Carpentry 26

A carpenter generally works on commercial and residential projects. Carpentry is closely associated with other parts of the construction industry, and with the many products that support it, normally for commercial purposes.

The carpenter works internally and externally, including in the homes of customers and on building sites in all weather conditions. He or she will interpret drawings, set out and measure, cut, form joints, assemble, install and finish to a high standard.

The carpenter’s work includes:

•               Measuring, cutting and installing components of a residence or commercial building including floor, wall and roof systems. It can also include stairs, interior and exterior finishes, roofing materials, doors, windows and other finishing components. Accurately measuring and cutting enables greater quality for items like trim and moulding which must be finished with great precision

•               Constructing forms for concrete, wall and roof systems of the structures

•               Installing components that are seen on the inside and outside of residential or commercial buildings such as sidings, shutters, roofing materials, as well as out-buildings such as garages, sheds, gazebos, pergolas and play houses.

Work organization and self-management, communication and interpersonal skills, problem solving, innovation and creativity, and working precisely and accurately, are the universal attributes of the outstanding carpenter. Whether the carpenter is working alone or in a team the individual takes on a high level of personal responsibility and autonomy.

Every step in the carpentry process matters; mistakes are largely irreversible and have a very high cost. This means that the carpenter must work safely and tidily, have stamina, demonstrate exceptional planning and organization skills, concentrate and pay attention to detail in order to achieve an excellent finish.

With the international mobility of people, the carpenter faces rapidly expanding opportunities and challenges. For the talented carpenter there are many commercial and international opportunities. However these also carry with them the need to understand and work with diverse cultures and trends.

A carpenter usually receives his or her training by working as an apprentice with a more experienced professional. Training normally includes using hand and power tools; doing rough and finish carpentry work; learning how more intricate jobs are completed, and the importance of accuracy.

Required skills

Work organization and self-management, communication and interpersonal skills, problem solving, innovation and creativity, working precisely and accurately are the universal attributes of the outstanding carpenter. Whether the carpenter is working alone or in a team the individual takes on a high level of personal responsibility and autonomy.

A carpenter needs to have the ability to work safely and tidily with concentration and attention to detail to achieve an excellent finish. Every step in the process matters and mistakes are largely irreversible and very costly.

With the international mobility of people, the carpenter faces rapidly expanding opportunities and challenges. For the talented carpenter there are many commercial and international opportunities; however these carry with them the need to understand and work with diverse cultures and trends. The diversity of skills associated with carpentry is therefore likely to expand, with the WorldSkills Competition reflecting the skills and attributes of the most outward looking and talented entrants to the sector.

Career info

Carpentry work includes measuring, cutting and installing components of a residence or commercial building including floor, stair, and wall and roof systems. It can also include windows and doors, roofing materials, interior and external finishing components, and precision items like trim and moulding. In addition, a carpenter may be asked to construct forms for concrete, wall and roof systems of the structures, and construct/install sidings, shutters, roofing materials, as well as out-buildings such as garages, sheds, gazebos, pergolas, and play houses.

Every step in the carpentry process matters; the carpenter must work safely and tidily, have stamina, demonstrate exceptional planning and organization skills, concentrate and pay attention to detail in order to achieve an excellent finish.

Often, a carpenter works as an apprentice mastering use of tools; doing rough and finish carpentry work; learning how intricate jobs are completed, and appreciating the importance of accuracy. This is an exemplary and productive pathway to success for any aspiring expert in this field. 

At the Competition

The Competitor is judged on:

• Their ability to read and interpreting drawings and written instructions
• Accurate planning and setting out
• Forming neat joints and preparing wood for assembly.
• Assembling and fastening all components of the structure with a high level of precision.
• Producing a neat finish that conforms with the specifications.

The Competitor has to carry out the following task:

• Draw sufficient details of the project to determine the length, shape, angles and joints for each piece of wood.
• Mark out the wood accurately.
• Prepare the materials by cutting to length, forming bevels and forming joints.
• Assemble the project using a variety of fixing devices.