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All Job CategoriesCarpenter
Carpenter
Joiner, bench joiner
Carpenters and joiners make and install wooden structures, fittings and furniture.
Average salary (a year)
£17000
Starter
£38000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 45.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
occasionally
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You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship
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
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
You'll usually need:
- 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a
Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a focus on site carpentry or architectural joinery, Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, which includes furniture making
Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a focus on site carpentry or architectural joinery, Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, which includes furniture making
These can take up to 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with time at a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
Registrations
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.
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Day to day tasks
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
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
Working environment
You could work in a workshop, at a client's business, on a construction site or at a client's home.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be dusty, at height and you'll travel often.
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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