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Carpenter & Joiner

As a Carpenter and Joiner, you will turn designs into real-life creations by building, installing and repairing wooden structures and fittings. 

Using practical skills, creativity and precision, you'll measure, cut and assemble materials to create everything from doors, staircases and kitchens to furniture and building frameworks. 

Your work helps shape safe, functional and attractive homes, schools and workplaces, bringing construction projects to life through expert craftsmanship and problem-solving.

Role Characteristics

  • Learn the uses of different types of wood and choose the right material for the job
  • Understand technical drawings and how your work will fit within the building
  • Create design drawings, alongside sketches of the work needed and the specifications
  • Measure, mark up, cut, shape, fit and finish timber
  • Work in dusty conditions, or work outdoors in all weather and at height
  • Use a range of hand and power tools

Skills

  • Operating equipment
  • Team work
  • Time Management
  • Attention to detail
  • Decision-making
  • Customer service

Day in the life

Find out more about Ben's career as a Carpenter and Joiner within the NHS.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • GCSEs
  • BTEC
  • NVQ
  • An apprenticeship
  • Apply directly

How to become

There are several ways to start a career as a Carpenter and Joiner, whether you're leaving education, looking for your first job or changing careers.

  • Study a course or qualification – useful qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths, as well as Construction, Design and Technology, T Levels, and Construction BTECs.
  • Gain workplace experience – through work experience, volunteering or entry-level roles with construction companies, housing organisations or tradespeople. This can help you develop skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and attention to detail.
  • Complete a pre-employment programme – short courses can help you build confidence, practical skills and workplace experience.
  • Take an apprenticeship – a popular route that allows you to earn while you learn and gain a recognised qualification in Carpentry and Joinery.
  • Apply directly – some employers recruit people with good practical skills and a willingness to learn, supported by strong English and maths skills.
  • Move from another role – skills from construction, maintenance, engineering or other hands-on roles can transfer well into carpentry and joinery.

Top tip: Many construction sites require a CSCS card, so it's worth exploring this as part of your career journey.

Where can this role lead

As a Carpenter and Joiner you could develop specialist building and maintenance expertise by moving into roles such as Estates Officer or Facilities Manager. 

Transferable skills can also support you to move sideways into roles such as Electrician or Gardener and Grounds Staff. 

You could move into teaching, helping other people learn and start their careers in Carpentry or Joinery.

Location

  • Community Settings
  • Hospitals
  • Offices
  • Prisons

Working hours

  • Casual Hours
  • Flexible Hours
  • Full Time
  • Overtime
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Part Time

Opportunities

Two people smiling whilst working Woman in facemask working
Apprenticeships
Carpentry & Joinery Course (16-18)
This carpentry & joinery course is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in carpentry.
Organisation
Leeds College of Building
View opportunity
Volunteering
Volunteering in Health and Care
Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care
Organisation
Volunteering Opportunities
View opportunity
Apprenticeships
Level 3 Site Carpentry Apprenticeship
Site carpentry apprentices work with wood on construction sites or in domestic or commercial premises to fit or repair doors, window frames, staircases, floorboards, cupboards, roof trusses and partitions.
Organisation
Bradford College
View opportunity
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery
This carpentry & joinery course is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in carpentry.
Organisation
Leeds College of Building
View opportunity
Apprenticeships
Level 3 Site Carpentry Apprenticeship
Site carpentry apprentices work with wood on construction sites or in domestic or commercial premises to fit or repair doors, window frames, staircases, floorboards, cupboards, roof trusses and partitions.
Organisation
Bradford College
View opportunity
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