Carpenters and joiners construct, erect, install, finish and repair wooden and metal structures and fixtures used on the inside and outside of buildings, both for residential and commercial constructions. Carpenters may also work on large concrete, steel and timber structures such as bridges, dams, power stations and civil engineering construction.
Qualification
Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery
Sector
Residential / Civil / Commercial
What might a working day look like?
Each day can be different depending on the job, and you may be involved in:
- Building the house framework, walls, roof frame and exterior finish
- Installing doors, windows, flooring, stairs, handrails, panelling and moulding
- Reading and interpreting plans to determine the dimensions, installation procedures and layout
- Cutting and shaping materials and joining them with nails, screws, bolts, or glue
- Checking completed units to be sure they are level, square, plumb and the right size, shape and location
- Providing accurate quotes to clients
- Maintaining and operating hand and power tools safely
- Manufacturing architectural joinery, staircases, window frames, sashes and doors
Working hours
- Full-time hours per week
Conditions
- Working indoors and/or outdoors in most weather conditions
- Working at heights
- Manufacturing in workshop
Skills and personal qualities
- Work as a team or independently
- Enjoy practical work and have a reasonable level of physical fitness
- Good time management and problem-solving skills
- Can work at heights and have good hand eye coordination
- Good at maths skills, reading and writing
How to get started
Entry to this occupation is by completion of a pre-apprenticeship course to gain a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry and Joinery). Otherwise, to become a tradesperson you will need to complete a Certificate III Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship.
Future Pathways and opportunities
- Business owner
- Sub-contractor
- Construction Manager
- Registered Builder/Building Inspector
- Trainer and Assessor
- Site Safety Manager