Carpenters are construction professionals who specialize in working with wood to construct, install, and repair structures and objects. They are involved in many phases of construction and may have opportunities to become first-line supervisors, lead carpenters, independent contractors, or general construction supervisors. Carpenters typically learn on the job or through apprenticeships, starting with simple tasks like measuring and cutting wood under the guidance of experienced carpenters or other construction workers. They then progress to more complex tasks, such as reading blueprints and building wooden structures.
Carpenters have a diverse range of responsibilities and can be found working in various settings, including residential houses, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects. Some of their tasks include framing structures, installing doors and windows, building staircases, constructing cabinets and furniture, and adding finishing touches to enhance the overall appearance of a space. They may move from one project to another, working on different sites or locations, and the work environment can sometimes be noisy, dusty, and exposed to the elements.
Some important qualities for carpenters include business skills, as self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers. They must also be detail-oriented, able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with, and have good dexterity and hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials. Additionally, carpenters need to work as a member of a team, cooperating with and communicating effectively with other construction professionals.
