Carpenters

QUALIFICATIONS

A certificate, high school or General Educational Development (GED) carpentry trade journeypersons‘ diploma, with or without an Associate Degree, with requisite study and practice credit hours and Licensure from an authorized body like the Licensing Board for General Contractors (LBGC); combined with – instruction based On the Job Training (OJT) programs, Apprenticeships, Carpentry Workforce Job Training or Experience; covering carpentry and construction work topics including reading blueprints & diagrams, layout projects, precision cutting, assembling, structuring and fastening of wood, finishing, roofing and framing systems, millwork, workshops, good knowledge and usage of carpentry tools and equipment, and allied materials.

AVERAGE HOURLY PAY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Carpentry is a great career pathway, in which employment is projected to show little or no change from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides good carpentry skills, carpenters must be self-motivated, follow safe carpentry practices with endurance, extreme focus, and attention to detail and dexterity; coupled with the ability to read blueprints and diagrams, layout projects, perform precision cutting, assembling, structuring, and fastening of wood, using various carpentry tools and other materials, roof framing and finishing, etc.; ensuring timely completion and delivery, with strict compliance for accuracy, highest quality, and robustness of building standards. They also must be professional, ethical, proactive, agile, and alert with a high degree of patience, perseverance and have great listening and interpersonal skills. Additionally, they must be physically strong since carpentry is extremely physically demanding; and may involve standing for prolonged periods, working in all types of weather, climbing ladders, and lifting heavy wood & other material. If they are not well built to withstand these heavy-duty activities, they may become prone to injuries and accidents.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Carpenters work with wood and related materials to complete the woodwork infrastructure, especially in construction projects. Their work includes reading and designing woodwork according to blueprints & diagrams, layout projects, performing precision wood cutting, assembling, structuring, and fastening of wood, millwork, paneling, roof framing, and finishing, etc. Allied responsibilities may include maintaining supplies & inventory, liaising with authorities, training juniors, follow safety protocols and standards to avoid accidents and injuries, and maintaining the carpentry department. They may also be independent setting up their own workshop, building, and catering to household woodwork needs like cabinets, chairs, tables, etc.