WHY CARPENTRY IS A GREAT TRADE: 7 BENEFITS OF WORKING AS A CARPENTER IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Carpentry is one of the most popular career choices out there. It isn’t hard to see why so many men and women gravitate to carpentry jobs—it comes with so many perks and opportunities.

For anyone looking to pursue this career, here are 7 benefits of carpentry.

1. What can you do after carpentry?

According to Australian Government estimates, there are around 150,000 carpenters in Australia. But even though there are so many, they all do very different jobs.

Once you’ve done your carpentry courses, you can get into any number of specialisations in different areas of the construction industry.

Specialisations of qualified carpenters include:

• Residential: Builds homes and apartment buildings, including framing, stairs, decks and roofs.

• Commercial: Builds shopping centres, hotels, offices, and mixed-use buildings like installing flooring, ceiling and windows.

• Industrial: Constructs the scaffolding and other essentials for infrastructure, roads, manufacturing plans and tunnels.

• Joinery: Works in a workshop crafting timber products like cabinets, windows and doors.

• Woodworking: Builds, fixes or maintains timber products like furniture or antiques by shaping wood and adding varnishes.

As you can see, the opportunities for carpentry careers are varied. With so much on offer, you can find your unique area of interest.

2. Is carpentry a hands-on job?

If the thought of sitting at an office desk staring at a computer all day gives you the willies, you’d love carpentry.

In this career, you work with your hands, either in a workshop or outdoor setting. 

You’ll be physically active, possibly in the fresh open air, and no two days will ever be the same.

3. How much is the average salary of carpenters in Australia?

Carpentry is skilled work, a rung above unskilled labour and other low paying jobs.

As a qualified carpenter, you can earn a good income that has the potential to grow as you gain more knowledge and skills.

According to JobOutlook, the average salary of carpenters living in Australia ranges from $64k to $71k per year. However, this can vary depending on your location and level of experience. Carpenters with several years of experience or those who specialise in a particular area, such as cabinet making or roof framing, may be able to expect higher salaries.

4. What is the demand for carpenters in Australia?

If you were a little concerned about the construction industry after COVID-19, the news is good for builders and other trades.

According to official government statistics, the career outlook for carpenters is still very good. JobOutlook reports that carpentry is experiencing strong growth.

With this kind of industry growth, the benefits of carpentry lead to job security and a long-term career.

5. Is carpentry a hard trade?

Compared to some other careers, there are less hoops to jump through to begin your qualification. It isn’t too hard to get into carpentry. 

To start your carpentry career path, you’ll do a Certificate III in Carpentry. This course has no entry requirements except that you must be 16 years or over, and you need to get a WHS Induction Training (White Card) before you begin your apprenticeship.

6. How much does an apprentice carpenter earn in Australia?

Not a lot of careers let you earn money while you do your qualification. But when you study carpentry courses like the Certificate III, you’ll do an apprenticeship at the same time.

In the apprenticeship, you will get paid a full time rate that’s appropriate to your skill level. This will help you support yourself while you get your certificate.

7. What do you build as a carpenter?

Carpentry is so fundamental to the construction industry that a lot of people choose to study carpentry courses before moving on to grander things, like running a business or becoming a builder.

Once you’ve done your cert III and had some industry experience through your apprenticeship, you have the option to do your Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120). This helps you qualify for your building licence and trains you to build low rise buildings.

Or, you could do a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220), which trains you to build medium rise buildings. When you study with Builders Academy Australia, this diploma guarantees your entry into a Victoria University bachelor’s degree.

Is carpentry for me?

When you think about it, the benefits of carpentry are clear. You can work in the construction industry in any number of different sectors, from housing to commercial, and from private to government.

Carpentry could be a great career choice if you’re interested in a trade that offers hands-on work with a decent salary and solid job security.  

Regardless of the career path you choose, becoming a carpenter requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for the trade. But with the benefits of creative freedom and job satisfaction, it can be a rewarding career choice.

 

How can I become a carpenter in Australia?

The first step is to find a reputable training program. In Australia, there are a number of registered training organisations for those interested in pursuing a career in carpentry, including Builders Academy.

Our Certificate III in Carpentry is a popular choice for those starting out in the trade. This course covers the fundamental skills needed to work as a carpenter, such as reading plans, measuring and calculating quantities, and installing flooring systems.

If you already have some experience in the trade, you may be interested in Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). This course covers more advanced topics such as managing building and construction projects, estimating costs, and supervising workers.

Got questions about our building and construction courses? Give us a call today on 1300 534 363 (LEGEND) or complete the online form, and one of our course advisors will get in touch soon.

This article has been updated and republished on 14th April 2023.