Making a Career in Woodworking and Carpentry
So, you want to work in the woodworking industry. Maybe you’ve taken a few shop classes in high school, or your mom or dad was particularly handy with some tools. Before you get started, lets answer some of these questions honestly?
- Do you like working with your hands?
- Do you find yourself good with tools?
- Are you able to pay extreme attention to detail?
- Is this a hobby of yours?
- Are you able to finish a job that you started?
- Do you own any of your own tools?
- Is this something you are interested in, or do you just want a job?
The Education and Skills needed
for Working with Wood
Before you go any further with your education, we advise you to do some small jobs on your own. Perhaps start by building a table or small bench.
With a few basic hand tools, you can get started building something in no time. We recommend using hand tools to get started to learn the craft before getting into using complicated electric tools. Learning how to use hand tools will also help you get a firm understanding of the trade.
Next think of where you want to specialize. Do you want to do traditional carpentry such as baseboards, cabinets etc? Or do you want to focus more on woodworking?
Next you might be thinking that we are going to recommend going to school. While going to school is one approach you might take, if you talk to many professionals in the area you might get a different answer.
Getting Your Apprenticeship
Getting an apprenticeship is how most carpenters and woodworkers have gotten started in the industry. This might be difficult, and you have to have a lot of guts. Many times you will start as the most basic assistant, and not be paid a lot.
You have to show your potential employer that you are committed. Let them know that you are in it for the long haul. A business owner is not going to want to hire someone that is going to quit in a few months.
Buy a set of tools. Get a really good hammer, speed square, tape measure, utility knife, screwdriver set, drill, and carpenters pencil. A good set of tools will last you a life time.
Learn carpentry in your spare time. Find a place to work quietly and work with left over scraps. Perhaps make some furniture that you need. Find videos on-line on YouTube.
Carpentry and woodworking is an industry that will always be in demand and something that really cannot be completely replaced by robots.
If you have questions or know someone in the industry that is looking to get started, please feel free to reach out in the comments below.
Tags: alliance cabinets & Millwork, carpenter, carpentry, finish carpentry, Woodworking Ideas
