Carpenter & Joiner

 The Job

A building isn't all about bricks and mortar. Timber is an essential part of just about every structure, and it's the carpenter and joiner's job to prepare it and put it into place. It's a skilled job that utilises special tools, and often involves many different kinds of wood.

The People  

If you enjoy using your hands, have good hand and eye co-ordination and enjoy being part of a team then a carpenter or joiner could be the ideal role for you. You'll need to be good at maths as you'll be calculating angles and measurements.

Entry Requirements  

There are no set entry requirements to train as a carpenter, although GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English and Technology will be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory.

Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you to earn while you learn!

Entry to an apprenticeship scheme will usually involve a selection test.

The Benefits  

The Building and Allied Trades Joint Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. Pay rates for apprentices in Scotland are set by SBATC. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with incentive schemes that many companies offer.

Carpenters and joiners often move into other related trades such as shopfitting, formworking, bench joinery, maintenance work and systems installation. You may also want to move into the technical or supervisory side of things, or even become your own boss.