Carpenter

Overview

Carpenters construct, install, renovate and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood and wallboard. They may also work with plastic laminates, perspex and metals, depending on the project.

Work is on building sites and in existing buildings or in a workshop.

Suited for those with knowledge of building and construction, technical design and mathematics. Good hand-eye coordination is essential when operating machinery.

Day-to-day

• study drawings and specifications; determine materials required and installation procedures
• order and select timbers and materials, and prepare layouts
• cut joints and materials, as well as assemble cut and shaped parts
• erect framework and roof framing, laying sub-flooring and floorboards
• nail fascia panels, sheaths roofs, and fit exterior wall cladding and door and window frames
• assemble prepared wood to form structures and fittings ready to install
• construct concrete framework
• repair existing fittings.

Considerations

• physically demanding
• requires driving
• working outdoors.