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Carpenter

Alternative titles for this job include Joiner, bench joiner

Carpenters make, install and repair wooden items like wall panels, flooring, door and window frames, roof rafters, staircases, cabinets and furniture.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

College

You could take a college course like:

  • bench joinery
  • site carpentry
  • T Level in On Site Construction

Courses like these would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to find a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a:

  • Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

You could also do a Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, producing goods used in the furniture making and construction industries.

These apprenticeships can take around 2 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Registration

Career tips

If you're thinking of changing career to carpentry, look out for short or part-time 'taster' courses at your local college. These are designed to help you find out if carpentry is for you.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a carpenter from Go Construct and House Building Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a carpenter, you could:

  • discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
  • cut timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
  • make and fit staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
  • assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
  • install kitchen units, cabinets and shelving
  • construct wooden supports, called shuttering, which hold concrete in place while it sets
  • fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants and offices
  • build stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be dusty, at height and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a site supervisor or construction project manager.

You could also move into:

  • construction estimating
  • contracts management
  • specialist areas like set building for stage and screen, or heritage restoration
  • training apprentices on site

You may wish to start your own business or teach in a further education college.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Colchester

Apprentice Site Joiner - Newark and surrounding area

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Coach Close, Shireoaks, Worksop
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Carpentry Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 26 September 2025
  • Location: Birmingham

Site Carpentry

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hull
Find courses near you

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