Carpenter

You could take a college course like:

• bench joinery
• site carpentry
• T Level in On Site Construction

Courses like these would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to find a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Onsite Trades Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Wood Machinist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

You could also do a Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, producing goods used in the furniture making and construction industries.

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Registrations

you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Career Tips

If you're thinking of changing career to carpentry, look out for short or part-time 'taster' courses at your local college. These are designed to help you find out if carpentry is for you.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a carpenter from Go Construct and House Building Careers .

As a carpenter, you could:

• discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
• cut timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
• make and fit staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
• assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
• install kitchen units, cabinets and shelving
• construct wooden supports, called shuttering, which hold concrete in place while it sets
• fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants and offices
• build stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions

You could work in a workshop, on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be dusty, at height and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.