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Carpenter / Joiner

The Work
Carpenters and joiners make and install wooden structures, fixtures and fittings, which are used in a wide variety of construction projects. This could include fitting floorboards, skirting, window frames and doors in domestic household jobs to fixing roof trusses and partitions for a commercial project; preparing shop fronts, storage and shelving for retail outlets through to building wooden casements to support setting concrete in structures such as bridges or foundation pillars.

Carpenters and joiners use a range of hand and power tools depending on the scale and type of work. The type of work normally falls into one of the categories below and they may use their skills across the whole range, or specialise in just one or two:

formwork - making temporary wooden structures to support and shape concrete until set
machining - preparing and shaping timber for floorboards, skirting boards and window frames
bench joinery - preparing and assembling doors, window frames, staircases and fitted furniture for buildings
first fixing (site work) - constructing the basic wooden structures of a building such as floor and roof joists, roof timbers, floorboards, staircases, partition walls and door and window frames
second fixing (site work) - installing skirting boards, door surrounds, doors, cupboards and shelving, as well as door handles and locks
shopfitting - producing and fitting interiors for shops, hotels, restaurants, banks, offices and public buildings. See Shopfitter.

Depending on the job, carpenters and joiners may work in conjunction with other construction tradespeople, for example electricians and plumbers.

Hours and Conditions
The usual working week is 39 hours, Monday to Friday, although overtime at weekends or evenings is common when deadlines must be met.

Carpenters and joiners often work in narrow or confined spaces and carry heavy materials and tools. Site work involves working in all weathers, climbing ladders and working on scaffolding or roofs. Travel between sites can mean working away from home for short or long periods. A driving licence may be helpful.

Bench joiners tend to work mainly in workshops where conditions can get dusty.

Safety equipment such as helmets and boots are required on construction sites. Goggles or ear defenders may also be needed for some jobs.

Skills and Interests
To be a carpenter or joiner you should:

be careful, methodical and able to plan accurately
be able to follow technical drawings and plans
have practical ability and manual skills
have numerical ability for measuring and making calculations
be physically fit
be able to work as part of a team and alone
be aware of health and safety issues.

Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ / SVQ qualifications. You work towards NVQs / SVQs in Wood Occupations levels 1 to 3.

Options include:

Bench Work - marking, setting out and production of joinery products
Site Work - install first and second fixings and structural components
Shopfitting - manufacture, installation of internal and external frames, shop fronts, fixtures and finishings
Timber Frame Erection - erection of timber frame walls, floors, roof structures and associated fixtures and fittings
Wheelwrighting - mark out, produce and assemble carriage joinery products.

As well as the above options, NVQ / SVQ Level 3 includes a conservation and restoration bench work option for the production and assembly of period products, e.g. furniture, together with a conservation and restoration site work option covering the refurbishment of historical buildings.

A three-year Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) is open to people aged between 16-25 in England and Wales, or a four-year apprenticeship in Scotland registered with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council. Contact CITB - Construction Skills below.

New Deal schemes may be available for people who have been unemployed for six months or more. These provide an allowance and training and can lead to a job and further training through the CITB - Construction Skills. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus for details.

The Institute of Carpenters (IOC) offer various craft awards for carpenters/joiners looking to enhance their range of skills and qualifications. For details, contact IOC below.

Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:

MAPPs (England)
Skillseekers (Scotland)
National Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs (Northern Ireland)

Opportunities
Carpenters and joiners work for construction companies, local authorities, public organisations and shopfitting companies. Many are self-employed and work on a sub-contract basis for contractors, with some contracts offering the chance to work overseas. It may be possible for carpenters and joiners to progress to technician-level and construction management, or to move into a specialised area of work such building restoration or furniture making.

Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.

The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.

Salaries can range from £17,000 to £26,000 a year for qualified carpenter/joiners.

Overtime and shift allowances will supplement income.

Self-employed carpenters and joiners negotiate their own rates.

Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.

CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk

The Institute of Carpenters (IOC)
www.carpenters-institute.org