What does a Carpenter do?
Carpenters construct, install, and repair a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial structures and fixtures. In general, carpenters work with wood, steel, and concrete. Carpenters are also often involved with demolition and maintenance of these structures and fixtures. These jobs can vary from installing doors on an office building to building bridges.
Most carpenters learn the trade through an apprenticeship that lasts 3 to 4 years and focuses on the fundamentals like sawing, measuring, sketching, and reading blueprints. In addition to the technical training, there is a focus on safety training as well. Carpenters must have manual dexterity, an eye for detail, and the ability to solve problems quickly as they arise.
- Install, maintain, and repair a variety of products, ranging from cabinets to insulation to tile to drywall
- Perform work in accordance with safety best practices
- Maintain tools and equipment in safe operating condition
- Conduct building inspections and identify needed repairs
- Document repairs and maintain thorough records
- Cut, shape, and alter materials as needed
- Build doors, cabinets, and windows
- Measure and mark materials for alterations
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
- Minimum of 3 years of general carpentry experience and completion of an apprenticeship, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Must possess a valid driver's license
- Forklift certification preferred
- Asbestos awareness training preferred
- Strong reading, writing, and speaking skills (in English)
- Ability to read, interpret, and follow blueprints, technical diagrams, and schematics
- Comfortable using ladders and scaffolding
- Demonstrated ability to operate hand, air, and power tools
- Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly
Carpenter Salaries near Ireland
Average Base Pay
Carpenter Career Path
Learn how to become a Carpenter, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Carpenter Insights
Cransten“We are expected to do good quality work and the piece rate pay is great.”
Allen Roofing & Siding“Great environment to work in and one of the best union companies I've worked for.”
David C. Bos Homes“I had an excellent crew at Bos and was able to learn a great deal about building.”
United Brotherhood of Carpenters“Top notch training where you really learn to do your craft the right way and the most efficient way.”
Exhibits by Promotion Centre“He's a great guy and I took a liking to him the first day we met.”
Happe & Sons Construction“was able to learn a lot i worked there for 8 years it was very enjoyable”
Heartland Scenic Studios“Not great pay but its a trade off for getting to work on such fun projects.”
Sharecare“Good nice people and ethnic”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Carpenter
When working as a Carpenter, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Strong WORK Ethic, Professionalism, Well Organized, Written Communication and Finish Carpentry.
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