While it is common knowledge that it was Gepetto's carpentry talents that created the fabled wooden boy Pinocchio, any carpentry and joinery enthusiast will tell you that there is a great deal more that can be achieved with such skills. Carpenters must measure, mark and plan to create a number of wooden fixtures, structures and fittings. The work can range anywhere from constructing wholly wooden buildings to fitting skirting, windows or even building casement supports.
Carpenters and joiners may undertake a variety of jobs in the fields below, or specialise in one or two areas:
Bench joinery: assembling doors, windows frames, staircases and spindles, and furniture for buildings.
Machining: preparation of window frames, skirting and floorboards.
First fixing: site work involving the initial wood structures of buildings including: joists, floorboards, roof timbers, doors, windows, and stairs.
Second fixing: site work involving the installation of internal doors, cupboards, and skirting boards.
Formwork: fabricating temporary wood structures for the support and shaping of setting concrete.
Shopfitting: fabrication and fitting of commercial interiors including shops, offices, banks, hotels, and public facilities.
Particularly in the case of building work and shopfitting, carpenters and joiners sometimes have to work alongside electricians, plumbers and other trades. It is possible to be self-employed and sub-contract for other contractors. For those that are employed, The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) decide wage rates yearly. Scotland's wages are set by the SBATC.
Suitability
The job of a carpenter or joiner often involves the use of heavy and powerful tools. You may be required to work in small spaces or at height in all kinds of weather. Bench joiners often work in dusty workshops so bear this in mind if you are especially asthmatic. Safety equipment including steel toe cap boots and hardhats must be worn on construction sites, while goggles and ear protection may also be required elsewhere.
Mathematical ability is quite vital as you have to calculate measurements and angles. You should be methodical in your work and able to follow technical drawings, as well as having the physical fitness to perform the strenuous tasks. Carpentry and joinery work requires you to be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Training and education
There are currently no specific entry requirements to enable you to become a joiner or carpenter, although forthcoming CSCS cards will change that (see further down). However, GCSEs in subjects like maths, English, and design and technology are often desirable. Good vocational qualifications include:
- Edexcel Introductory Certificate in Construction - joinery courses
- Edexcel First Diploma in Construction - carpentry courses
- City & Guilds Basic Skills in Construction: Carpentry and Joinery (6214)
- Construction Industry Training Board (Wood Occupations)
For young people a good route is to train as an apprentice. This is usually possible between the ages of 16-19, although Apprenticeships level 2 and 3 in England are also available for those up to 24. For a more mature person, experience in construction or labour trades can help the step into carpentry.
Training for apprentices is provided both on the job and with release to local colleges. Working towards an NVQ or SVQ in Wood Occupations 1 - 3, you can study:
Bench work: production of joinery products like window frames.
Shopfitting: fabrication and installation of frames, fronts, and fixtures.
Site work: installation of first and second fixings with structural components.
Timer frame erection: timber frame walls, roof timbers, floors and related fittings.
Wheelwrighting: production and assembly of carriage joinery items.
CSCS
Legislation due to come into effect in 2010 states that construction industry workers must obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or be registered with an allied scheme. It may already be the case that you will be requested to hold a CSCS card before being allowed to work on site.
To hold a CSCS card you will have to have an NVQ/SVQ or the equivalent, and pass a health and safety assessment. The card will be graded for the individual according to experience and qualifications held. Experienced workers that have no formal qualifications can receive an award accreditation through On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT).