Carpentry Apprenticeship

Carpenter Apprenticeship

Carpentry is one of the oldest and most in-demand building skills. Apprentice carpenters use natural resources (wood/timber) to create wooden fixtures and fittings. As a carpenter, you could install doors, flooring, and furniture in new construction, restore or adapt existing structures, develop sets for film and theatre companies, and perform a variety of other things.

Responsibilities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:

  • discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
  • cut and shape timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
  • make and fit structures like staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
  • assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
  • install kitchens, cupboards and shelving
  • build wooden supports called shuttering which holds concrete that has not dried yet in place
  • fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings
  • construct stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions.

Salary

  • Apprentice carpenters can earn in the region of £17,000 – £20,000
  • Trained with experience carpenters can earn in the region of £20,000 – £30,000
  • Senior, chartered or master carpenters can earn in the region of £30,000 – £45,000

Working hours

You will typically work 40 to 45 hours per week, occasionally working evening and weekends.

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, at a client’s business, on a construction site or at a client’s home.

Your working environment may be dusty, at height and you’ll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Qualifications

Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice carpenter include:

  • Level 2 Carpentry and JoineryEntry requirements for this level include some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. This qualification will take 24 months to complete.

Skills

On a carpentry apprenticeship, you’ll learn:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a site supervisor or construction project manager.

You could also move into:

  • construction estimating
  • contracts management
  • a specialist area like stage sets or heritage restoration
  • starting your own business
  • training apprentices
  • teaching at a further education college
Updated on September 11, 2023

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