Carpenter
Carpenters make, install and repair wooden items like wall panels, flooring, door and window frames, roof rafters, staircases, cabinets and furniture.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a carpenter, you could:
- discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
- cut timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
- make and fit staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
- assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
- install kitchen units, cabinets and shelving
- construct wooden supports, called shuttering, which hold concrete in place while it sets
- fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants and offices
- build stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions
Working environment
You could work in a workshop, on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be dusty, at height and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a site supervisor or construction project manager.
You could also move into:
- construction estimating
- contracts management
- specialist areas like set building for stage and screen, or heritage restoration
- facilities maintenance in a large organisation, like a hospital or housing association
- training apprentices on site
You may wish to start your own business or teach in a further education college.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to work on your own
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
You could take a college course like:
- bench joinery
- site carpentry
- T Level in On Site Construction
Courses like these would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to find a trainee position with a company.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could apply to do a:
- Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Wood Machinist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
You could also do a Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, producing goods used in the furniture making and construction industries.
These apprenticeships can take around 2 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Career tips
If you're thinking of changing career to carpentry, look out for short or part-time 'taster' courses at your local college. These are designed to help you find out if carpentry is for you.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a carpenter from Go Construct and House Building Careers.
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External links
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