.Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.An intermediate carpentry and joinery apprenticeship takes around two years to complete. If your employer can provide you with the right experiences you could progress onto higher level qualifications or specialise in heritage and historical renovation, or furniture/cabinet making.You might need GCSEs (including English and maths) to do an apprenticeship, but not all employers ask for formal qualifications.Guide to apprenticeshipsWork experienceWork experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.Find out more about work experienceSkillsAdditional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as carpenter include:Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and toolsKnowledge of building and constructionDesign skills and knowledgeBe thorough and pay attention to detailExcellent verbal communication skillsAble to work well with othersAble to use your initiativeAble to use a computer and the main software packages confidentlyQualificationsTo become a carpenter you could:Work towards a Level 2 NVQ in Wood Occupations (Construction).Complete a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship.Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (NVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITBYou'll Need:2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (level 2 course).4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (level 3 course).To Become a Carpenter You Could:Work towards a Level 6 SVQ at SCQF Level 6 in Carpentry and Joinery.Complete a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in Carpentry and Joinery.Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (SVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITBTo Become a Carpenter You Could:Work towards an NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry. Complete a Modern Apprenticeship Level 3 in Carpentry. Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (NVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITBHow much could you earn as a carpenter?The expected salary for a carpenter varies as you become more experienced.Newly trained carpenters can earn in the region of £25,000Trained with experience carpenters can earn up to £60,000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources