A Day in the Life of a Carpenter
Carpentry is a skilled trade and an art form that has been around for centuries. Modern carpenters use both traditional tools and power tools to build everything from custom furniture to houses and bridges. No two days are alike for a carpenter, but there are some commonalities.
If you’re thinking about becoming a carpenter, or just curious about what the job entails, read on for a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a carpenter.
Here’s what a carpenter’s typical day looks like
5:30 am – Wake up, grab breakfast and get dressed for the job site. Make sure you have all of your tools and equipment ready to go so you can hit the ground running when you get there.
6:00 am – Drive and arrive at the construction work site and check in with the foreman. The first task of the day is to unload any tools or materials that were delivered overnight. Once that’s done, it’s time to get to work. The foreman will let you know what your tasks are for the day and assign you to a work crew.
7:00 am – Start carpentry work! Whether you’re installing timber ceiling frames, steel flooring systems, installing supporting frameworks, building steel framed construction or working on a finish construction project, there’s always something to do on a construction site.
Carpenters typically start by measuring and cutting lumber to the correct size. Depending on the project, they may also assemble framing or install drywall. As the day goes on, they may install cabinets, lay hardwood floors, or do finish work like trimming and moulding. Throughout the day, carpenters must be constantly aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents.
12:00 pm – Take a break for lunch. You’ll usually have an hour or so to eat and relax before getting back to work.
3:00 pm – At the end of the day, it’s time to clean up the worksite and load any leftover materials into their truck. Then, it’s off to home sweet home for some well-earned rest before doing it all over again tomorrow!
Ready to start your carpentry career?
A career in the construction industry can be both challenging and rewarding. If you’re interested in working with your hands and enjoy being outdoors, carpentry might be the perfect fit for you. The hours can be long and the work is sometimes strenuous, but there’s nothing like the satisfaction of looking at a finished product that you helped create.
Top 5 skills you need to do carpentry work
To be a successful carpenter, there are lots of skills you’ll want to pick up and develop along the way. Especially if your end goal is to have your own business or progress to a management position.
Here are some of the most important skills you’ll need:
- Attention to detail
Carpenters need to pay high attention to small details. - Maths
Measure twice, cut once! Being off even the slightest amount can lead to problems and setbacks in a project. - Excellent problem-solving
Not everything will go to plan. From glue smears to dents or splits in the wood, this profession requires a degree of patience and pro-active problem solving. - Stamina
Physical strength can help you complete tasks more efficiently. As a carpenter, you’ll often lift heavy objects, be bending over or standing for large parts of the day. - Manual dexterity
Tools and hand-eye coordination are a match made in heaven.
What other skills do I need to become a carpenter?
Carpenters need to have both theoretical and practical construction knowledge to succeed. Some of the carpentry skills that will be beneficial if you are considering a career in the building and construction industry:
- Ability to communicate effectively in a construction workplace environment
- Able to perform calculations and undertake basic measurements of the carpentry materials
- Establish correct construction processes and efficiently perform tasks
- Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment in construction workplaces
- Determine material requirements and maintain carpentry tools
How to get into the construction industry
A career in carpentry offers a unique blend of independence and creativity. If you’re interested in working with your hands and enjoy problem-solving, then carpentry might be the right fit for you. With proper training and experience, you can turn your passion into a rewarding career.
To become a carpenter in Australia, you need to be qualified with a CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry. This certificate will equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills necessary to undertake projects in new residential housing construction, maintenance and repair and renovations.
Thinking about doing a CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry with Builders Academy? Find out if you’re eligible by giving us a call on 1300 LEGEND or requesting a call back today.