You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You could take a college course like:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Bench Joinery
• Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Site Carpentry
• T Level in On Site Construction

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 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
• funding advice
• guide to T Levels
• search for courses

You could apply to do a:

• Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Craft Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a focus on site carpentry or architectural joinery
• Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, which includes furniture making

These can take up to 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Registration

• 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.

Depending on where you work, you could:

• discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
• cut and shape timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
• make and fit structures like staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
• assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
• install kitchens, cupboards and shelving
• build wooden supports called shuttering which holds concrete that has not dried yet in place
• fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings
• construct stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions

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