Carpentry can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice for those inclined to work with their hands.
Carpentry is the skill of creating or repairing frameworks and structures from wood and other materials. Carpenters may be called to work on a wide range of tasks such as installing cabinets, changing doorframes and fixing rafters. Carpenters can also work on film sets and ships among other exciting environments.
Certain skills will help you become a better carpenter. Carpenters often spend long hours on their feet and are occasionally required to do some heavy lifting. You must therefore have good stamina and strength. Because you'll be working with different kinds of tools, you must also have decent hand-eye coordination and balance. You don't need to be a math genius to become a carpenter, but you must be able to solve mathematical problems with little difficulty because a key part of woodworking is making sure that your numbers add up correctly.
You can learn to be a carpenter in several ways. Some people start out as assistants and then learn on the job. However, you may want to consider getting a formal education at a technical school. In addition to improving your skills as a carpenter, school-based training will expose you to the advancements that have been made in the carpentry industry. Having a carpentry and construction associate's degree will also improve your credibility with clients.
You can also learn how to become a carpenter by enrolling in a three or four year apprenticeship program, which contractor associations and unions often sponsor. These programs will introduce you to building code requirements, important safety techniques and the basic elements of carpentry. Apprentices are required to complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and at least 144 hours of technical training each year. At the end, you'll be given a Journeyman certificate. To qualify for either an apprenticeship program or a two-year technical program, you're expected to be strong enough to handle physical work, show proof of citizenship and have a high school education.
As a carpenter, you can go on to work as part of a team or become an independent contractor. If you have great communication skills, you may be able to work up to a supervisor postition. Being fluent in both English and Spanish will help your career advance even further. However, like most technical professions, the best way to improve is to gain experience with skilled workers.
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