Carpentry Basically a person who builds or repairs wooden structures, as houses, scaffolds, or shelving.

Duties Carpenters typically do the following: Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, drywall, and other materials Construct building frameworks, including wall studs, floor joists, and doorframes Help put up, level, and install building framework with the aid of large pulleys and cranes Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures instruct and direct laborers and other construction trade helpers examples of types of carpenters: Residential carpenters typically specialize in new-home, townhome, and condominium building and remodeling. As part of a single job, they might build and set forms for footings, walls, and slabs, and frame and finish exterior walls, roofs, and decks. They also frame interior walls, build stairs, and install drywall, crown molding, doors, and cabinets. In addition, residential carpenters may tile floors and lay wood floors and carpet. Fully trained construction carpenters can easily switch from new- home building to remodeling. Commercial carpenters typically remodel and help build commercial office buildings, hospitals, hotels, schools, and shopping malls. Some specialize in working with light-gauge and load-bearing steel framing for interior partitions, exterior framing, and curtain wall construction. Others specialize in working with concrete forming systems and finishing interior and exterior walls, partitions, and ceilings. Most commercial carpenters perform many of the same tasks as residential carpenters. Industrial carpenters typically work in civil and industrial settings, where they build scaffolding and create and set forms for pouring concrete. Some industrial carpenters build tunnel bracing or partitions in underground passageways and mines to control the circulation of air to worksites. Others build concrete forms for tunnels, bridges, dams, power plants, or sewer construction projects.

Work environment and pay A Carpenter must work outside in all different weather conditions including extreme cold and extreme heat. The Carpenter may be exposed to unpleasant sights and smells. He/she may at times be exposed to dangerous and/or toxic substances and must take necessary precautions to protect eyes, nose and skin from irritation and infection. Because carpenters are involved in many types of construction, from building highways and bridges to installing kitchen cabinets, they work both indoors and outdoors. Carpenters may work in cramped spaces, and frequent lifting, standing, and kneeling can be tiring. Those who work outdoors are subject to variable weather conditions. According to the latest figures, the highest hourly average (median) wages are earned in Edmonton, Alberta at $30.00 per hour and the lowest average (median) wages are earned in Prince Edward Island at $17.00 per hour. A typical full-time annual salary for this occupation is in the region of $35,000 – $55,000. Government labour market data indicates that there will continue to be a surplus of workers in this profession for the near future. The recent recession considerably reduced activity in residential construction, which will continue to affect the demand for carpenters. Employment prospects are expected to best in Alberta and Toronto.

Required education Though relatively limited in number, formal education programs in carpentry can come via an apprenticeship with a construction union or building contractor. These programs usually last 3-4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom study. At the work site, apprentices learn the properties of wood, metal, glass, concrete, plastic and other materials. They also learn about exterior and interior finishing, structural design, layouts, form building and rough framing. In the classroom, prospective carpenters learn blueprint reading, freehand sketching, work site safety, first aid and basic mathematics. Community colleges and technical institutes also offer carpentry programs at the certificate and associate's degree level. Many of these programs are affiliated with unions and contractors and thus are roughly equivalent to apprenticeships, although they may be shorter in duration. Classes may cover all the subjects of an apprenticeship through combination of textbook and hands-on studies. Employers may have a favorable opinion of school-trained workers and hire them at a higher rate of pay than untrained workers.