To become a carpenter you need reasonable maths skills for measuring and working out angles and you’ll need to follow technical drawings and plans.
As a carpenter you may work in one or more of the following areas:
- cutting and shaping timber for floorboards, skirting boards and window frames
- making and assembling doors, window frames, staircases and fitted furniture
- fitting wooden structures, like floor and roof joists, roof timbers, staircases, partition walls, and door and window frames (first fixings)
- installing skirting boards, door surrounds, doors, cupboards and shelving, as well as door handles and locks (second fixings)
- building temporary wooden supports for concrete that is setting, for example on motorway bridge supports or building foundations (formwork)
- making and fitting interiors for shops, hotels, banks, offices and public buildings
Person Specification
- Punctual
- Positive attitude to work and colleagues
- Practical ability and awareness of working safely
- Self-motivation and desire to learn
- Is both resilient and committed
- Good co-ordination skills and a methodical approach
- Is always looking to improve
- Enjoys being a team player
Typical Working Week
You will work on site for four days per week and attend college for one day a week. Most site hours are Monday to Friday, 08.00-17.00.
Career Progression
On completion of NVQ L2 in carpentry you will gain your blue trade specific CSCS card which enables you to work as a qualified Carpenter. With experience, you could progress to site supervision and construction management roles, or move into a specialised area, like restoring buildings or making props. You could also work in kitchen and bathroom fitting or move into teaching.
Key Training/College Information
K10 will enrol and fund your qualifications through a SFA funded training provider. It is likely to take 12-24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.
Qualifications required
Applicants need to have at least Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade D or above in English and Maths.
Desirable
The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified carpenter. It would be advantageous if you have already completed technical certificates in carpentry or multi-skills, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.