carpenters and joiners
Carpenters and joiners construct, erect, install and repair wooden structures and fittings used in internal and external frameworks and cut, shape, fit and assemble wood to make templates, jigs, scale models and scenic equipment for theatres.
Carpenter Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
A Carpenter, or a Joiner, is responsible for providing carpentry and joinery services. Their work includes constructing furniture and fittings, performing repairs and renewals along with helping other trades with woodworking projects.
Carpenter duties and responsibilities
A Carpenter works from a workshop or on a construction site to perform the following tasks:
- Taking measurements and preparing the site for woodwork
- Preparing drawings for cabinetry, framing and other construction projects onsite
- Designing and installing fitted wooden shelves, cabinets and drywall
- Installing fixtures and fittings such as handles, locks and hinges
- Select and also evaluate materials for potential defects
- Reading and interpreting designs to meet specifications set by Architects
- Liaising with clients, suppliers and other tradesmen
- Following all standards for kitchens and bathrooms in remodelling projects
- Sourcing timber by size, strength and budget for woodworking or joinery projects
- Assessing and reviewing additional carpentry or joinery refurbishments
- Performing finish carpentry including siding, flooring and built-ins
What does a Carpenter do?
Carpenters work with timber depending on the role and experience. They create window frames, doors and floorboards. They also install shelves, cupboards, countertops and assemble fitted or free-standing furniture. Carpenters install roofing timber, staircases, door frames and they erect wooden supports to hold the setting concrete in place during home construction. They often work on tasks such as creating and fitting interiors in public offices and business premises. Carpenters are also involved in building stage sets for theatre, TV and film production.
Carpenter skills and qualifications
Carpentry is a skilled trade that requires high levels of accuracy and attention to detail. A successful Carpenter candidate will also have various prerequisite skills and qualifications including:
- Geometry and algebra
- Good eye-hand coordination
- High levels of fitness and stamina
- Excellent joinery skills
- Working knowledge of different woodworking tools
- Knowledge of building regulations
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Carpenter experience requirements
The ideal candidate has general knowledge of domestic and commercial buildings with at least three years of relevant experience working with various types of wood, woodworking machinery and access equipment. They should also have a good knowledge of timber grades and countertop materials.This position requires a person who is physically fit, capable of lifting heavy materials and ready to stand for extended periods A qualified Carpenter can work with power tools and bladed objects such as bow saws, hammer and chisel, nail guns and drills. They are expected to work in almost all weather conditions, and should also be able to maintain a good balance while working on ladders and roofs.
Carpenter education and training requirements
Different employers have different entry requirements for Carpenters. Junior Carpenters can obtain positions with five GCSEs or equivalents including English and maths, basic vocational diploma or a City and Guilds certification. A person applying for the Carpenter’s job ideally has an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in carpentry or joinery, preferably site carpentry or architectural joinery. For a senior role, a Diploma in Bench Joinery or Carpentry and Joinery is desirable. Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a bonus for those applying for a construction site job.