Carpenter
Carpenters build and install the wooden and metal structures and fixtures that make up commercial or residential buildings. They may also finish and repair wooden structures such as foundations, walls, roofs, windows and doors. They plan and construct floors and frameworks, roofs and ceililngs, which may be made from either timber or metal, and may also lay timber floors.
Carpenters also cut and shape the materials they work with, and assemble or nail them into place. They may also install door handles, locks, flooring underlay, insulating material and other fixtures.
Carpenters are needed throughout the state, from the construction of office buildings in the Perth CBD, to the construction of houses in suburban areas, or the buildings for new mining operations in the Pilbara.
Working conditions
Carpenters work on building and construction sites and as such may work in dirty, dustry, muddy or noisy conditions. Carpenters may also have to work in cramped spaces, or at heights. Building sites may be hazardous spaces, and with the use of power tools, carpenters will usually be required to wear safety gear.
Tools and technologies
As carpenters work mostly with different types of timber, they need to be familiar with a range of power and hand tools, precise measuring equipment such as spirit levels and instruments for measuring angles, as well as platforms and ladders for working at heights. Depending on the scale of the job they are working on they may also need to use safety harnesses. They need to use safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, steel-capped boots, safety glasses and ear protection.
Education and training
To become a carpenter, you usually need to undertake a carpenter or carpentry and joinery apprenticeship. The apprenticeships usually take 36 to 48 months to complete and is available as school-based apprenticeships.
You may improve your chances of gaining an apprenticeship by completing the Certificate II in Construction (Pathways ? Trades) (carpentry and joinery pre-apprenticeship or Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway ? Trades), offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA and My Skills to find a registered provider near you.
You may also improve your chances of gaining an apprenticeship by undertaking a traineeship in building and construction trade. The traineeship usually takes 12 months to complete and is available as a school-based traineeship.
Share this occupation
Free support and assistance
Your local jobs and Skills Centre can provide free information, support and assistance to help you decide on the best training options to meet your goals.
Disclaimer
The information presented on the occupation profiles within this website is offered as a guide only.