Carpenter

Carpenters design, layout, form foundations, fabricate, renovate and erect all types and sizes of building structures for the commercial, industrial and residential industry.

Carpenters' duties vary according to the type of construction (eg. commercial, industrial, or residential).

In general, Carpenters

• read and interpret site, architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings for all types of structures
• will do site layout for the building structure
• fabricate formwork for concrete footings, concrete foundations, concrete slabs, concrete grade beams, concrete columns & beams
• fabricate walls using different types of materials (eg. wood, steel, etc.)
• fabricate roofs for different types of buildings (eg. commercial, industrial or residential)
• install windows & doors
• fabricate & install all types of stairs (eg. straight, curved, winder or circular)
• install different types of roof coverings (eg. asphalt, wood, metal and clay)
• install different types of exterior finishes (eg. wood, vinyl, metal, cement)
• manufacture and install all types of millwork
• manufacture & install cabinets
• will do some demolition as well

Carpenters must follow applicable building codes.  In construction, carpenters may be required to work alone, with other carpenters or along side other trades.  Come carpenters specialize in one part of carpentry such as forming, framing, exterior finish, bench work or finishing.  In the construction industry there is some risk of injury from slips and falls, falling objects and hand & power tools.  Working conditions may vary from one job site to another (eg. muddy conditions, hot weather or indoor).  Most carpenters work at least a 40 hour week.  Carpenters that work primarily outdoors may be subject to some seasonal unemployment and routinely work overtime in peak periods.

Lifting is usually required on most job sites.

Qualifications

To be successful in the trade, Carpenters need:

• manual dexterity
• the ability to stand, crouch and kneel for long periods of time
• balance for working on scaffolding
• the ability to lift between 11 and 25 kilograms
• the ability to solve arithmetic problems quickly and accurately
• the ability to get along well with others on a work team.

The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy creating a variety of things with their hands and honing their expertise in woodcraft.

Carpenters generally acquire their skills through apprenticeship training or by learning informally on the job.  To enter the Carpenter apprenticeship program administered by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, applicants must have at least Grade 9 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam) and find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice.  Employers prefer future apprentices to have a good attitude, be willing to learn and good work ethics.  Apprentices usually begin acquiring their own tools as soon as they start work

To register, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office located at most Alberta Career Development Centres and Canada Alberta Service Centres.  Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.

The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods with a minimum of 1360 hours of employment each year).  In addition to the on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks (240 hours) of classroom training for each year.  An applicant who has successfully completed related courses of study or work experience related to the Carpenter trade or holds a related journeyman certificate, and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.

The classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is offered at Red Deer College.  When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.  Human Resources Development Canada may provide income support for apprentices attending classroom training.  For more detailed information, contact your local Canada Employment Centre.  After successfully completing the required examinations and hours of employment, an apprentice is awarded a Journeyman Certificate.

Graduate apprentices who pass an approved Interprovincial examination qualify for the Interprovincial Red Seal which means their trade qualifications are recognized throughout most of Canada.

Employment and Advancement

Most Carpenters are employed by construction contractors, are self employed, or do construction or renovation work for government agencies, utility companies or manufacturing firms.  Employment prospects for carpenters vary considerably depending upon the season and economic conditions.  Based on forecasted growth in the construction industry, employment growth in this occupation is expected to be above average for all occupations for the next few years. 

Carpenters may advance to foreman, subcontractors, construction superintendent or contractor. Carpenters are involved in every step of construction and this overall knowledge is an advantage when applying for supervisory positions.  With additional training, Carpenters can also transfer their skills to related occupations such as cabinetmaker or lather-interior systems mechanic.

For more information about the Carpentry Apprenticeship program, please contact Trades and Manufacturing at Red Deer College 403.342.3100, or Apprenticeship and Industry Training 403.340.5151.

You can also find more information at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca