How to Become a Carpenter
Do you enjoy working with wood and creating and building new, useful things? If so, carpentry may be your dream occupation. Carpenters work on everything from building boats and house construction to remodeling and home finishing. If you would like to know how to become a carpenter, you will be happy to know that it is a relatively simple process. It will require some education and career training but most of it will be hands-on, which is perfect for active, physical people. If you are ready to make a career change and start work in one of the best careers in construction, follow these simple steps to become a carpenter.
How to become a carpenter
- Start early. If you are still in high school, start preparing early by taking shop, blueprint reading, physics, geometry, algebra, English, and mechanical drawing. Also start checking into potential training programs and apprenticeships.
- Choose a training path. The first step in how to become a carpenter is to get your training. You can decide to take a carpentry education program through a trade or technical school, through on-the-job training, or through an apprenticeship. Many employers will show preferential hiring to candidates who have completed an education program so it is a good investment in your future to do so. Due to the intensive hands-on nature of carpentry, it is not possible to get your complete training through an online college; you may be able to complete some of your basic education through online courses.
- Find an apprenticeship. A very important step of how to become a carpenter is to complete an apprenticeship. Many carpenters and companies provide apprenticeship programs for training. In order to qualify, candidates must be at least 18 years old and pass a basic skills test. An apprenticeship program typically consists of 3-4 years of classroom and on-the-job training. Completion of the program qualifies you to be a certified journeyman and opens more job opportunities and higher salaries to you.
Why become a carpenter?
Carpenters are the most versatile of all construction professionals and, as such, are more likely to attain management positions or to become independent contractors. Of all the construction fields, carpentry provides the widest range of employment opportunities. If you hope to become a site supervisor, it is very useful to speak both English and Spanish fluently. A large portion of the construction workforce is made up of Spanish-speaking laborers and it is important for supervisors to be able to effectively communicate directions and safety precautions to all workers. By learning Spanish you will learn how to become a carpenter. You should also fine-tune your written communications skills if you hope to become a supervisor since it will be your responsibility to communicate with subcontractors and clients regularly.
By completing the steps of how to become a carpenter, you are opening a world of opportunities for yourself. You may work in a variety of settings or you may choose to become an independent contractor. You will be able to work with your hands in an active environment while earning a lucrative salary of around $50,000 a year or more. Why wait? You can get your start in the world of carpentry today.
