Published to Career Information on May 08, 2019
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HOW TO BECOME A CARPENTER
What is carpentry?
Carpenters play a crucial role within the construction industry. They are often involved in the entire building process, from site set out through to handover to the client. While carpenters work on a diverse range of projects, their jobs can generally be categorised as either commercial or residential. Their ability to work with hand and power tools allows them to build new structures or repair existing ones.
Some of the tasks involved in carpentry include:
Skills
The skills needed to become a capable carpenter include attention to detail, manual ability, maths knowledge, communication, and most importantly, problem solving. This is because unforeseen situations may occur, such as a client requesting plan alterations, that require a carpenter to think on their feet and offer solutions. A carpenter’s skills are developed during their apprenticeship, and are continually honed throughout their career.
Work environment
The job sites carpenters work on are hazardous, so Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Carpenters often work in dirty, dusty, noisy or muddy conditions. They also need to be able to use platforms and ladders for working at heights, and may need to know how to use safety harnesses.
How do I become a carpenter?
Gaining a Certificate III in Carpentry is essential to becoming a qualified carpenter. There are two ways to gain this qualification.
The apprenticeship pathway
The most common pathway to becoming a qualified carpenter is through completing an apprenticeship. This involves an apprentice entering into a formal training contract with their employer. Due to the extensive knowledge and skills required to become competent, carpentry apprenticeships have a standard duration of four years. Carpentry apprentices spend the majority of their time learning practical skills from their employer and other tradies on the job. The remainder of their learning involves undertaking structured training with a Registered Training Organisation. The RTO will assess the apprentice’s skills, and when the apprentice is deemed competent in all aspects of training, they will be awarded a nationally recognised Certificate III in Carpentry qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Some people may have acquired skills or competencies through informal learning or training which allow them to gain credit towards a carpentry qualification. This pathway, known as Recognition of Prior Learning, is suitable for people with extensive experience in the construction industry. In this case the RTO conducts assessments to decide on the applicant’s level of competency, and possibly offers gap training in areas where the applicant is deemed not competent. The applicant will only receive their Certificate III in Carpentry once they are deemed competent in all aspects of training.
Additional requirements
It is a legal requirement that every person working in the construction industry must have completed a White Card course. This course is designed to provide basic safety training to improve awareness of hazards and safety issues on the job site.
Employers will also expect an apprentice or qualified carpenter to have their own transport and licence, as well as a set of basic tools. For apprentices, the employer may allow them to borrow tools until they have saved enough money to buy their own.
Are there jobs in carpentry?
According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, strong growth is predicted for carpentry. The number of carpenters is forecast to grow from 123,900 in 2015 to 135,900 in 2020. The unemployment rate for carpenters is close to the average, while the workforce is relatively young (the average age is 33 years, compared the average of 40 years). On average, full-time earnings for carpenters is $1000 a week. However, earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role.
How to get a job as a carpenter
There are many websites advertising job opportunities for both aspiring apprentice carpenters and qualified carpenters. These websites can be a handy starting point, but they are not the only way to seek out opportunities. The tried and tested method of physically going out to work sites in your local area and asking the builder or project manager if there is any work can often be effective. Using this method requires confidence and communication skills, both of which are highly valued by employers. For school students, completing a Certificate I in Construction can also be an effective way to develop some of the skills employers look for in apprentice carpenters.
Advancement
Owning their own business is an end goal for many carpenters, as it gives them control over the work they do and the freedom to be their own boss. Because carpenters are involved in the whole construction process, they can become builders through working in a supervisory role and completing a Certificate IV in Building and Construction.
Where to now?
If you are interested in becoming a carpenter, get in contact with the carpentry trainers at Blue Dog Training by calling (07) 3166 3999 or request a chat by emailing trades@bluedogtraining.com.au. For more information on becoming an apprentice, visit the Australian Government’s Apprenticeships website.
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