Tips & Advice

How long does it take to become a skilled carpenter?

There is no standard timescale for how long it takes to become a qualified carpenter. It depends on a variety of factors, from the level of apprenticeship you are taking to the type of carpentry you want to do.  

The different types of carpentry

There are several different types of carpentry, and this will affect the length of time before qualification. A construction site will employ many different kinds of carpenter, and each will have different demands and training methods. For example, you could be a rough carpenter, a trim carpenter, framer or roofer.   

Alternatively, you could work as a joister, installing floor joists in a building. Or a green carpenter, a trade that involves using freshly cut trees to make furniture or other objects. Scenic carpenters build theatrical sets and stage elements for venues.

The different levels of carpenter

There are several grades that a carpenter can reach in their career:  

Newly trained

Carpenters who have just completed their intermediate apprenticeship.

Trained/advanced

Trained carpenters with several years of experience to their name.

Master, senior or chartered

Carpenters with the skills to handle any task in their particular area of carpentry. 

Carpentry apprenticeships

What types of carpentry apprenticeships are available?

You could become a qualified carpenter in only two years, if you take a full-time intermediate carpentry apprenticeship; however, the same apprenticeship could take four years if it is part-time. For those who want to become master carpenters or specialise in certain areas of woodworking such as heritage work, the career path to a higher carpentry apprenticeship can take up to six years of full-time work and study.

This can be longer if the learning element of the apprenticeship is taken part-time, day release or block release.

What will you learn during a carpentry apprenticeship?

Carpentry apprentices will learn how to undertake the following tasks during the course of their apprenticeship, both through their formal training and by shadowing their colleagues on construction sites and in workshops:

  • Working in compliance with health and safety and environmental standards
  • Measuring, marking up, setting out
  • Cutting, shaping, fitting and finishing timber
  • First fixing and second fixing
  • Selecting, maintaining, using and storing hand and power tools
  • Installing floor joists, floorboards, roof trusses and wall partitions
  • Fitting interiors such as staircases, doors, skirting boards, cupboards and kitchens
  • Putting up frames for bridges, roads, dams and buildings
  • Drawing and working with technical drawings
  • Gaining knowledge of different types of wood and their uses
  • Maintaining safe working areas
  • Estimating required materials

Carpentry qualifications

England

There are no formal entry requirements for carpentry apprentices in England, but applicants should have the Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Maths. 

Scotland

To become a carpenter or joiner in Scotland, you need to have completed the Modern Apprenticeship in Construction: Building. The entrance criteria for this Level 3 apprenticeship will vary from employer to employer, but some may ask for National 4s or 5s in English, Maths, science subjects and practical technology subjects, or Skills for Work Construction at SCQF Level 4/5.

Wales

There are no formal entry requirements for carpentry apprentices in Wales, but applicants should have the Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Maths. 

Skills required to become a carpenter

Applicants for carpentry and joinery apprenticeships should be good with their hands, enjoy making things, working with tools and machinery and have some basic design skills. Site carpenters should be prepared to work in all weathers.

Future prospects and career progression 

People who take carpentry apprenticeships generally go on to have careers as site carpenters and architectural joiners. Site carpenters, as the name suggests, work predominantly on site or in domestic and commercial premises, installing bespoke timber components such as doors, staircases, roofs and joists. Architectural joiners mainly work off-site in a workshop, creating bespoke elements such as doors, window frames, staircases and panelling.

Experienced carpenters can become site supervisors, construction project managers, or move into contracts management, construction estimating or specialist areas of carpentry such as heritage restoration. Many trained carpenters eventually become self-employed and run their own carpentry business. In terms of earnings, senior, chartered or master carpenters can earn £30,000 - £45,000 or more.  

How to apply for a carpentry apprenticeship

If you are interested in applying for a carpentry apprenticeship one of the best things to do is look for vacancies being offered by local construction companies. Do some searches on job websites and use the government’s apprenticeship service. If you've had some previous work experience at a company, ask if they are taking on any new apprentices. How to apply for an appreniceship contains more advice.