Fresh Profile: Carpenter Jobs

Published on 2008-08-14

Most carpenter jobs fall into two main categories: rough carpentry and finish carpentry. Rough carpentry includes form and framing work. These carpenters construct the basic form of buildings, roads or bridges before the concrete is poured in. Carpenters also build the framing required for those structures. Finish carpenters cut and install doors, windows, interior molding, and cabinets. A carpenter may know how to perform several services at once or may specialize in one or two of them. Examples of specific construction trade jobs in carpentry are millwrights, pile drivers, residential carpenters and floor layers. All carpenters learn how to read blueprints and use a variety of different hand and power tools on the job.

Construction jobs in carpentry involve working for specialty trade contractors. Carpenters can also work for manufacturing firms, government agencies or retail establishments. Another option is to be self-employed. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 32% of all carpenters in 2006 were self-employed. A self-employed carpenter can move up to construction management jobs such as becoming a supervisor of a small crew or may decide to become an independent contractor.

Carpenters can choose from a variety of training paths for their career. Beginning with high school, it is important to take woodworking, mechanical drawing and math classes. After high school it is recommended to complete a union-contractor apprenticeship program, which will provide better job opportunities. Participants must complete a pre-determined number of hours on the job and in the classroom, which can take up to four years. Carpenters can also start out as a helper and gain informal on-the-job training.

The work environment of a carpenter varies depending on the type of construction work being done and the skill of the carpenter. In general, carpenters work both in and outdoors, on construction sites or in the workshop. The job search for a carpenter may be difficult during winter and other times of bad weather, especially in the northern areas of the U.S.

Whether you are looking for carpenter jobs in Michigan, New Mexico, Georgia or anywhere else in the U.S., make Fresho.com your first stop. Our convenient search tools and extensive database of free classified ads will help you find the carpenter job that is right for you.