What Skills and Knowledge Are Required to Perform the Work
Carpenters touch everyone's lives. From homes and offices to bridges and roads, carpenters build the wood frames that underlie society's basic structures. Breaking in requires three to four years of apprenticeship and thousands of hours of training. However, that education offers a career that pays better than most, with a median annual income of $48,330 as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mechanical Skills
Because carpenters work with several varieties of tools and machines, they need effective mechanical skills. Equipment for carpenters includes extension ladders, electronic and laser levels and handheld rotary tools such as power sanders. Power saws and framing squares are also part of the tool lineup. Carpenters must know how to use their gear to shape or cut materials to specified dimensions.
Critical Thinking Skills
Carpenters routinely face unexpected problems or issues during building, and thinking skills guide them through those rough spots. Every project is different, and carpenters sometimes have to adjust plans on the fly, according to O*Net Online. Certain materials may not be immediately available, or properties with foundations that have settled may need additional preparation work before they're ready for upgrades. With critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, carpenters can use logic and reasoning to foresee potential issues and develop solutions.
Math Skills for Carpentry
Basic math skills are a must for any carpenter. Carpenters use arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus and statistics to measure materials, add up volumes and complete other project-planning tasks. Math know-how also helps carpenters study blueprints to understand a project's layout and to figure dimensions for supplies.
Plus, carpenters need to know practical uses of engineering science, including applying mathematical principles and engineering techniques to design and production. To finish a job on time and within budget, carpenters use estimating skills to calculate sizes, distances and quantities of material, and how much time and money they need to wrap up the project. Carpenter math skills are essential, and often taught in the apprenticeship course.
Computer Skills
In addition to hand tools, carpenters may use high-tech devices such as computers. Carpenters who work for themselves or run a business have to be familiar with accounting and job-estimating programs. Project management software helps carpenters keep an electronic punch list of tasks to finish. Carpenters use spreadsheet programs for project planning, and word-processing software to communicate with clients and managers about a project's scope, design and status.
Other Carpenter Qualities
There are several other skills needed to be a carpenter. Carpenters should be sensitive to details, because precision is essential when measuring and fitting. Carpenters with people skills are better able to work with customers and understand their needs.
Also, because carpentry requires assembling and fastening small items and materials such as screws and dowel pins, professionals in the field must have a steady hand and the ability to make smooth movements with their fingers. Finally, the job calls for the physical strength and stamina to work long hours, sometimes lifting heavy objects, such as 100-pound plywood sheets.
Carpenter Career Outlook
The number of carpentry jobs is expected to remain relatively unchanged between 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eventually, it is likely that population growth will boost demand for new-home construction. Home remodeling and upgrades to roads, bridges and other infrastructure will also create industry jobs. Carpenters can expect the best career opportunities in regions with fast-growing populations. However, the construction industry is cyclical, so carpenters should prepare for periods of unemployment during economic downturns.
What Skills and Knowledge Are Required to Perform the Work
Source: https://work.chron.com/skills-required-carpenter-11775.html