Job Profiles: Carpenter/Joiner

Carpentry has been around for quite a long time. In fact, since the ancient times. Some would say carpentry is dying trade. But I actually disagree. Carpentry is still as important as it was many years ago. And so is joinery. And since there is a demand for carpenters and joiners around the UK, there is no shortage of work available. But before we go into how carpentry and joinery are so important, lets define the two so you know what the difference is: Joiner —  A joiner is a craftsman who makes wooden pieces out of raw materials. Carpentry — a carpenter is someone who uses the wood the joiner makes to craft either a structure or a sculpture.

Why Should You Become A Carpenter/Joiner?

Well, for one thing, there is a demand for carpenters and joiners in the construction sector. Most houses and buildings are constructed using wooden structures as their foundations. After all, wood is significantly cheaper than metal frames. And most floorboards are made out of wood too. And with the recent news about the 2017 Autumn Budget which announced that there are going to be more than 300,000 new homes being built over the next decade, it is more good news for both the construction industry and for carpenters/joiners. But it is not just about demand for work, carpentry is very hands-on. And this will suit those who would prefer to be practical, rather than being stuck behind a desk all day. If you enjoy being part of a trade that involves involve hard work, being creative and mastering a skill, then this trade is perfect for you.

Day-to-Day Activities

Depending on where you work, whether you're an employee or a self-employed contractor, your daily duties may include the following:

• Talking with customers about their plans and desired outcome of the final product.
• Followiing detail written instructions.
• Cutting and shaping timber for doors, floorboards, window frames and skirting boards.
• Installing kitchen units i.e. cupboards and shelving.
• Constructing and fitting wooden structures like staircases, roof structures, door frames and partition walls.
• Designing and making free-standing furniture.
• Shuttering – building temporary wooden supports to hold and set concrete in place.
• Produce stages sets for film, TV and theatre productions.

How To Get Into The Trade

There are number of routes you can take to get into carpentry. Most employers do look for on-site experience or qualifications. Many up-and-coming carpenters make their first step into the trade by becoming a joiner's mate or as general labourer to get a site experience. You can also enrol on to a college course in either carpentry or joinery. These courses offer both practical experience and knowledge. Giving you a solid foundation to enter a highly rewarding career. If you choose to work in the construction sector, then you need to gain a green CSCS card. A CSCS card gives employers sufficient evidence to show that you have significant knowledge of health and safety in a construction environment.

Career Progression

According to the National Careers Service, the starting salary of a carpenter is between £16,000 to £24,000. The starting salary does depend on where you work. And with experience and progression, many carpenters do go on to become project managers or team leaders. They will expect to see their salaries rise to anywhere in the region between £25,000 to £40,000. Again, this depends on where a carpenter decides to work and what they want to specialise in. To give you an example, you could specialise in constructing stage sets. Or you could become an expert in heritage restoration. There are loads of opportunities out there. Alternatively, if you're able to build the right contacts, then they can also decide to start their own business.

How Can The Learning Station Help You?

Here at The Learning Station, we deliver top class training that will help you get your green CSCS card in five days. We've helped many individuals from the North London area, including carpenters and joiners, go on to  successfully achieving their CSCS card and pursue a rewarding career in the construction sector. For more information on our construction qualifications, do give us a call on 0208 342 7210. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for reading. What are your thoughts on this topic? Please let us know in the comments section below. Featured image: Pexels