Carpenter

Main duties

Carpenters perform some or all of the following duties:

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements
• Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools
• Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials
• Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
• Fit and install trim items, such as doors, stairs, moulding and hardware
• Maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments
• Supervise apprentices and other construction workers
• May prepare cost estimates for clients.

Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• 1 year to less than 2 years experience in this position on projects of similar scale.
• Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program
  or
  A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
• Trade certification for carpenters is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
• Trade certification for framers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan.
• Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified carpenters upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination