Carpentry is a skilled trade in which the primary work performed is the cutting, shaping and installation of wood products. Carpenters use a variety of tools to perform their tasks, including hand tools such as saws, chisels, hammers and planes; power tools such as drills, sanders and routers; and measuring devices such as tape measures, levels and squares.
The level of carpentry training an individual has can vary considerably. Some carpenters learn their trade through on-the-job training while others may have formal education and training from a technical school or community college. In most cases, carpenters start out as apprentices or helpers to more experienced workers before eventually moving into more advanced positions.
There are three main levels of carpentry: rough carpentry, finish carpentry and cabinetry/millwork. Rough carpenters typically work on the framing of a structure while finish carpenters focus on installing trim and other finishes. Cabinetry/millwork carpenters specialize in creating custom cabinets, doors and other wood products found in homes and businesses.
Carpenter’s Helper
Most carpenters start out as helpers, and many never move on to become journeymen or master carpenters. That’s not to say that being a helper is an easy job. It can be physically demanding, and it requires a good deal of skill and coordination. But it is possible to make a good living as a helper, and many do.
The best way to find work as a helper is through family and friends who are in the business. There are also plenty of websites that list construction jobs, including many that are specifically for helpers. Once you’ve found a job, the most important thing is to show up on time and work hard. If you do those things, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful carpenter’s helper.
Apprentice
A carpentry apprentice typically works under the supervision of a journeyman or master carpenter. He or she will perform tasks such as measuring and cutting lumber, assembling prefabricated walls and roof trusses, and installing doors and windows. As the apprentice gains experience, he or she will be able to take on more responsibility and perform more complex tasks.
After completing an apprenticeship program, which can last up to four years, the Carpenter Apprentice will receive a Journeyman Carpenter certification. With this certification, he or she will be qualified to work independently as a journeyman carpenter. Some states also require journeyman carpenters to pass an exam before they can receive their certification.
Journeyperson
A typical carpentry apprenticeship lasts three to four years and combines on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction. Upon completion of their apprenticeship, carpenters are considered journey persons and can perform most tasks without direct supervision. However, some jurisdictions require carpenters to take periodic continuing education courses in order to maintain their Journeyperson status.
Master
A master carpenter has met all the prerequisites of a journeyman carpenter and has likewise worked enough hours in the calling to be viewed as a specialist in the field. A few specialists work for themselves, while others may have some expertise in mentoring apprentices or working with different experts on huge tasks.
In North America, the degree of ace is generally accomplished following 10 years of experience as a journeyman carpenter, including three to four years spent working as an apprentice.
Subcontractor (licensed to perform work independently)
A subcontractor is an individual who has been hired by a licensed contractor to complete all or part of a construction project. The term “subcontractor” includes any person who contracts with a licensed contractor to perform construction work, including but not limited to: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masons, painters and landscapers. A subcontractor is someone who works for a main contractor but isn’t employed directly by them. They might be self-employed or work for another company. When you hire a main contractor they will often use subcontractors to help with different parts of the job. For example, if you’re having an extension built then the main contractor might bring in electricians and plumbers as subcontractors. If you’re thinking about becoming a subcontractor there are some things you need to do first: 1) Check if you need qualifications or experience: In some cases you might need specific qualifications or experience before you can start working as a subcontractor. For example, if you want to do electrical work then you’ll need to be registered with an electrical body such as NICEIC or ELECSA. 2) Get liability insurance: When working as a sub bie it’s important that you have your own liability insurance in place in case anything goes wrong and someone sues you as a result. This is especially important if your work could cause damage to people’s property (for example if you’re doing roofing work). 3) Make sure the contract is clear: Once you’ve agreed to do some work for a main contractor it’s important that the terms of the contract are crystal clear before starting any job. This includes agreeing on things like price, deadlines and what happens if there are any problems along the way. 4) Get paid on time: It’s not uncommon for contractors to try and delay payment when using subbies, so make sure that everything is agreed up front about when and how you’ll be paid
General Contractor (licensed to manage full construction projects)
A general contractor is responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment (such as engineering vehicles and tools) and services necessary for the construction of a project. A general contractor often hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work.
Construction Manager: A construction manager is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day-to-day management of a construction site. Construction managers are typically hired by general contractors to provide on-site supervision for large projects.
Project Manager: A project manager is an individual who is responsible for supervising a construction project from start to finish. Project managers are typically employed by general contractors or construction management firms, and their duties include planning, scheduling, coordinating, and budgeting.
Site Superintendent: A site superintendent is an individual who is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of a construction site. Site superintendents are typically employed by general contractors or construction management firms, and their duties include monitoring work progress, inspecting work quality, and enforcing safety regulations.
Construction Worker: Construction workers are individuals who perform various tasks at a construction site. These tasks can range from manual labor (such as excavating foundation trenches) to skilled trades (such as carpentry or electrical work).