• Carpenter Job Description

    A carpenter is a tradesperson who builds and repairs wooden structures. Their job involves reading and interpreting blueprints or detailed instructions for the construction or repair of wooden objects or structures, and measuring, cutting, shaping and joining pieces of wood to construct the wooden objects or structures.

    Carpentry work can be categorized into rough and finish carpentry. Rough carpenters usually work outdoors performing tasks that do not require neat finishing such as roofing and framing, while finish carpenters are involved in carpentry works that require neat finishing such as building and installation of windows, doors, and cabinets.

    A carpenter should be creative, reliable, safety-conscious, detail oriented, physically strong and good at calculating. They should be able to resist stress and concentrate for long periods of time. They should have physical stamina to be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl and stoop frequently in confined spaces

  • What does a Carpenter do?

    Carpenters may do some or all of the following:

    • read and interpret structural drawings and diagrams
    • plan and organize carpentry works
    • select materials for projects and estimate costs
    • measure, cut, and shape materials using a wide variety of hand tools
    • connect and join materials together using nails, screws, and adhesives
    • construct roofing and building frameworks
    • construct and install wooden items such as cabinets, doors and windows
    • repair and replace wooden items
  • Where does a Carpenter work?
  • Working Conditions

    Carpenters usually work normal bossiness hours, but may also work extra hours and weekends to meet project deadlines. They work indoors in workshops or outdoors in building sites. Their work is physical intensive, requiring them to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, lift and work at heights. They may travel for work and stay away from home for days or weeks at a time.

  • What is Required to Become a Carpenter ?

    There are no educational requirements to become a carpenter, as skills are learned on the job under the supervision of more experience carpenters.

    A person who is interested in carpentry should enroll in an apprenticeship program. After the apprenticeship, they will become an experienced journeyman.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Carpenters need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • creativity
    • dependability
    • dependability
    • accuracy and precision
    • manual dexterity
    • honesty and integrity
    • physical strength and stamina
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good interpersonal skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • analytical, practical and technical skills
    • numerical skills
    • the ability to read and interpret blueprints
    • the ability to work well independently and as part of a team
    • the ability to resist stress and concentrate for long periods
    • the ability to use a wide variety of hand tools such as saws, levels, chisels, hammers, drills, wrenches, etc.
    • the ability to follow directions specifically
    • knowledge of building and carpentry basics
    • knowledge of building and safety regulations

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Electrician
  • Glazier
  • plumber
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  • Tiler
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