How to become a carpenter
There are several routes to becoming a carpenter or joiner. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course or an apprenticeship.
You should explore these routes to find which one is right for you. Although some options will list qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
College/training provider
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Some colleges offer part-time, short courses in carpentry and joinery which could be a good way to find out if working with wood/timber is for you, especially if you have no experience or are thinking of changing career.
Apprenticeship
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
A construction apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery is a good way into the industry.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
An intermediate carpentry and joinery apprenticeship takes around two years to complete. If your employer can provide you with the right experiences you could progress onto higher level qualifications or specialise in heritage and historical renovation, or furniture/cabinet making.
You might need GCSEs (including English and maths) to do an apprenticeship, but not all employers ask for formal qualifications.
- Find an apprenticeship near you
- Guide to apprenticeships
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
- Find out more about work experience
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as carpenter include:
- Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- Knowledge of building and construction
- Design skills and knowledge
- Be thorough and pay attention to detail
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Able to work well with others
- Able to use your initiative
- Able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Qualifications
To become a carpenter you could:
- Work towards a Level 2 NVQ in Wood Occupations (Construction).
- Complete a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship.
- Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (NVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITB
You'll need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (level 2 course).
- 4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (level 3 course).
To become a carpenter you could:
- Work towards a Level 6 SVQ at SCQF Level 6 in Carpentry and Joinery.
- Complete a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in Carpentry and Joinery.
- Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (SVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITB
To become a carpenter you could:
- Work towards an NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry.
- Complete a Modern Apprenticeship Level 3 in Carpentry.
- Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (NVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITB
What does a carpenter do?
As a carpenter you will be involved in the design, cutting, and building of furniture using different types of wood. You could be working on site, in clients homes, or in a workshop.
The job role of a carpenter involves the following duties:
- Measuring, marking up, cutting, shaping, fitting and finishing timber
- Using a range of hand and power tools
- Installing floor joists, floorboards, roof trusses and wall partitions
- Fitting interiors such as staircases, doors, skirting boards, cupboards and kitchens
- Putting up frames for bridges, roads, dams and buildings
- Drawing and working with technical drawings
- Gaining knowledge of different types of wood and their uses
- Working in residential or commercial buildings
- Restoring historical buildings
- Working in a workshop, a client’s business or home, or on a construction site
- Carrying out jobs in dusty conditions, or working outdoors in all weather and at height.
How much could you earn as a carpenter?
The expected salary for a carpenter varies as you become more experienced.
- Newly trained carpenters can earn in the region of£17,000-£20,000
- Trained with experience carpenters can earn in the region of£20,000-£30,000
- Senior, chartered or master carpenters can earn in the region of£30,000-£45,000
Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, and the amount of overtime worked.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
Check out the latest carpenter vacancies:
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.
Career path and progression
Experienced carpenters can become supervisors, project managers or team leaders and earn a higher salary.
You could move into different areas within construction such as estimating or contract management, or specialise in an area like heritage restoration or building stage sets.
As a carpenter, you could start your own business or train others.
