Carpenter/joiner

Carpenters and joiners use their skills to make structures and fittings such as windows, roofs, floors, walls and doors from wood and wood materials. They use a variety of hand and power tools to cut, shape and join the wood.

Work activities

Carpenters and joiners use their skills to make structures and fittings such as windows, doors, stairs, furniture and shop fittings from wood and wood materials. Carpenters and joiners cut, shape and join wood using a wide range of tools including hammers, planes, chisels, screwdrivers and measuring tapes. Also, they often use power tools and cutting machines. Carpenters and joiners have to study drawings, make calculations and select suitable materials to meet design requirements.

There are many different types of carpenters and joiners. Here are a couple of examples:

Bench joiner – usually based in a workshop making things like doors, window frames and roof beams.
Site carpenter – based on-site doing things like fitting door handles and locks, or repairing broken furniture.

Health and safety is an important aspect of the job, so carpenters and joiners often need to wear some form of protective clothing. They might work in a workshop, or on a building site.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this type of work well, you’ll need:

Good hand skills.
To be physically fit.
Number skills, as you will have to work out angles and measurements.
To pay attention to detail and have an eye for shape and colour.
A head for heights for any work up ladders or on scaffolding.
To be aware of the importance of health and safety in this industry.

As you may have to travel around locally, a driving licence would be useful for this type of work.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Salaried carpenters and joiners earn in the range of £17,000, rising to £38,000 with experience.

Carpenters and joiners work a 40-45-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers include building, construction and civil engineering companies of all sizes. These range from local building firms employing one or two operatives, to nationally known firms employing hundreds of operatives. Opportunities for carpenters occur on building sites in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for carpenters to work independently as self-employed sub-contractors.

What’s happening in this work area?

Construction is an industry dominated by small firms. The construction industry is one of the most male dominated industries. Women account for only one in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the main method of working.

The following skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

Job-related technical skills, including cabinet making, polishing, upholstery, and wood carving/machining.
Management and leadership skills.
Teamworking skills.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery is a good way into this career path. You can also do a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the slightly more specialised area of craft carpentry and joinery. Both of these programmes provide on-the-job training alongside the opportunity to study towards relevant qualifications.

Alternatively, there are various relevant college qualifications available from organisations like City & Guilds and Edexcel. These courses may be in a more general subject area, such as construction.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS): For most building companies, you’ll need a CSCS card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for. Go to the CSCS website for more details.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles, such as construction manager.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

To enter a City & Guilds or Edexcel level 2 course in construction, you’ll usually need at least four GCSEs at grades 4 or higher. However, individual centres may have different entry requirements. You may be able to get onto a course without any qualifications.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Related skills, for example, in building or woodworking, are useful.

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