Have you always been interested in building things and working with your hands? If so, you may be thinking about exploring a career in carpentry. Carpenters can take an ordinary piece of wood and turn it into something beautiful, functional, and useful. Whether you’re interested in building homes or building cabinets, there are a number of avenues to explore. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in becoming a carpenter.
Course of Training
Many people choose to take up the carpentry trade in high school. Vocational schools offer unique training programs in carpentry for detail-oriented students who are interested in the trade. But you don’t necessarily have to begin learning carpentry in high school in order to build a career in the field. Some carpenters start learning about the trade through apprenticeship.
In the US, you are required to complete a total of 2,144 hours of technical and on-the-job training. Generally, carpentry apprentices finish their training in 3-4 years. During this time, they work with an experienced carpenter to learn and perform the basics of the trade. There is also a fair amount of studying involved. Apprentices learn about blue prints, building codes, mathematics, and occupational safety. There are also specialized options available for those interested in working with concrete, welding, or in the area of fall protections.
Tools and Gear
Once you’ve completed your carpentry apprenticeship, there are a couple next steps available to you. Some carpenters choose to find a job with an existing construction business; others decide to use their skills to open up their own company. The experience of working for an existing business is vastly different than running your own. But if you choose to start your own enterprise, there can be a number of long term benefits. Not only is there opportunity for significant financial reward, you also have more autonomy as owner.
If you opt to go into business for yourself, it’s important to consider the following. First, there is a cost associated with launching and running your own company, so you’ll need to have some money saved to get things off the ground. You need to be able to purchase gear and tools, a truck, and allocate some money to marketing in order to get your business name out there. When buying tools, it’s important to choose an established company that has experience outfitting professional carpenters with the right equipment. After all, tools are an investment. You want to make sure you’re getting high quality equipment that will last for many years.
Carpentry is one of the world’s oldest trades. If you have been thinking about becoming a carpenter, there are a couple ways to get started. Consider attending vocational school or exploring available apprenticeships in your area. After you’ve finished learning about the trade, it’s important to find the right gear and tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your business gets up and running smoothly. Get started on your new and exciting career path today!