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Last updated: 7 January 2025
How to become a carpenter
Boasting a versatile skillset and plenty of job opportunities, it’s never been a better time to become a carpenter. Read on to learn about how to become a carpenter, including information on the qualifications for a carpenter to succeed.
Why should you become a carpenter?
While you might not think it, wood is a vital structural element in plenty of modern buildings. As a result, it's quite useful to know how to become a carpenter. Especially if you have the right skills.
In fact, wood is such an essential material in the construction industry that the need for carpentry has rarely declined.
Carpentry offers a wide range of jobs, such as:
Fitting doorways on construction sites
Installing home structures (such as cupboards/shelves)
Structural roof work
Wooden flooring
Building sets and stages in theatres
As a result, skilled and hard-working carpenters are always in demand throughout the country.
If you’re interested in a career where you work with your hands, why not read on to find out what you need to know about how to become a carpenter?
What does a carpenter do?
Since the earliest stages of humanity, being a carpenter has involved working with wood in a variety of different environments.
These days, however, a carpenter’s job specifically involves the creation and fitting of different wooden structures. In the home, that could mean furniture and building frames.
Contribute to a larger project
Be a part of the construction process
Help with home repairs
Quick domestic jobs
Installing made-to-measure furniture
Whatever that looks like, a carpenter will make use of several specialist and unique tools to get the job done.
What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?
More often than not, especially when looking at the qualifications for a carpenter, you might see them placed alongside joiners.
This is because, on the surface, carpentry and joinery are very similar jobs. However, there are several distinct differences between becoming a joiner and becoming a carpenter.
Both work with wood, however :
Carpentry works with wood across a wide range of industries
Joinery creates wood items and constructions that a carpenter may later install
A joiner will also tend to create items that use no screws or metal fasteners, leaning more towards bespoke craftsmanship.
What does a typical carpenter’s day look like?
When it comes to becoming a carpenter, you’re likely going to find yourself doing a range of activities each day.
For example, you could be measuring boards in a workshop in the morning, then installing window frames in the afternoon.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Below is a more in-depth list of what you might do on any given day:
Discussing plans and job instructions with clients
Marking and measuring wood for cutting, maintaining, or repairing
Cutting and shaping wood for a variety of surfaces, such as doors, skirting boards, window frames, etc…
Building and fitting structures, such as door frames and roof timbers
Putting together fitted and free-standing furniture
Installing various cupboards and shelving units
Fitting different store interiors
Constructing stages and sets for the entertainment industry
Carrying out repairs and maintenance
Testing wooden constructions for safety purposes
As you can see, becoming a carpenter offers a lot of work variety. Of course, you don’t have to work in all these areas.
Many carpenters choose to specialise in a few core areas that interest them the most.
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What skills are needed for becoming a carpenter?
With so many jobs to carry out as a carpenter, it should come as no surprise that carpentry is a hard trade to master.
And it’s not just learning to work with wood that you’ll need to become an expert in.
To truly excel at carpentry, you’ll also need to develop the following skills:
A thorough understanding of building and construction
Attention to detail and accuracy in your workmanship
A good mathematical understanding
Teamwork and people skills
The ability to work solo when required
Verbal communication
An Understanding of building codes and safety regulations
On top of these skills, you’ll also need to become familiar with the different tools of the trade. Fortunately, we go into plenty more detail on what these are in our blog on the best tools for carpenters.
How do you train to become a carpenter?
When it comes to carpentry, and indeed any trade, you can choose to learn through college or an apprenticeship.
A college course, for example, will teach you the basics and help you to apply the theory with practical assessments. There are many to choose from as well.
For example, there are courses in:
Site carpentry
Architectural construction
Furniture making
However, a college course can only get you part of the way.
Apprenticeships offer a much more 'hands-on' approach to learning. Whether you pick an intermediate or advanced level. However, they let you learn on the job and get paid at the same time.
What are the highest paid trade apprenticeships in the UK?
Looking for the highest paid apprenticeships in the UK? Chances are you're a more hands-on learner. Going to university means hours spent sitting through lectures and reading book after book. So, if this style of learning isn’t for you, why not consider a trade apprenticeship? The best
What qualifications do you need to be a carpenter?
When it comes to the required qualifications to become a carpenter, we recommend pursuing the following qualifications:
A Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery
A Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Site Carpentry
A T Level in On-Site Construction
Any one of these is a great place to begin learning carpentry and lets you take future advanced courses.
And as an aside, we also highly recommend getting a CSCS card if you plan to work as a construction carpenter. A CSCS card is a legal requirement for anyone working on a construction site. You will not be able to do so without one.
Do you need qualifications to become a carpenter?
Although we recommend getting qualified when becoming a carpenter, having qualifications is not a legal requirement for this trade.
However, acquiring the necessary qualifications comes with numerous benefits.
For one thing, detailed skills will prepare you for more advanced jobs down the line. And on top of this, qualifications show prospective customers your commitment to quality, helping to build trust.
How to get more experience as a carpenter
Once you’ve passed your initial carpentry training, there are several ways you can upskill yourself.
First and foremost, taking more advanced courses in woodworking will allow you to find your carpentry niche. As well as enabling you to hone your skills in a safe environment.
There are several ways to increase your carpentry experience:
Try out DIY projects around the home
Volunteer to help with community projects
Apprenticeships provide practical experience
Helping out with existing carpenters (as a labourer)
Practical workshops while training
If you’re feeling confident and want to step out on your own, you could start your own carpentry business. Just remember that there's a lot more to doing this than simply choosing a carpentry business name and jumping straight in.
Where should you apply for carpentry jobs?
There are a variety of ways that you can reach out and apply for new carpentry jobs.
You could browse job search or company websites, or spend your time networking. And if you set up your own business, you can find more work through marketing.
Of course, you could pick an online directory, like Checkatrade, where thousands of customers search for reputable traders every day.
For example, in 2024 alone, there were over 810,000 searches for carpentry jobs through Checkatrade.* Sound like something you want to get on board with?
Start carving your trade's future
Get more carpentry leads with our trusted trade directory
Get more work as a carpenter with Checkatrade
As a leading directory of UK tradespeople, Checkatrade is perfectly positioned to help you find more work. Want to get more leads coming your way? Why not speak to us and see how we can help?
Once you’re a qualified carpenter, you can sign up with your business and start taking advantage of our membership bonuses.
Checkatrade members get exclusive access to numerous member benefits and discounts. On top of that, you can also expect the following:
Access to a dedicated trades app - for job management, quoting tool and much more
Unique business profile - to show your reviews and job photos
We'll guarantee your work (if booked through us - T&Cs apply)
Savings on your public liability insurance with Superscript
Get in touch today to learn more about how we vet our tradespeople.
How to get more carpentry leads
Whether you’re starting out or have an established carpentry business, you need to plan ways to generate carpentry leads. And luckily, you’ve come to the perfect place. In this guide, we’ll talk you through various ways to find new carpentry clients. The basics for generating carpentry leads In the
Carpenter training FAQs
How long does it take to become a carpenter?
As carpentry is such a skilled role, it can take several years to become qualified. For example, if you take a college course and apprenticeship, it may take three years to become a carpenter.
How much do carpenters earn?
Much like any trade, the average salary that a carpenter can earn will usually depend on experience.
If you’re just starting out, you’re salary might average out at £18,000(£15,900 take home).However, if you’re a skilled carpenter, this could increase to as much as £30,600(£24,400 take home).
Get more for your carpentry business
Enjoy exclusive member benefits with Checkatrade
* Internal search data for users of the Checkatrade.com website between 1st January and 31st December 2024
