Carpentry is one of the oldest professions in the world and still forms an essential part of just about any construction project. Whether it’s building the foundations of a home, installing fixtures like door frames and staircases or designing bespoke furniture, the skill set remains highly sought-after throughout each stage of the building process. 

Interested in growing your career in carpentry? Below, we’ll detail a few of the different entry routes and the potential pathways a career in the sector can take you down. 

What are the first steps towards a career in carpentry?

There are several different ways your career in carpentry could begin, each with its own unique set of pros and cons. 

One option is gaining carpentry qualifications through a college course. Different levels of carpentry college courses will require different entry requirements depending on how advanced the course is. Many colleges also offer taster courses, which can be a great way of getting some idea of whether the industry is right for you. 

Apprenticeships continue to be a popular choice for those just starting out, particularly among school leavers. This method of training is a great way to earn while you learn, offering the chance to combine practical on-the-job experience with the necessary classroom theory. 

Private training providers have also become an increasingly popular avenue for those looking to build a career in carpentry. Given that no prior qualifications are required to begin training this way, and that qualifications can be obtained in a much shorter timeframe than college courses and apprenticeships, this method of training can be a much more accessible option.

Once your training is complete, your next steps will likely include sourcing some kind of work experience as a way of standing out to employers, followed by seeking an entry-level role with a general construction business or carpentry specialist.

Potential career paths

Carpentry can lead to a number of exciting career paths, some more unexpected than others. The ‘typical’ progression route may see you move into a management role, overseeing your own team or even looking after an entire site.

Further down the line, less obvious roles that rely on specialist carpentry skills could include stage set construction or heritage restoration. Demolition, building inspection and building design are all areas that you may wish to explore, too. 

Once you’ve built up some experience in the industry, setting up your own carpentry business is another option that many people choose to pursue. This is ideal for those who want more control over their work-life balance, allowing you to set your own hours and rates. 

At Able Skills, we offer a range of carpentry training, from introductory courses to in-depth learning packages that lead to industry-recognised qualifications. You can find more information about all of our carpentry training online here.