Carpentry

What is carpentry?

There are two main categories: structural carpenters who build and maintain structures, and detail carpenters who concentrate on interior cosmetic applications. All carpenters perform numerous tasks. They may be required to install prefabricated structures such as window frames, doors or shelves, build foundations, install beams and subflooring, or erect walls and roofing systems. They also build stairways and wall partitions, install fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms, apply drywall, plaster or insulation material to both ceilings and walls, and install moldings, parquet flooring and tiles. 

Carpenters use the latest technology in hand and power tools, including computerized machinery, to cut, fit and assemble wood and other materials in the construction of buildings, docks, industrial plants and many other structures. They start with the drawings or blueprints that define the scope of the specific project, measure and mark the layout, cut and shape the materials with hand and power tools, join the materials, check the work and make any necessary adjustments. Their duties often include arranging for sub-contractors, preparing cost estimates and writing progress reports also. 

Carpenters perform some or all of the following duties: 

HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD  

Completion of secondary school is usually required. 

Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. 

Trade certification for carpenters is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. 

Trade certification for framers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan. 

Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified carpenters upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. 

INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS  

Indigenous and remote communities may lack resources that allow for young people to get a head start in this trade. However, with the traditional skills of building houses and working with tools, it may be an appealing career choice. In small, fly-in communities, there may be only one or two companies to work for while staying in their home community. This may mean someone pursuing this trade will be looking at relocation or travelling to nearby communities to work on builds. Most communities have housing departments so options may exist to work with housing in a community.  

With math literacy in the north being lower than in other places, northern and remote students may need extra support in order to pass tests and get their red seal. 

DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS 

With this job being heavy manual labour, it may not be possible for someone with a severe physical disability. Accommodations may be necessary for someone with a learning disability. 

Carpentry and the Skills for Success Program

The key Skills for Success for this career path are:

• Reading 
• Numeracy 
• Adaptability

Carpentry