Carpentry is a very useful trade as it allows tradesmen to become involved in many different projects. Carpenters may undertake projects such as fitting kitchens, hanging doors and constructing built-in cupboards. It involves the use of many different power tools and many different skills, therefore it is a good idea to gain carpentry qualifications to gain confidence and experience.
Beginners can enrol on short, intensive carpentry courses, for example over five days, to help them gain a general overview of the different aspects of carpentry. Intensive courses are ideal for those who want to gain a basic knowledge of the trade before completing longer qualifications, and also for those wishing for a basic knowledge to assist them in DIY.
To make them more attractive to customers, carpenters can gain nationally-recognised City & Guilds qualifications. The Level 2 qualification provides carpenters with all the basic knowledge required to be a competent site carpenter. The Level 3 qualification provides a more in-depth knowledge about more advanced areas of carpentry, and can make tradesmen much more attractive to customers and site managers. Gaining either qualification can allow carpenters to gain other accreditation such as CSCS, which is required for carpenters to work on most building sites.
Carpenters often take on large jobs such as refurbishments, conversions and extensions, so it is a good idea for them to gain a basic knowledge of other trades, for example plumbing or electrics, through electrical or plumbing courses.