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Carpenters
What they do?
Carpenters perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements
B. Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools
C. Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials
D. Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
E. Fit and install trim items, such as doors, stairs, moulding and hardware
F. Maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments
G. Supervise apprentices and other construction workers
Where they find work?
1. Construction - 80.0%
2. Wood product manufacturing - 3.0%
3. Furniture and related product manufacturing - 2.0%
4. Public administration - 2.0%
5. Educational services - 1.0%
6. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 1.0%
What education do I need?
1. You usually need a high school diploma.
2. To gain trade certification as a carpenter, you usually need either a three- to four-year apprenticeship program, or a combination of over four years' work experience and some high school, college, or industry courses in carpentry.
3. Trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces/territories.
4. Qualified carpenters may also obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification, which provides job mobility throughout the country.
5. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor.
6. Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate and almost 2 in 5 have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Drafting
3. Industrial Arts (Woodworking)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Carpenters is $17.65/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
11% of Carpenters are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Carpenters is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($17.65) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (11%) is above the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
2. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (38%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Manual/power tools
2. Measuring
3. Planning
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
5% of Carpenters are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 111,800 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 16% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
