Carpenter

• Follows blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients.
• Installs structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding.
• Measures, cuts, or shapes wood, plastic, fiberglass, drywall, and other materials.
• Constructs building frameworks, including wall studs, floor joists, and doorframes.
• Helps put up, levels, and installs building framework with the aid of large pulleys and cranes.
• Inspects and replaces damaged framework or other structures and fixtures.
• Instructs and directs laborers and other construction trade helpers.

Residential

• Works on new-home, townhome, and condominium construction and remodeling.
• Sample tasks: Builds and sets forms for footings, walls, roofs and decks; Frames interior walls, build stairs, and installs drywall, crown molding, doors and kitchen cabinets.

Commercial

• Works on commercial office building, hospitals, hotels, schools and shopping malls construction and remodeling.
• Sample tasks: Works with light gauge and load-bearing steel framing for interior partitions, exterior framing, and curtain wall construction.
• Commercial carpenters can usually perform the tasks of residential carpenters as well.

Industrial

• Works in civil and industrial settings where they put up scaffolding and build and set forms for pouring concrete. Example) tunnels, bridges, power plants, or sewer construction projects.
• Sample tasks: Builds tunnel bracing or partitions in underground passageways and mines to control the circulation of air to worksites.

• Manual dexterity: good with hands
• Hand eye coordination
• Critical thinking and problem solving: will encounter unexpected problems and you will have to figure them out in a timely fashion.
• Basic math: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus and statistics.
• Computer skills: project planning, estimating software.
• Attention to detail
• Physical strength and stamina

• Can be dangerous because you are working with sharp objects and at great heights.
• No structure: you have to manage your money and time because the work is project-based. You finish a project and it might be some time when you get on another project. Need to manage your time and finances wisely.
• If you like structure and like the 2-week paycheck, then this is not the job for you. But if you want flexibility, to set your own hours, then this is a great career path.

• Building, creating and fixing things!
• Being outside in nature.

“I have been artist since I was 17 years old and I have always liked working with my hands – cutting, matting.” Silvia Y. Ledezma, Journeyman Carpenter, Scaffold (Staging) Builder, Contra Costa County

• Protection: wages, discrimination, on the job injury.
• Out of work list
• Benefits
• Higher pay: over-time, double time.
• Retirement (depending on union): After 5 years, in some trades/unions, you are vested and are eligible for company matching. After 30 years, you are fully vested at 100 percent of your pay.