Carpentry

Skill explained

"A carpenter is an important part of any construction team. Evidence of a Carpenter's work is all around you; from the roof over your head to the doors you use every day. He or she has the skills and knowledge to cut, fasten, carve, and design objects made of wood or other materials. A good carpenter needs to be able to use measurements and mathematics to achieve a high degree of precision; he or she works on commercial and residential projects internally and externally, including the homes of customers and on building sites in all weather conditions.
A carpenter will interpret drawings, set out and measure, cut, form joints, assemble, install and finish to a high standard. The carpenter’s work includes doors, stairs, siding, roofing and the frame of a building structure. "

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."

What the Competitors do 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."