duties and responsibilities

While the specific tasks depend on the project or employer, you can expect an exciting working day. Some of the duties and responsibilities to expect include: Creating and interpreting plans: before commencing a project, drawing plans for the fixtures or furniture is vital. However, the contractor often provides methods generated from Computer-Aided Design (CAD). When you have the CAD drawings, your job is to interpret the procedures before the work begins. Measuring and cutting materials: since wood materials range from cheap recycled wood products to expensive hardwood, you need to pick suitable wood and measure accurate dimensions for the project. Your job also involves cutting and shaping the materials for the furniture you want to create using hand tools, cutting machines or power tools. Fitting and installation: if you are working on fixtures and fittings, you design the structural elements and install them in residential homes or offices. For instance, you can create and design a wardrobe and fit it in the bedroom. Repairs and restoration: as a carpenter, you assist your clients in repairs and restoration. The repairs may involve restoring historical buildings, which requires traditional skills to construct wooden elements in yesteryears to preserve the original beauty. Aside from remodelling, your job also entails repairing antiques and incorporating contemporary features to protect them. Assessing risks and liaising with other trades: before commencing a contract, completing a risk assessment and safety check documentation is essential. Your work may also include liaising and partnering with other skilled tradespeople like plumbers and electricians.

Carpenters usually work in construction, mining, and many other sectors. In the private sector, watch out for jobs in housing developments, TV and Film companies, theatres, retail outlets and residential homes. You may work with historic buildings, hospitals or schools in the public sector. Regardless of the industry, the work environment is usually flexible, and you may get the opportunity to work alongside many other skilled workers daily. While drawing plans require an office setting, some projects may be outdoors. Some employers provide a workshop, while others require you to be on site. A lot of companies are looking for FIFO carpenters. A FIFO carpenter is someone who works on a first-in, first-out basis. This means they will work on the first project that comes in, the second, and so on. This type of carpenter is often used in construction, as they can quickly and efficiently complete projects.carpenters who work on a first-come, first-served basis.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include joiners, electricians , maintenance fitters and interior designers. You might also be working close to construction proejct managers and project managers , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, architects, cost estimators and painters .

As a carpenter, your employer might expect you to commit between 40 and 45 hours weekly for a full-time position. When project deadlines are looming, you may need to work extra hours. Evenings and weekends are also necessary when work doesn't allow working during the day. For example, you must wait until after-school hours when working in a school classroom. Part-time jobs are available in carpentry, but work schedules depend on the employer and industry. For example, a homeowner could need a carpenter to ensure that the building is appropriately maintained, but they might only require you on-site once a week to handle minor repairs. Being a carpenter also involves regular travel to project sites, especially if you provide services to clients in residential homes and commercial buildings.

Being a carpenter is a fulfilling career and a springboard to a managerial role in the construction industry. With extra qualifications and experience, you can opt to become a construction manager and oversee large projects. If you specialise in one aspect of carpentry, you will become a master craftsman. Aside from career progression, carpentry jobs have consistent demand in Australia due to the wide range of job roles like heritage carpentry, shop fitting and set design. The projected job growth for carpenters between 2020 and 2025 is 8.1%, which means carpenters have numerous opportunities.

advantages of finding a carpenter job through randstad

Finding your carpenter job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of options in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a carpenter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary position found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

who is considered a carpenter?

A carpenter is anyone who builds or creates items using wood or timber. Whether you design antiques, create furniture or install wardrobes and wooden staircases in homes, you are a carpenter.

what do you do as a carpenter?

You create the wooden elements in construction sites and finish interior spaces with wood furnishings. You are also responsible for repairs, remodelling cabinets and restoring heritage buildings.

is carpentry a good job in Australia?

Carpentry is skilled work that requires specialised skills. Carpenters are in high demand since they are involved in constructing and repairing residential buildings or furniture made from wood.

is becoming a carpenter worth it?

Carpenters earn an average salary of $55,000 annually and enjoy various allowances. Not to mention carpenters use their creativity to build ornamental pieces. It is a rewarding career with great growth opportunities.

how do I apply for a carpenter vacancy?

Applying for a carpenter job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our carpenter job offers . Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

Working as a carpenter

what is a carpenter?

A carpenter's job is to design, build or repair the wooden elements of a building. From custom cabinets and doors to structural support beams for staircases, carpenters provide skilled labour in construction but primarily work with natural materials like timber and wood.

Working with wood, you help add personality and warmth to homes and public areas. For instance, bespoke wall panelling, custom-created furniture and unique finials can enhance the beauty of interior spaces. A carpenter uses skills to turn a functional requirement like bookshelves into a decorative feature. Your projects will vary depending on the employer, whether you are working on commercial or residential buildings.

As a carpenter, your expertise in designing bespoke furniture and wood items also increases your employment prospects. For instance, you can work for furniture production companies and be part of the creative team that produces unique items for sale.

carpenter roles available

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average salary of a carpenter

The average salary of a carpenter in Australia is $55,000 annually. The salary scale ranges from $30,000 to $80,000 annually. The remuneration package usually depends on your specialisation and the complexity of your role. As with most trade jobs, your salary and benefits depend on your work hours. Expanding your knowledge in complementary skill sets, such as design, will make you more valuable to an employer.

what factors affect the salary of a carpenter?

Your salary as a carpenter varies depending on your employer and whether you work full-time or part-time. Are you working for a Housing industry association contractor or a well-established home developer? Significant housing developments require complementary skills and specialisation for quality work. Hence, the salary will reflect the specialisms and expert skills. A small family-run furniture shop has minimal qualification requirements and less pay, but it's an exciting opportunity to grow your skills with greater creative freedom. If you have woodworking specialisms, like historical restoration or antique repair, your remuneration package is significantly better than an apprentice with entry-level skills. Additionally, the location, local economy, and willingness to travel can impact your salary.

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types of carpenters

If you want to be a successful carpenter, explore jobs in a specialism that may not be as common. Some of those carpentry roles include:

Heritage carpenter: you can train in heritage carpentry if you love working with antiques or restoring historic buildings. As a heritage carpenter, you may find yourself rebuilding, restoring and renovating historic buildings using the materials and techniques used when designed initially.
Set designer: did you know you can work as a carpenter in the film and theatre industry? You may even see your work on the big screen if the sets and props you worked on are used in production.
Shopfitting carpenter: retailers often want to create unique spaces by adding designer fittings to match their brand's style. Shopfitters install fittings and shelves made from natural materials.
Furniture designer: if you are creative, furniture design is an appealing career path in carpentry. Your job is to create furniture from scratch, from cabinets and wardrobes to chairs and tables.
Formwork carpenter: as a farmworker or a formwork carpenter, you are responsible for constructing shuttering and false walls in buildings. Sometimes, you have to use concrete to make moulds and false walls.
Cabinet carpenter: a cabinet carpenter is a carpenter who specializes in creating and installing cabinets. Cabinet carpenters use various tools to build cabinets, including saws, routers, and sanders. They also install cabinets, making sure that they are level and secure.
Trim carpenter: a trim carpenter is a carpenter who specializes in creating and installing trim and moulding in homes and other buildings. Trim carpenters often have a wide range of skills, including the ability to install cabinets, doors, and windows.
Framer: a framer is a carpenter who specializes in creating the wooden framework for a building.
Ship carpenter: a ship carpenter is a carpenter who specializes in building and repairing wooden ships.

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