1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Tag: carpenter

  • Career Profile: Journeyman Carpenter

    Career Profile: Journeyman Carpenter

    Carpentry is a broad trade that includes many sub-trades. Carpentry is also a registered apprenticeship trade with internationally recognized certification. In a very general summary, carpentry is building structures or really anything out of wood.

    You can begin your career in this trade by calling your local Carpenter’s Union, going directly through a college course, or by simply applying to a job as a first year apprentice or helper. As the trade carpentry is so broad, usually after the initial training process carpenters specialize in an aspect within carpentry. A few examples may be: concrete form carpenter, finish carpenter, framing carpenter, commercial carpenter (ISM), wood shop carpenter. There are also many more examples of possible specializations within carpentry and each has its’ own hurdles and benefits. Nine time s out of ten, a general contractor comes from a carpentry background due to this wide ranging set of skills and understanding.

    When you are working in this trade you should be prepared for being outside all day in all seasons; generally carpenters are first on construction sites and the elements can be a challenge at times. The job requires you to be physically fit, and you must be able to perform muscle burning tasks for extended periods of time. You will often be asked to work at heights. In this case, a proper fall arrest protection should be used and training should be completed. Carpenters usually start their work day early to beat the hottest part of the day; a normal day will run from 7AM to 5PM or sometimes 6AM to 4-5PM.

    Income can vary depending on geographical region and your specialization within carpentry. For example, currently in Canada, a general carpenter can make between $35,000 and $120,000 per year. At some point in your career you may wish to work for yourself and start a small business; many carpenters do. At this point, income can increase beyond the above mentioned.

    If you are interested in what working in the trades, carpentry is a good place to start because it allows you a wide variety of choices and exposure to specializations and an understanding of construction in general. There is also a great feeling of pride looking at the work you accomplish at the end of the day; the work you complete is often there for many years to come. There are very strong unions to train and protect workers that choose to take up the trade; this has a side benefit of keeping non-union carpenter’s hourly rates within a fair range.

    If you want to keep your body in shape and are not afraid of some hard physical work, perhaps carpentry is a trade that is for you. Construction in Canada is an ever growing industry and as the aging workforce retires, there will be more and more opportunities in the future. If this interests you, grab yourself a hammer and start building your exciting future in the world of carpentry!

  • Career Profile: Carpenter

    Career Profile: Carpenter

    Most people like building things at some point of their lives. Do you remember piling blocks on top of each other when you were younger? How would you like to spend your working life building anything from skyscrapers to bathroom cabinets? If you like the idea, you might want to consider a career as a carpenter.

    Carpenters do a variety of jobs in any construction project. They help estimate costs, read the blueprints that help builders know what to do, and help measure and cut materials for construction. They might supervise other workers and help make sure that they follow all of the rules for safe building procedures. Being able to follow detailed instructions is important in carpentry work.

    Carpenters work with many different tools as they help shape wood or sometimes other materials into whatever structure is needed. Many famous buildings, including the CN Tower in Toronto, have had carpenters involved in the building process. Most carpenters in Canada work in the construction industry, although some still work with smaller projects for individual customers. Some carpenters have their own businesses, while others work for established companies.

    What qualities to carpenters need to have? Besides an interest in building things, they need certain personal characteristics. They need to be fairly healthy and strong, with the ability to work when they’re standing, crouching, or kneeling. They need to be good with their hands and to have good balance. Small injuries are common for carpenters, especially when they deal with dangerous chemicals or work with materials that can fly out and hit them. Because of the dangers, an awareness of safety is an important quality for carpenters.

    Besides all of these characteristics, carpenters need to have the right mental qualities. Sometimes, carpenters’ work involves quick calculations of measurements, and they have to be good at mathematics. An ability to work well with people is also important, as well as a tolerance for long working days. Both technical and personal skills are important in carpentry work.

    Do you have the qualities that carpenters need to succeed? If you do, you can start to plan the next steps of your career. The first step is to find a company or an individual carpenter willing to take you on as an apprentice. After learning on the job and receiving technical training at a school for about four years, you can then take an exam. If you pass, you will be a registered carpenter with the ability to work anywhere in Canada. Salaries in carpentry can range from about $45,000 per year to $60,000, and sometimes even more.

    Carpentry is a great choice for anyone who likes to build. If that describes you, a career in carpentry might be your best choice.