Carpenters - The Life of a Carpenter
How To Become a Carpenter
If you think you want to learn how to become a
carpenter, you should first know some of the responsibilities you
will have and the skills you will need to complete the job. If you are a
young person and are still in middle school or high school, often times
there are shop classes offered that will help introduce you to carpentry
skills through woodworking projects. These classes can help prepare you
for a career as a carpenter. Other classes which may also be helpful in
the carpenter trade include Algebra, Geometry, Business Mathematics,
Technology, Physics, and even Physical Education, since carpentry can be
a fairly physical job. Some high schools offer drafting classes which
include some computer design. You may have a class that includes
designing and reading blueprints. This will give you a taste of what
carpentry is all about, and to help you decide if it is the right career
for you.
Carpenters often learn their trade through a variety
of forums. These include on the job apprenticeship programs, where they
work side by side with a skilled tradesman who mentors them. There are
also vocational schools, technical colleges, and online or traditional
colleges available. If you like to work with your hands, are willing to
work hard; becoming a carpenter might be a good fit for you. The
work of a carpenter can be strenuous; requiring a great deal of strength
and stamina, so physical ability can play into a successful career as a
carpenter.
Some of the physical
requirements to be a carpenter include manual dexterity,
good eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of
balance. One also needs to have the ability to solve mathematical
problems quickly and accurately.
Carpenter Schools & Training
There are several roads you can take if you choose to
become a carpenter. You may be able to get right into an apprenticeship
with a construction company, but that’s not too likely. You will
probably need to enter into some kind of carpenter school.
Those who are interested in knowing
how to becoming a carpenter may
want to enter a certificate program. These are trade schools that can be
completed often times in a year or less. The only entrance requirement
for most of these certificate carpenter programs is a high school
diploma or equivalent. Students learn how to work efficiently and safely
on a construction site. Many of the skills they learn include framing
windows and doors and how to lay out walls and rafters. Another aspect
of carpentry that is taught is estimating materials for a job. There are
some programs that may offer a specialized certificate for interior
finishing, exterior finishing or framing.
Although there would probably be some classroom
instruction, most of the training would be more hands-on. This would
either take place in a carpentry shop or in some kind of lab
environment. Some of the course topics that may be covered during one of
these programs would include carpentry tools, construction materials,
and techniques of carpentry. Other classroom teaching may include
woodworking calculations and how to read blueprints. There may be some
emphasis on computer programs that are designed for construction and for
designing buildings. Often times, building codes and various laws will
be discussed. Various career options will be covered so the student
gains insight into what area they may have more interest. Such topics as
finishing techniques, wall construction, and stair construction will
probably be covered. There may even be some time spent on concrete
construction.
Those who graduate from a certificate program for
carpentry can possibly find work with a contractor, lumber supply
company or even a construction firm. Some may enter into an
apprenticeship program where they get valuable experience on the job.
They may also have an opportunity to advance into a higher paying
position as they gain skills and experience. Others may become a
handyman or a carpentry assistant. By working with a master carpenter,
some will learn the art of finish carpentry. Others may choose to go on
for an Associate Degree in Carpentry.
Carpenter Apprenticeship Positions
Students who enter formal apprenticeship programs
generally spend three to four years learning career skills. As they work
alongside experienced carpenters, they master their technical skills
while expanding their knowledge. Some apprenticeship programs combine
classroom instruction with work experiences that teach them the proper
use of tools, form building, rough framing, and finishing work.
Classroom instruction includes safety, first aid, blueprint reading,
freehand sketching, and basic mathematics. Some classes may teach
interpersonal relations and professional development, as well as
carpentry techniques. A number of apprenticeship programs are offered
through construction unions as well as commercial or industrial building
contractors. Apprenticeship programs are not real prevalent and
difficult to find. Completion of an apprenticeship program will allow an
individual to qualify for employment as journeymen.
Associate Degree in Carpentry
The prerequisite for getting into an associate
program often times is only having a high school diploma. In an
associate degree program, students learn about every aspect of a
construction project. In this program, there will be both generic and
specialized material covered. They may even learn management
responsibilities that would include scheduling a project, cost estimates
and calculations. From the associate program, a student may be able to
directly enter the carpenter field. Some will still have to go through
an apprenticeship program. Course studies will include most of what is
covered in a certificate program. In addition, there will be general
education courses in mathematics, composition, as well as computers.
Some other areas of construction that will probably be covered include
cabinet building, molding, rafter assembly and foundations. There may
also be classes on construction management and even welding.
The Career Roadmap For Becoming A Carpenter
Carpenters complete a variety of construction
projects while working with wood along with other materials. If you want
a career as a carpenter, you will be required to be able to read
blueprints, lay out projects, and cut wood. You will also need to have
the ability to assemble different materials. It is the responsibility of
a carpenter to ensure their work is accurate and that they are in
compliance with all local building standards.
Here is the roadmap to a successful carpentry career:
Step 1: Complete Your High School Education
The first step toward becoming a carpenter is earning
a high school diploma. Without this, you don’t have much of a chance.
Those who are interested in becoming a carpenter should try to take
geometry, physics, algebra, English, mechanical drawing along with wood
shop in High School.
Step 2: Gaining Work Experience
It’s very valuable to be able to get some good
hands-on experience. If you can assist a skilled carpenter, you will in
turn develop good carpentry skills. Even though you may not be doing the
actual job of a carpenter, you gain insight into the profession. Even
though a carpenter helper often performs unskilled tasks like cleaning
up work areas, gathering materials, and erecting scaffolding, you learn
a lot by being on site.
Step 3: Obtaining Vocational Training
Some are able to actually complete training courses
through a vocational school or community college while working as a
carpenter helper. The formal training in conjunction with experience on
the job will help drill in those skills. The educational coursework will
include building codes, reading of blueprints, framing a roof, building
materials, carpenter tools and building layouts.
By completing these carpenter training programs, you
will achieve the educational foundation you need to become a journeyman.
Your career opportunities will increase as you get experience, formal
education and certifications.
Step 4: Completing an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships generally take about three to four
years to complete. These offer on-the-job training in addition to
classroom instruction. This is a good path to take to become a
carpenter. Being admitted to an employer's carpentry apprenticeship
program is a huge step forward. As an apprentice, you will be educated
in rough framing, drywall, stair construction, metal framing, and
interior finish work.
Step 5: Maintaining a Good Work History
As with any career, employers prefer hiring
carpenters who have a reliable work history. Having a formal education
can help a person move forward with opportunities. If you learn the
trade well, you may be able to pursue a leadership position. If you are
good enough, you may end up being a foreman or independent contractor.
How Much Can I Earn As A Carpenter?
A person can make a good living as a carpenter. But
not all carpenter jobs pay the same. Salary range will vary greatly from
one area of the country to another. In May 2010, the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics estimated the mean wage of a carpenter was $43,890.
There are carpenters that make well over $100,000 per year. Other
figures indicate the medium range for carpenters to be anywhere from
$36,000 to about $43,000. Some homebuilders and general contractors may
make much more than that, depending on how the housing market is at the
time and in their part of the country.
This information was intended to give you an idea
how to become a carpenter.
As you can see, there are a few routs one can take in becoming a
carpenter. If you enjoy working with your hands and like doing physical
labor, carpentry may be for you. As with any trade, it is always wise to
talk with a carpenter who has been in the trade for some time. Ask as
many questions as you can. Pick their brain. Maybe even have them show
you one of their job sites and explain what they are doing. Good luck as
you pursue your goal of becoming a
carpenter. I wish you a very rewarding career.