The carpenter is one of the oldest professions in the world. For centuries people have taken the logs and turned them into structures that left people amazed, functional and beautiful furniture as well as other creations. Follow these detailed steps to kickstart your carpentry career.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Part One: Developing Basic Skills
Step 1. Do you know what a carpenter does?
A carpenter is one who works with, builds and repairs wooden objects and structures. Not only that, he is a true enthusiast of everything made of wood, as well as a talent with his hands. Work on fixed wooden structures such as stairs and door frames, mount cabinets and plasterboard, repair furniture such as wooden tables and chairs.
Step 2. Keep fit
This is a job where heavy objects are lifted. You will be on your feet most of the time and you will be engaged in something physical. You need good hand-eye coordination as well as good balance.
Aside from being able to lift heavy things, you will need to have excellent hand-eye coordination. Carpenters use tools that must be used carefully to avoid getting hurt or damaging the wood
Step 3. Think about your educational strengths
Carpenters need to be familiar with math problems. He also needs good dialectics and communication skills. And a fair knowledge of physics. A successful carpenter can see the whole picture and not just the assigned task. Other elements of a perfect carpenter include:
- Attention to detail. One of the most important parts is being able to measure and cut pieces of wood of exact measurements. If a staircase is the wrong size, it could affect an entire house. In addition, the carpenter must also be able to assess any problems with a wooden structure.
- Being able to solve problems. While working, a carpenter will meet not a few. A board that breaks, a tool that stops working. He will need to be able to recognize the problem and find a quick and effective solution.
Step 4. Learn the use of basic tools
There are hundreds of them, but some represent the foundation for any skilled carpenter. Included:
- Hammer. Being able to hammer and pull out nails is an important part of the carpenter's job. A hammer and nails are the foundation of every project.
- Meter. Taking exact measurements is another peculiarity of the carpenter. If one measure is wrong, the whole project could go wrong.
- Saw. The art of carpentry would not be such without a saw. There are countless kinds of them. The most common is the universal one. Start with one of those to learn.
- Objects to score. Otherwise known as pens and pencils. Once you have taken the measurements you will need to mark where to cut, file, etc.
- Spirit level. Vital for symmetry, straight lines and general accuracy. If you place a spirit level on a plank and hold it against the wall, it will tell you whether it is perfectly aligned or not.
Method 2 of 5: Part Two: Leveraging Vocation Programs at School
Step 1. Check the programs at the school to see if they offer basic lessons
High schools often offer demonstration classes to teach you how to safely use tools such as saws and drills. They also give you some basics about carpentry and give you some experience.
- If you have already taken these classes, ask the teacher if you can become his assistant. You will help him evaluate projects and correct homework but you will also have access to class tools and can work on your projects in your spare time.
- Find out if the theater section offers set building lessons. It may not seem like the best way to become a carpenter, but these lessons are useful for learning the basics and allow you a certain creativity compared to the classic ones.
Step 2. Talk to someone for orientation programs
You can hear from the school counselor if there are any apprenticeship programs. Maybe he will be able to direct you to opportunities in the area where you live that you would never have found on your own. Some schools offer classes aimed at various professions, which will show you the various aspects of becoming a carpenter.
Step 3. Find out if there are courses for beginners where you live
In some cities, there are municipal centers that offer free or inexpensive lessons to give people the foundation of an art. If there is also no carpentry shop, talk to the person in charge of the courses and ask if this is foreseen in the future.
You can also do a simple search on the internet to find carpenters in the area who can give demonstrations or give lessons you could attend
Step 4. Join a volunteer group that allows you to gain experience
There are programs such as 'Habitat for Humanity' which sponsor construction projects and allow volunteers to gain firsthand experience.
Method 3 of 5: Part Three: Apprenticeship
Step 1. Research for an apprenticeship
Many carpenters start like this. Usually, the apprenticeship lasts three to four years, with 144 hours of paid technical studies and 2,000 hours of physical work.
- Theoretical study includes the basics of carpentry, how to read blueprints, what are the rules for construction, safety and math.
- Some apprentices also receive specialized education. Using equipment, learning how to build shelving, working with concrete and more.
Step 2. Learn what the requirements are for becoming an apprentice
You will have to meet certain requirements. Eg:
- Have a high school diploma (or equivalent).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Prove that you are a resident of the country where you live (in the United States, for example, proof of citizenship is required.)
- Pass a drug test.
- Be physically fit for work.
Step 3. Find an apprenticeship
Search among the programs offered by various associations such as that of builders or artisans. There are also some associations that sometimes sponsor them. Search the internet for more information.
Check it out locally. Another option is to find a carpenter in the area where you live, looking for an apprentice. Carpenters, contractors, construction companies, shipyards, etc., the important thing is that they look for an apprentice
Method 4 of 5: Part Four: Other Ways to Become a Carpenter
Step 1. Offer to be an occasional helper
If you can't get into an apprenticeship program, look for those occasional jobs. As a helper, you don't have to have a lot of experience. You can find announcements about this in newspapers, at the employment agency or on the internet.
While being a helper will not necessarily guarantee you a complete training in carpentry, it will still be a good accompaniment to the lessons. And you could learn the tricks of the trade
Step 2. Enroll in a carpentry school
There are many that issue a skilled worker certificate. Search the area where you live (or regionally) by typing something like "[Name of the place where you live] carpentry school."
There are also vocational colleges that offer various programs including woodworking programs. While they don't fully focus on this profession, they still have credible and effective programs just like those in specialist schools
Step 3. Enroll in those classes offered by colleges or universities
They are usually part of an apprenticeship program and can help earn your skilled worker certificate (which certifies that you are a professional carpenter.) Part of the lessons will be devoted to learning math, communication and construction techniques as well as of real carpentry. The rest could be designing a workshop or past practicing what you learn.
Method 5 of 5: Part Five: Opportunities for Carpenters
Step 1. Find a job related to woodworking
It could be for a construction company, a renovation firm for example. As carpenters learn what it takes throughout the entire construction process, those who demonstrate the most aptitude are often promoted to superintendent or chief builder.
Step 2. Create your company
You may like to create fabulous pieces of furniture. Perhaps you prefer to be in control of yourself and think for yourself about what you need. Fantastic! You can learn more about starting your business here.
Step 3. Always stay up to date
Take courses periodically to learn about the new market trends or the latest construction techniques. You can find them at associations, universities or colleges. Sometimes even specialized machinery companies offer training.
Keep up with the machinery too. New ones are always created and developed to make joinery projects more efficient. Even if you follow a different career but plan to return to woodworking sooner or later, it is always important to know the latest developments in the field. This way, when you decide to go back to joinery, the transition will be smoother
Advice
- Learning a second language, especially Spanish, can be very useful in finding a job in the sector.
- Many carpenters specialize in something. If you are good in more areas, when the market becomes more competitive, you will have more options open.
