How to Become a Carpenter

Skilled carpenters perform a variety of job duties that include custom woodworking projects, decorative finishing services and repairs when needed. You will hold responsibility for keeping tools and shared equipment in good shape and working with others to complete various tasks. The job responsibilities and duties of a carpenter include the following:

• Installing floors, ceilings and roofs 
• Erecting scaffolding and ladders for structural access and safety protection
• Installing windows and doors and their frames and hardware
• Using blueprints, drawings and sketches to prepare materials and equipment for a project
• Shaping and cutting materials to specific measurements using hand tools and power tools
• Following recommended safety procedures and maintaining a clean work area free of obstructions and tripping hazards
• Assembling materials to build frameworks and props for stage and movie scenery
• Building, repairing and refinishing cabinets and wooden fixtures
• Removing and replacing damaged or worn parts and components

The list of equipment that carpenters use grows more extensive every year and includes automated equipment that grows increasingly popular as technology advances. Carpenters use a variety of power tools and hand tools designed specifically for woodworking and creating artistic designs and finishing touches. The basic tools that you need for all carpentry jobs include:

• Hand saws 
• Levels
• Tape measures 
• Hammers 
• Chisels
• Work benches and sawhorses 
• Clamps
• Nail guns 
• Power saws, drills and grinders

Carpenters work both indoors and outdoors on construction projects of various sizes. You will complete repairs and remodeling tasks in climate-controlled buildings and also work on new construction that exposes you to the elements. In some situations, you will travel to complete construction projects in other cities or states. If you hold a supervisory role, you will also complete tasks in an office setting with clients and other supervisors. On the job site, you will encounter potentially dangerous situations that require proper safety gear and knowledge. You will wear hard hats, gloves and protective eyewear. You will also need earplugs, a face shield and respirators on some jobs.

Your colleagues as a carpenter include a bevy of construction professionals like HVAC technicians, plumbers and electricians. Construction inspectors, material suppliers and vendors are also your colleagues. You will work as a part of a team with job supervisors, project managers, factory managers and architects.

The skills and competencies needed for a carpentry career vary depending on whether you choose to specialize in precision woodworking or design-related carpentry, both of which require artistic and design skills. The essential skills include math skills, woodworking abilities and mechanical skills to operate and maintain tools and machinery. Some of the most common skills needed include:

• Ability to operate various tools and machines
• Skill to maintain and repair tools as needed
• Ability to handle large items and small precision tools
• Knowledge of budgeting, business procedures and advanced math
• Ability to read and use blueprints
• Skills at precision cutting and wood finishing
• Aptitude for quality control
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving aptitude
• Hand-eye coordination
• Manual dexterity

Certifications can make your resume more attractive to company HR departments and independent people and businesses looking for a carpenter. You can receive a higher starting salary and land a better job with an industry certification. The levels of carpentry include Carpenter’s Helper, Apprentice, Journeyperson and Master. You can earn a higher ranking with certifications like the following:

• OSHA Safety Certificate
• Certified Lead Carpenter
• Graduate Master Builder
• Registered Construction Inspector
• Associate Constructor
• Building Codes and Standards

OSHA highlights the risks that carpenters face like lacerations, severed fingers and damage to bones and muscles. However, following safety guidelines and always working with protective gear like eye protection, hard hats and ear plugs minimizes risks. You should also work for an employer who stresses safety.

Carpentry specialists include rough carpenters, trim carpenters and framers. Ship carpenters and cabinetry carpenters are some of the other available specialties.

Most carpenters require hands-on training to become familiar with common woodworking procedures. However, you will have the chance to expand your existing skills by taking an online course in specialized areas like cabinet making.

The benefits of a carpentry career include earning a high salary with minimal education requirements. You usually have some autonomy in how you approach each project as long as you achieve the required results. You can specialize in various areas to build your skills, achieve higher pay and increase your work satisfaction.

Applying for a job as a carpenter is easy with Spherion. You can search for carpenter jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your resume through Spherion’s open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential case manager roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.