There are two main categories: structural carpenters who build and maintain structures and detail carpenters who concentrate on interior cosmetic applications. All carpenters perform numerous tasks.
Carpentry professionals are skilled mentally and physically, performing precise calculations, reading blueprints, troubleshooting, and visualizing outcomes. The trade includes opportunities on various residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Overview
Carpenters may be required to install prefabricated structures such as window frames, doors or shelves, build foundations, install beams and subflooring, or erect walls and roofing systems. They also build stairways and wall partitions, install fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms, apply drywall, plaster or insulation material to both ceilings and walls, and install moldings, parquet flooring and tiles. Carpenters use the latest technology in hand and power tools, including computerized machinery, to cut, fit and assemble wood and other materials in the construction of buildings, docks, industrial plants and many other structures. They start with the drawings or blueprints that define the scope of the specific project, measure and mark the layout, cut and shape the materials with hand and power tools, join the materials, check the work and make any necessary adjustments. Their duties often include arranging for sub-contractors, preparing cost estimates and writing progress reports also.
Typical Duties
Carpenters perform some or all of the following duties:
Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements
Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools
Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials
Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
Fit and install trim items, such as doors, stairs, moulding and hardware
Maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments
Supervise apprentices and other construction workers
May prepare cost estimates for clients.
Jobs and Careers
Sample Job Titles
Apprentice carpenter
Carpenter-joiner
Journeyman/women
Maintenance carpenter
Metal framer
Roofer
Building contractor
Companies and Sectors
Self-employed contractors
Construction companies
Residential/commercial carpentry
Education and Training
HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified carpenters upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS 
Indigenous and remote communities may lack resources that allow for young people to get a head start in this trade. However, with the traditional skills of building houses and working with tools, it may be an appealing career choice. In small, fly-in communities, there may be only one or two companies to work for while staying in their home community. This may mean someone pursuing this trade will be looking at relocation or travelling to nearby communities to work on builds. Most communities have housing departments so options may exist to work with housing in a community.
Competition Resources
2023 Territorial Competition Contest Description_Secondary
2023 National Competition Contest Description_Secondary
2023 National Competition Contest Description_Post-Secondary
Projects
Previous Territorial Competition Documents