Career Choice: Carpenter

What do Carpenter do?

Carpenters build things from wood, like buildings and boats. They cut, fit, and join wood and other materials together. Carpenters who work for a special trade contractor do only one or two things, like forming molds for concrete or building a frame. A carpenter may also work for a general building contractor. This carpenter performs many tasks, including putting in doors and windows, hanging kitchen cabinets, and installing tile ceilings.

Sometimes carpenters have to follow local rules that tell them where they can use certain materials. Most carpenters follow the same basic steps when getting ready for a job. They must layout or design the project. Design includes measuring, marking, and arranging materials. The carpenter then cuts and shapes the material. Carpenters use different hand and power tools, such as chisels, saws, and drills. Finally, the carpenter joins the items together with nails, staples, or glue. They use rulers or framing squares to increase the accuracy of their work.

When working with ready-made parts, such as stairs or parts of walls, the carpenter's job is easier. A carpenter may install these parts all at one time. Carpenters may also replace glass, ceiling tiles, and doors. Some carpenters repair desks and cabinets; put in doors and windows; change locks; and repair broken furniture. In a factory, carpenters may help move or install machinery.

Carpentry work is sometimes stressful. It often involves standing for a long time, climbing, bending, and kneeling. Carpenters risk getting hurt from slipping or falling, or from working with sharp or rough tools.

Some carpenters change jobs when they finish a project. Others switch back and forth from between working for someone else and being self-employed on small jobs.

How do I prepare to become a Carpenter?

Carpenters learn their work mostly on the job, but many carpenters learn their skills in school or through training programs. High school courses in carpentry, shop, drawing, and math will help on the job. Some carpenters join a program called an apprenticeship. This program combines on-the-job training and classroom work. Applicants for this program must be at least 18 years old and pass an exam to see if they have the skills to become a carpenter. The length of the program is usually 3 to 4 years.

New carpenters learn many things. These include basic design, common job skills, use of tools and machines, safety, and first aid. They practice drawing and apply math too.

What are the earning potentials?

Weekly Earnings (full time and before tax)

$750 - All Ages
$578 - Ages 20-24

Source: ABS Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, August 2003.

What are the Job prospects for Carpenter?

Very Good
Good
Average < Carpenter
Below Average
Limited