Carpenter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course like:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Bench Joinery
• Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Site Carpentry
• T Level in On Site Construction

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could do a:

• carpentry and joinery intermediate or advanced apprenticeship with a focus on site carpentry or architectural joinery
• wood product manufacturing operative intermediate apprenticeship which has a focus on furniture making

You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at college or a training provider.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• 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
• sensitivity and understanding
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• leadership skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English

What you'll do:

Carpenters and joiners make and install wooden structures, fittings and furniture.

Depending on where you work, you could:

• discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
• cut and shape timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
• make and fit structures like staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
• assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
• install kitchens, cupboards and shelving
• build wooden supports called shuttering which holds concrete that has not dried yet in place
• fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings
• construct stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions

Location : You could work in a workshop, at a client's business, on a construction site or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be dusty, at height and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a site supervisor or construction project manager.

You could also move into:

• construction estimating
• contracts management
• a specialist area like stage sets or heritage restoration
• starting your own business
• training apprentices
• teaching at a further education college

Find out more about teaching in further education from teach in further education .