2 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
502
Questions
Asked
436 views
How to become a Carpenter?
Share your journey & guide aspiring Carpenters on their path.
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
Login to comment
2 answers
Robert Kohn
remodeling general contractor
43
Answers
Methuen, Massachusetts
Updated
Robert’s Answer
There are several ways to get into the field.
1. You can go to a trade school which gives you an advantage when you get out because you know more than someone who doesn't (unless they have someone they learnt from.)
2. You can go to a company that has labor positions and learn by watching and asking questions when time permits. Some companies have journeyman positions that you can learn on the job.
3. You can do co-op or intern jobs that are related in the carpentry field.
4. There are even non-profits that offer jobs (ex. Mike Rowe Works Foundation (mikeroweworks.com)
5. There are other non-profits that have openings.
I hope this helps.
Bob Kohn
1. You can go to a trade school which gives you an advantage when you get out because you know more than someone who doesn't (unless they have someone they learnt from.)
2. You can go to a company that has labor positions and learn by watching and asking questions when time permits. Some companies have journeyman positions that you can learn on the job.
3. You can do co-op or intern jobs that are related in the carpentry field.
4. There are even non-profits that offer jobs (ex. Mike Rowe Works Foundation (mikeroweworks.com)
5. There are other non-profits that have openings.
I hope this helps.
Bob Kohn
Duane Foley
Draftsman/ Carpenter
9
Answers
Palmer, Alaska
Updated
Duane’s Answer
I started working as a framing/siding carpenter during high school. I mostly cleaned up job sites and moved materials around after the main crew was done for the day. After high school, with hard work and a strong desire to be the best, I quickly became a skilled carpenter. I would say it takes 3-5 years to become a top-level producer. Then, depending on your interests and what opportunities are available, there are many areas a carpenter can step into. My path went from apprentice to carpenter, to lead carpenter, to carpenter foreman, to junior draftsman, and now I am a draftsman creating the construction drawings that carpenters use to build homes.
Many of my fellow coworkers have since started their own framing businesses, and a few have transitioned into project management. Some are happy to continue as carpenters and still provide their families with a healthy income. We need more young people in the trades, and to attract them, we need to sell them a clear career path. Construction offers endless career opportunities, and I think every person with an ambitious drive should consider it. It's also very fulfilling work, knowing that every house you build helps address the ever-growing housing shortage.
I hope this helps shed some light on the career potential of a Carpenter.
Many of my fellow coworkers have since started their own framing businesses, and a few have transitioned into project management. Some are happy to continue as carpenters and still provide their families with a healthy income. We need more young people in the trades, and to attract them, we need to sell them a clear career path. Construction offers endless career opportunities, and I think every person with an ambitious drive should consider it. It's also very fulfilling work, knowing that every house you build helps address the ever-growing housing shortage.
I hope this helps shed some light on the career potential of a Carpenter.