what does a cooper do

A cooper is a skilled craftsman who makes wooden casks, barrels, vats, buckets, and other similar containers from timber staves. They were essential in colonial times for storing and transporting goods such as ale, wine, flour, and gunpowder. Coopers had to ensure that their containers were durable and watertight. The trade required specific skill sets, including the ability to provide innovative solutions and build rapport and manage relationships well. Coopers worked in various industries, including plantations, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and on ships. The trade is highly skilled and was usually learned through apprenticeship. In addition to wood, coopers also used other materials such as iron in the manufacturing process