Joiner

Carpenter
Bookmark
Construction and building
Produce

Career outlook for joiner

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£17,000

Experienced

£38,000


Currently employed in Scotland

18,300

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would install and repair the wood inside homes, shops and bars. Or you could build sets for film and TV.

You could work in people’s homes or on construction sites fitting out shops, bars and offices.

You’d carefully measure the wood and cut it to the required size and shape to make things like doors, floors and fitted furniture. Then you’d put it together and fix it inside the building.

You'll need an eye for detail, good maths skills for working out measurements and the ability to follow technical plans.

You would:

  • Cut and shape timber for floorboards, skirting boards and window frames
  • Make and assemble doors, window frames, staircases and fitted furniture
  • Fit wooden structures, like floor and roof joists, roof timbers, staircases, partition walls, and door and window frames (first fixings)
  • Install skirting boards, door surrounds, doors, cupboards and shelving, as well as door handles and locks (second fixings)
  • Build temporary wooden supports to hold concrete in place while it sets, for example building foundations (formwork)
  • Make and fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings
  • Construct stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions

Taking an organised approach to your work and being aware of health and safety requirements would be important.

Working conditions

Hours

You will normally work between 39 and 45 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime at weekends or evenings may be necessary to meet construction deadlines.

Environment

Some work can take place outdoors in all weathers, up ladders and on scaffolding or roofs. Some work is indoors where conditions could be quite dusty. You will use protective equipment on all jobs.

Travel

You will normally travel between sites, and you may occasionally work away from home on some contracts.

UK employment status

Full-time

40%

Part-time

1%

Self employed

59%

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  • Verbal communication
  • Creative
  • Designing
  • Working with numbers
  • Observation
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Implementing ideas
  • Managing resources
  • Time management

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

The normal entry route is a Modern Apprenticeship recognised by the Scottish Building Apprenticeship Training Council (SBATC).

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this apprenticeship but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.

You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this apprenticeship.

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Sciences subjects
  • Practical technologies subjects

You will also need

You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.

Helpful to have

Qualifications that show an understanding of the industry and practical ability such as Skills for Work Construction (SCQF Level 4/5).

A driving licence can be useful.