Carpenter/Joiner

Carpenters and joiners make, install and repair all sorts of wood fixtures. These range from windows and doors to floorboards, staircases, roof trusses, partitions and kitchen and bathroom units.

They may use traditional woodworking tools, as well as specialised power or hand tools, for cutting, shaping, smoothing and finishing.

A carpenter/joiner might be skilled in bench joinery, woodworking machinery, formwork, site carpentry or shopfitting, sometimes a combination of these. Others train and work specifically in the heritage sector, making, fixing and installing authentic features like gables, architraves and other mouldings.

Carpenters/joiners typically work a set number of hours from Monday to Friday. Weekend and evening overtime is often available. Site work and formwork involves working outdoors, up ladders and on scaffolding or roofs, sometimes in confined spaces. Bench joiners and shopfitters work indoors, where conditions could be dusty. Personal protection equipment should be worn. Many jobs involve travelling to different sites, sometimes with time away from home.

Salaries can range from between £8,639 and £14,439 for new entrants and apprentices, potentially reaching £40,000 a year or more for highly skilled carpenters.

Carpenters and joiners should have:

• good practical and hand skills
• a responsible, careful work attitude
• the ability to follow drawings, plans and written or spoken instructions
• the ability to pay attention to detail
• team skills, but equal confidence in working independently
• an interest in construction.

Around 110,000 carpenters and joiners work in England. They may be employed by building contractors to work on construction sites, woodworking and joinery manufacturers, shopfitting companies or set makers. Many are self-employed. Some specialise in restoring old buildings or furniture making.

There are no set entry requirements. Some employers, particularly for Apprenticeships, may request GCSEs (A*-E) in useful subjects like maths, technology and design or the Diploma in construction and the built environment.

Apprenticeships are the usual route in. Training usually combines on-the-job training with working towards an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in wood occupations or CSkills Awards. The Institute of Carpenters (IOC) offers various awards. Any carpenters/joiners working for building contractors need a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card to work on site.

Experienced carpenters and joiners progress to site supervision, clerk of works and construction management roles, or teaching their trade to others. Many become self-employed, setting up their own businesses. With further training, some specialise in restoration work.

Further details