Carpentry is one of the world’s oldest professions and has been around for thousands of years. It’s a great way to use your creativity and technical talents while making objects and buildings that can last a lifetime.
A carpentry career may be your calling if you’re interested in working with wood. Learn everything about the job, including what qualifications you need and how to get into carpentry.
A carpenter works with wood to make, repair and fit wooden buildings and objects.
They do lots of jobs, like:
Carpenters use hand tools and power tools for work, including saws, chisels, drills and sanders. These help to cut, join and finish the wood.
Carpenters work in many places, from homes and commercial construction sites to workshops and custom furniture studios. They make and look after the wooden parts of our built environment.
Carpentry is a skilled trade that needs practical skills and a knowledge of wood and its building methods. Carpenters must understand woodworking techniques, how to take measurements and how to read or design blueprints.
Carpenters use maths skills to measure and calculate tasks so everything is built and fits correctly. It’s also important to have a good eye for detail.
Here are the most common skills carpenters need to have:
There are other general skills carpenters might need:
If you’re interested in becoming a carpenter, you’ll want to know how to get started.
From understanding carpenters’ qualifications to tips for finding jobs, let’s unpack how to get into carpentry.
What qualifications do you need to become a carpenter?
You don’t need a formal educational degree to become a carpenter, but having some educational qualifications is helpful.
Most employers look for GSCEs in maths, English and design & technology. These are a good foundation for a carpentry career. Many carpenters have an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), which they get through going to college or doing an apprenticeship.
Construction workers, including carpenters, often get a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card once they qualify. This shows you have the skills and knowledge to work safely in the construction industry, so some employers may want you to get one.
You might also need training to make sure you can safely work in certain places. This could include getting a health and safety or manual handling certificate.
An apprenticeship is one of the most popular ways to become a carpenter. Carpentry apprenticeships give you on-the-job training alongside classroom-based learning.
To become an apprentice carpenter, you normally do the following:
1. Find an apprenticeship — Look for carpentry apprenticeship opportunities on job websites, government apprenticeship programmes, trade associations, and from local carpentry companies.
2. Apply and get hired — Once you find an apprenticeship role, apply and go through the hiring steps. If picked, you’ll start work as an apprentice carpenter.
3. Complete the apprenticeship — Carpentry apprenticeships usually last two to four years. You’ll get training, mentoring and hands-on carpentry experience and go to college or training courses to learn the theory behind the trade.
4. Get a qualification — At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll likely get a qualification, such as an NVQ or a diploma in carpentry. These are nationally recognised qualifications and show your skills as a carpenter.
You could decide to specialise in one area of carpentry, such as finish carpentry, roofing or joinery. This might mean getting more qualifications or certificates and taking further courses.
You can apply directly for carpentry jobs if you have some experience and recognised qualifications — for example, after completing your apprenticeship or work placement. Use job search websites to find carpentry jobs in your area, or check the websites of construction companies, contractors and carpentry firms. They often post job openings on their sites.
If you know someone in the carpentry industry, you could reach out to them for job leads. They might help you land a role or give advice on applying.
Remember to check job listings regularly for new roles — the market is always changing, so staying up to date is important. Finding the right carpentry job can take time, so be patient. Keep applying, networking, going to interviews and improving your skills and qualifications while you search.
You could explore starting a carpentry business once you have some skills and experience. This approach has many benefits, including being your own boss and choosing which projects to work on.
Becoming a carpenter is an exciting path if you’re interested in working with wood and building things.
You’ll need to be up for learning new techniques, developing essential skills and getting hands-on experience. Carpenters have excellent attention to detail, creativity and adaptability and are constantly growing in a changing industry.
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