Joiner/carpenter
Nathan Ward

sum m ary
Carpenters and joiners use wood to make things such as windows, doors, stairs, furniture and shop fittings. They cut, shape and join wood using a range of tools such as hammers, planes, chisels, screwdrivers and measuring tapes. Also, they often use power tools and cutting machines. Carpenters and joiners use drawings, make calculations and choose materials to meet design needs. They might work in a workshop or on-site. To do this type of work well, you'll need: to be good with your hands
▪ a head for heights for working up ladders or on scaffolding
▪ to be physically fit
▪ number skills, as you will have to work out angles and measurements.

Pay an d O p p ortu n ities
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Pay
The pay rates given below are approximate. Salaried carpenters and joiners earn in the range of £16,500 - £20,000, rising to £23,500 - £28,000 with experience. Hourly rates range from the national minimum wage to £15 per hour. Hours of work
Carpenters and joiners work a 39-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available. What's happening in this work area?
Construction was one the industries hit hardest by the recent recession and the crash in the housing market. It is an industry dominated by small firms. Employment levels are projected to grow steadily, as the economy improves, by around 200,000, over the coming decade. The construction industry is one of the most male dominated industries. Women account for only 1 in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the main method of working.

Pay an d O p p ortu n ities con tin u ed .......
▪ Future skills needs
The following skills shortages have been identified within the industry:
Job-related technical skills, including cabinet making, polishing, upholstery, and wood carving/machining.
▪ Management and leadership skills.
▪ Team working skills.

Where could I work?
Employers include building, construction and civil engineering companies of all sizes. These range from local building firms employing one or two operatives, to nationally known firms employing hundreds of operatives. Opportunities for carpenters occur on building sites in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK. Self-employment
Opportunities occur for carpenters to work independently as self-employed sub-contractors. Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on Universal Job match, and at Jobcentre Plus.

W ork A ctivities
Carpenters and joiners use their skills to make structures and fittings such as windows, doors, stairs, furniture and shop fittings from wood and wood materials. Carpenters and joiners cut, shape and join wood using a wide range of tools including hammers, planes, chisels, screwdrivers and measuring tapes. Also, they often use power tools and cutting machines. Carpenters and joiners have to study drawings, make calculations and select suitable materials to meet design requirements. There are many different types of carpenter and joiner. Here are a couple of examples: bench joiner usually based in a workshop making things like doors, window frames and roof beams. site carpenter - based on-site doing things like fitting door handles and locks, or repairing broken furniture. Health and safety is an important aspect of the job, so carpenters and joiners often need to wear some form of protective clothing. They might work in a workshop, or on a building site.
Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Q u alif c iation s
Entry requirements vary. You do not always need educational qualifications to enter this type of work. To get onto an Advanced
Level Apprenticeship, you'll