Why Carpentry

Commonly known as a Carpenter or Carpenter and Joiner, this is the most popular of all the building trades.

It is a skilled job that is in demand in Tasmania and around Australia. Qualified carpenters can even work overseas.

As a carpenter, you can work for yourself, contract to work for builders or be an employee of one of the building companies.

It can also be the first step on the pathway to becoming a Builder or other specialities like estimating or construction project management.

To become a carpenter you will win an apprenticeship and complete a Certificate 3 Course of on and off the job training. You can even start your apprenticeship while still at school.

Carpenters construct, erect, install, renovate and repair structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, wallboard and other materials, and cut, shape and fit timber parts to form structures and fittings.

Joiners cut, shape, and fit timber parts in workshops to form structures and fixtures ready for installation.

Work hard, follow instructions, talk to your work mates and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Kane Schultz-Szlezak

Image title here

TYPICAL TASKS FOR A CARPENTER INCLUDE

  • Studying drawings and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures
  • Ordering and selecting timbers and materials, and preparing layouts
  • Cutting materials, and assembling and nailing cut and shaped parts
  • Erecting framework and roof framing, laying sub-flooring and floorboards and verifying trueness of structures
  • Nailing fascia panels, sheathing roofs, and fitting exterior wall cladding and door and window frames
  • Assembling prepared wood to form structures and fittings ready to install
  • Cutting wood joints
  • May construct concrete formwork
  • May repair existing

Some carpenters specialise in heritage building restoration and conservation.

Apprentice Profile

Kane Schultz-Szlezak, 18 years old
Haven Built (residential carpentry)

How he began:

Having loved woodworking at school, I knew I wanted to go into carpentry by the end of year 10 as that was the closest thing to it. So, I began at Certificate I in Carpentry at Elizabeth College.

As part of that, I completed four weeks at Haven Built, who ended up liking my work ethic and kept me on as an apprentice.

Expectation versus reality:

Going in, I didn't think I'd be doing as much as I am. Completing an apprenticeship with a small business means I learn a lot of different aspects of the trade, which will come in handy in the future.

I have done a range of residential jobs such as cladding, weatherboarding, fit outs, wall construction, floor boarding and roofing.

I never planned or wanted to work in an office and I love being able to work outdoors and see a job through from start to finish.

Kane's tips for getting started as an apprentice:

Do as much work experience as you can, as you learn more and more with every different job and business.

Work hard, follow instructions, talk to your work mates and don't be afraid to ask questions.

I'd recommend carpentry to anyone who doesn't want to work an office job, likes being outdoors and working with their hands.

To download a copy of the Build your career - Carpentry click HERE