Carpenter

People who work in this career often:

• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
• Dig holes or trenches.
• Assemble products or production equipment.
• Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
• Build construction forms or molds.
• Cut wood components for installation.
• Drill holes in construction materials.
• Fabricate parts or components.
• Install building fixtures.
• Install doors or windows.

Typical Working Conditions

• Having face-to-face discussions.
• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
• Working with a group or team.
• Standing.
• Frequent decision-making.
• Exposure to hazardous equipment.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Close physical proximity with other people.
• Responsibility for others’ health and safety.
• Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Meeting strict deadlines.

Tools & Technology used by Carpenters

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Carpenters

• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Controlling Quality—Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Making Decisions—Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Managing Time—Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Carpenters

• Building and Construction—Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Public Safety and Security—Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Administration and Management—Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing very high growth compared to other careers. There will be a 9.5% growth new for Carpenters to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least a high school degree, and many professionals earn an Associates degree or attend some college. There are certifications that could aid in showcasing knowledge.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Accounting
• Algebra I and II
• Blueprint Reading
• Business Computer Applications
• CAD Design
• Drafting
• Electronics
• Geometry
• Physics
• Technical Writing
• Trigonometry
• Woodworking

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise