How to Get a Job as a Carpenter
Because carpenters are constantly called upon to make exact measurements with heavy equipment, those interested in entering the profession must comfortably marry attention to detail with manual dexterity and mathematical prowess. Their problem-solving skills must go hand-in-hand with their stamina and physical strength. Weisling adds that they must also possess an open mind, as well as a genuine passion for the work. “We encourage individuals to define who they are and understand what a carpenter does and what the duties really are and then become as well-rounded as they can,” he says.
What is the Job Like?
A carpenter’s daily work schedule varies from job to job. Some contractors might require full-time help, while others only part-time. And there might be stretches of time between different projects. Carpenters must also be prepared to work (or not work) in all types of weather and environments. Inclement weather, for instance, can temporarily halt an exterior construction project.
Also, different subsets exist within the carpentry field, says Weisling. Some carpenters might work for a contractor framing houses or pouring concrete, while others might hang doors and trim out buildings. “Based on your experiences, the type of work your employer has will dictate who you work for, what you’re doing, and how long you’re doing it,” he says.
Leaving a mark on society is one of the most rewarding aspects of carpentry, Weisling says. “The buildings are going to be around longer than I will be around. And I know and my family knows that I have had a part in building the future of our society.”
