Job Role - Carpenter

The Carpenter Job role is crucial in all construction projects. A Carpenter is a construction professional who mainly prepares the wood before, manipulates the wood during and repairs wood after the construction of wood or other material structures or fittings.

This usually takes place after the main structure is built. For example, once the Groundworker has finished preparing the foundations and the Bricklayer has built the exterior walls the Carpenter would then build any interior walls that will be comprised of wood.

This page will give you an overview of what a Carpenter is and what they do and hopefully answer any questions you may have on your search for a Carpentry job and career.

What is a Carpenter?

Carpenters use natural materials (wood/timber) to install wooden fixtures and fittings. You could be installing doors, floors and furniture in new build homes or commercial properties, renovating or refitting existing structures and much more. Carpentry is very similar to Joinery and as such the Joiner job role is very similar to a Carpenter. Carpentry is one of the oldest construction trades and is in high demand all year round.

A short Youtube video from a Carpenter based in the United Kingdom, showing a day in the life of a self employed Carpenter, here are RecruitEasy we regularly employ self employed Carpenters as well as full time members of staff.

This video was not produced by RecruitEasy and has no affiliation to RecruitEasy and all views are the producers own.

Who does a Carpenter work with?

Carpenters often work alongside a General Labourer, who complete more straightforward tasks as the Carpenters focus on first and second fix, wood frame and other structures on-site.

Carpenters will often work alongside other trades such as a Plumber, Electrician or just a Handyman.

What does a Carpenter do?

A Carpenters main responsibility is simple, working with Wood.

This varies between specific roles and construction sites but in most cases the Carpentry tasks will be to either perform first or second fix. Working with building materials (mostly wood and timber) either on-site or in a workshop environment.

They shape and cut materials. Install pre-fabricated structures such as doors, windows, frames and floorboards.

What does a Carpenter do daily?

A Carpenters main role may include:

• First or Second Fix Carpentry (or both).
• Working with all types of timber / wood to build or improve structures or fittings
• Operating power and hand tools to perform Carpentry tasks.
• Creation, Repair and Refurbishment of Carpentry fittings.

There are many possible responsibilities of a Carpenter, our Example Carpenter Job Description describes more below.

In a Carpenter job description, it will discuss the role and any further requirements to get the job, see below.

Carpenter Job Description

An example of a job description for a Carpenter.

Job Role:

• Measuring, marking up, cutting, shaping, fitting and finishing a range of timber based materials.
• Manipulating wood and timber, for example planing wood.
• Using a range of hand and power tools.
• First Fix Carpentry.
• Installing various timber features such as frames, walls and partitions.
• Second Fix Carpentry.
• Fitting interiors such as staircases, doors, skirting boards, cupboards and kitchens.
• Drawing and working with technical drawings and plans.
• Working in residential, historic or commercial buildings.
• Sometimes Carry out work outdoors in all weather and at height.
• Using equipment and tools effectively to perform construction tasks.

Requirements:

• Ability to use, repair and maintain Carpentry machines and tools.
• Knowledge of building and construction practices.
• Ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
• Design skills and knowledge.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Able to use a computer and software packages confidently (eg CAD for some roles).
• A valid CSCS card for most on-site Carpentry jobs.
• Knowledge of different types of wood and their uses.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and diagrams.
• Previous experience within Carpentry or assisting Carpenters (for basic Carpentry roles).

Avg Salary:

£27,706

Low: £19,992

High: £33,263

How do I find a job as a Carpenter?

It's not all plane and simple in the Carpentry World but Carpentry work in the construction industry will always be available as long as there are construction projects, the phrase had to come from somewhere. Recruitment agencies provide workers for many companies therefore they will almost always have a role available for you. At RecruitEasy, we advertise most our available roles on our construction and other industry job search. If you can't find a role that's right for you, You can also register for us to find you a role.

How to Register for Carpenter jobs:

1. Register with us on our website or call us to register with us now.
2. We will take your details and experience so we can find the right job for you.
3. We will find you a Carpenter job to start as soon as possible.



Why does a Carpenter need a CSCS Card?

To work as a Carpenter on most sites in the construction industry you will need a valid CSCS card, this proves you have the relevant knowledge and training to carry out your duties on-site safely for yourself and others. This must be in date and legitimate. You can check if your CSCS Card is in date on the card itself or here. To get your CSCS card you must complete one of the following criteria:

• QCF Level 1 Award Health and Safety in a Construction Environment or the SQCF Level 4 equivalent.
• One day site safety plus health and safety awareness course
• IOSH Working safely course



After obtaining the above, you will also need to pass the CITB Operatives Health, Safety and Environment test within two years before applying to get your CSCS Card from the CSCS website.

The above courses would need to be refreshed every 5 years, however there are some lifetime qualifications that will not need refreshing. Such as the QCF Level 1, SCQF Level 4 and BTEC Level 1, you can check the latest requirements on the CSCS website, which also tell you which specific Health, Safety and Environment test you will need to take.




The purpose of the Construction Safety Certification Scheme (or CSCS) is to certify the specialist and safety knowledge of workers, the required CITB health, safety and environment test will also examine knowledge across a wide range of topics and improve safety and productivity on site. At RecruitEasy, we mostly recruit for companies who required a CSCS card on site, but you can call us or register to check if we have any roles suitable for a non CSCS card Labourer.




What Qualifications should a Carpenter have?

Except from amount of experience Carpentry positions may also require certain qualifications, including:

• Diploma in Site Carpentry
• Diploma in Bench Joinery
• Diploma in Shopfitting Joinery

To find out more information about each qualification visit the Joinery#tab=information" class="link" target="_blank">City & Guilds website.




If you have any questions in your pursuit of a career as a Carpenter don't hesitate to contact us, one of the team would be happy to help.



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