How to become a Carpenter

Carpenters construct, erect, install, finish and repair wooden and metal structures and fixtures on residential and commercial buildings. They may also carry out work on large concrete, steel and timber structures such as bridges, dams, power stations and civil engineering projects.

Personal requirements for a Carpenter

Enjoy practical work
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Able to work with your hands
Good sense of balance and ability to work at heights
Good at mathematics
Good health and eyesight
Able to work as part of a team
Good decision making and problem solving skills.

Education & Training for a Carpenter

To become a carpenter you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Carpentry. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

In some states and territories, carpenters must either be accredited as, or work under the supervision of, a registered building practitioner. Workers in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC).

Duties & Tasks of a Carpenter

Carpenters:

Construct formwork into which concrete is poured
Set out an outline of the building on the ground of the site, using string and pegs to allow for excavations
Build floors, wall frameworks (timber or metal) and roofs, and lay timber floors
Read plans and specifications to determine the dimensions, materials required and installation processes to be followed
Install metal and timber windows, sashes and doors
Construct and erect prefabricated units, such as cottages and houses
Cut materials with hand and power tools, and assemble, nail, cut or shape parts
Install door handles, locks, hardware, flooring underlay, insulating material and other fixtures
Maintain and sharpen tools.

Tasks

Nails fascia panels, sheaths roofs, and fits exterior wall cladding, as well as door and window frames.
Assembles prepared wood to form structures and fittings ready to install.
May repair existing fittings.
Cuts materials, and assembles and nails cut and shaped parts.
May work with plastic laminates, perspex and metals.
Order and select timbers and materials, and prepare layouts.
Cutting wood joints.
May construct concrete framework.
Studies drawings and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures.
Erects framework and roof framing, laying sub-flooring and floorboards and verifying trueness of structures.

Working conditions for a Carpenter

Carpenters work on properties or projects in a variety of places, usually within building or construction teams.

Employment Opportunities for a Carpenter

Carpenters may work as subcontractors or may be employed by building and construction companies. Most carpenters are employed on housing projects, construction and civil engineering projects, and in maintenance roles in large factories, hospitals, institutions and private homes. Many carpenters specialise in areas such as framing, fixing or formwork.

Specializations

Carpenter

Average age
31
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
1% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
84%
Employment Size
104,900
Employment by state
ACT: 1.6%
NSW: 31.6%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 20.9%
SA: 5.1%
TAS: 1.8%
VIC: 29.2%
WA: 8.9%
Age brackets
15-19: 8.2%
20-24: 17.6%
25-34: 30.6%
35-44: 17.5%
45-54: 14.4%
55-59: 5.9%
60-64: 4%
65 and Over: 1.9%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 3.1%
Bachelor degree: 1.9%
Certificate III/IV: 73.3%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.3%
Year 10 and below: 6.9%
Year 11: 3.5%
Year 12: 11%