A detailed overview of the carpentry work, its pros and cons, career scope and prospects is given below for all jobseekers' reference. This description will guide you in judging the suitability of work to your requirements and making wise career decisions.
Carpentry Work Nature
A carpenter performs manual yet artistic work. He is responsible to cut, design, shape and join timber or some other material, to craft furniture, fixtures and artistic items. They provide assistance with construction of buildings, roads and bridges as well. Carpentry consists of on-site work, performed manually with hands and thus does not include any typical office functions.
Job Scope
There are around 8 types of carpenters. Each carpenter develops his own unique style and specializes in performing peculiar work. Carpenters have the choice of working for any of these profiles.
Cabinetmaker: He specializes in making cabinets, wardrobes, dressers, chests and other furniture that are used for storage purpose.
Finish Carpenter: He specializes in rectifying carpentry errors, polishing surfaces and ensuring the final look, design and feel of the furniture is smooth and beautiful.
Trim Carpenter: He specializes in designing and trimming ornamental work such as doors, windows, mantels and baseboards.
Ship Carpenter: He specializes in ship building, maintenance and repairs and performs carpentry functions suitable to voyage requirements.
Scenic Carpenter: He specializes in creating artificial decor and set-ups for film, television and theatre industry.
Construction Carpenter: He specializes in performing carpentry on large scale, required for building roads, bridges and public buildings.
Framer Carpenter: He specializes in designing and building the main frame and structure of a building, using techniques of platform/ balloon or timber framing
Millwright Carpenters: He specializes in constructing and repairing industrial machinery.
Qualifications and Skills
Carpentry work does not require prerequisite educational qualifications. A High School Diploma is enough to find jobs. However, the job seekers are expected to complete certifications and internships to learn and acquire the techniques of carpentry and industrial art. Following skills and knowledge are expected in carpenters:
Work Environment
Carpentry is typical manual work that involves designing or repairing wooden work with hand or power tools. Following the technical and manual work nature of a carpenter, this job profile is prone to certain health hazards and risks.
Career Advancements
Carpenters begin their career by taking up internships and performing petty carpentry jobs. On acquiring the necessary skills, they begin designing, cutting, fixing and mending pieces together to create furniture and fixtures. With experience they may be promoted to work as carpentry team supervisors or estimators and present cost and material estimations. In latter stages, many carpenters choose to become contractors and manage multiple carpentry assignments simultaneously.
Career Prospects
Although market offers work opportunities for carpenters, it bears an unpredictable pattern. At times, carpenters are overloaded with assignments and have to work overtime. This is usually during the festive seasons. On other occasions, carpenters face lull periods and often stay out of work. Some carpenters work for contractors who ensure a regular flow of carpentry assignments that ensures regular employment for carpenters. As long as the construction industry progresses, it will continue to generate opportunities for carpenters.
We have tried to include all the relevant career information on carpentry work. We hope this information helps you determine if you wish to make a career in carpentry.