Begin Your Career as a Carpenter

Begin Your Career as a CarpenterBegin Your Career as a CarpenterFollowing blueprints or other specifications, a carpenter builds, assembles, installs and repairs fixtures and structures that are usually made of wood. A carpenter may also work with other materials such as plastic, fiberglass or drywall. Employment Facts There were about 901,200 carpenters employed in 2012. Most work in the construction industry. Jobs are usually full time, and overtime is often required to meet deadlines. Over a third of carpenters are self-employed. There are some dangers and discomforts that come with this job. Carpenters do work that is very physical. They must lift heavy materials and spend a lot of time on their feet or kneeling. They are also frequently in cramped spaces and often have to stand on ladders. Its not a surprise, then, that those who work in this occupation have a high satz of injuries that include falls, cuts, and strained muscles. Educational Requirements There are several ways to become a carpenter. The most common way is to do a three or four-year apprenticeship that includes technical and paid on-the-job training. Unions and trade associations usually sponsor apprenticeships. You can find registered apprenticeships, categorized by job title, at My Next Move.To participate in this type of program, one must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate. He or she must pass a drug test. Another route is to enter a training program offered by a contractor. Finally, one can begin his or her career by working as a helper to an experienced carpenter. Other Requirements In addition to formal and on-the-job training, certain soft skills, or personal qualities, will contribute to an individuals success in this occupation. Physically fitness and good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination and balance are of the utmost importance. A carpenter must be detail-oriented and good at solving problems. Advancement Opportunities An experienced carpent er can become a carpentry supervisor, a general construction supervisor or a project manager. Carpenters who are bi-lingual in English and Spanish have a better chance of becoming supervisors than those who are not sincemany construction workers speak Spanish. Job Outlook Job prospects for carpenters, especially those with the most training and skills, is expected to be good for the next several years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2022. Earnings The median annual salary of carpenters was $40,820, and median hourly wages were $19.63 in 2013 (US). Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a carpenter currently earns in your city. A Day in a Carpenters Life These are some typical job duties taken from online ads for carpenter positions found on Indeed.com Construct partitions, small buildings, and concrete forms.Build and repair cabinets, tables, office furniture, and related items.Operate woodworking machinery.Set, brace and strip wood and steel forms.Practice and maintain safety regulations and procedures in and out of the shop.Prepare and maintain records for construction materials and completed work orders.Exercise proper care and maintenance of company equipment. Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Carpenters.Employment and Training Administration, US Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Carpenters.