A career as a professional carpenter can be a very exciting and rewarding one.
If you decide to pursue a job in this industry, then the chances are that you have a passion for working with wood. Developing a skill from your passion can soon become a lucrative career that you continue to enjoy for the rest of your working life.
There is currently a shortage of skilled carpenters in the US, with tens of thousands of new jobs estimated to open up over the next decade.
If you have an interest in working as a carpenter, then you can read on to find out how to become one!
Think About Your Fitness
Working as a carpenter is an incredibly physical job that will require a good degree of fitness. You will be on your feet for most of the day and you will also need to lift heavy items often.
If you are not very physically fit currently, then you may need to work on your fitness before you progress with your new career plans.
Develop Your Skills
When you are completing tasks during your work as a carpenter, then you will need to have great problem-solving skills. You will also need to be good at math and have a solid understanding of how to communicate effectively.
These are all skills that you can develop by yourself to eventually become a great carpenter.
Think About Insurance
As a carpenter, you will need to have a good level of insurance. This is true whether you are working in a self-employed capacity or working for someone else.
When you are looking for a good insurance policy, you will want to browse specialist policies for those in the construction industries.
Shopping around can help you to find a lower construction insurance cost than you might expect.
Find a Route into the Industry
Most carpenters enter the trade through an apprenticeship that will usually last between three and four years.
An apprenticeship will generally involve more than 140 hours of technical training and over 2000 hours of training on the job. You will be paid for your work when you are an apprentice.
If desired, you can also pursue specialist training as an apprentice that will allow you to develop specific skills.
It is worth bearing in mind that to qualify for an apprenticeship of this nature, you will need to be over the age of 18 years old and have a high school diploma. You will also need to have US citizenship and be physically able to do the work.
Consider the Future
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you will have a wide range of different options available to you. It is never too early to begin exploring these options and deciding what you might like to do with your work in the future.
If you wish to enhance your earning potential, then you may want to consider further training opportunities. This can help you to truly become a master of your craft, which in turn will mean you can set higher rates than other professional carpenters.
