How to become a carpenter in Australia: careers in building and construction

What does a carpenter do?

Carpenters are an important part of the building, construction and renovation industries. A carpenter builds, installs, repairs and erects wooden frames, foundations, walls and other structural elements used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They learn how to cut, measure and shape timber elements to fit exactly, using precise measurements and adjustments to ensure their work is sound. Carpenters work across a wide range of construction projects, from commercial developments to home renovations.

Tasks:

Studying building plans for each job
Cutting, treating and preparing timber
Repairing existing wooden fittings
Erecting building frames, roofs and floors
Maintaining and sharpening tools

What skills do I need to be a carpenter?

A carpenter must be practical, good with their hands and have great attention to details to complete their work. Good mathematical skills assist in measuring and cutting timber to the correct size and calculating a bill of materials. Carpentry is physically demanding and work on construction sites could involve cramped conditions or heights. You need to be good at communicating and working with others, both tradespeople and clients.

Skills/attributes

Attention to detail
Good hand-eye coordination
Decent physical fitness
Able to work independently
Precise and meticulous

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Specialisations

There is room for career growth and variation within the trade. You could one day own and operate your own business performing specialised carpentry work.

Cabinetmaker

Cabinetmakers build, repair and install cupboards, cabinets and other furniture as part of a residential or commercial fit-out. Some may choose to specialise even further, working exclusively as a shopfitter for businesses or with private residential clients installing kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furnishings.

Fine Furniture Maker

Working as a craftsperson in fine furniture may require you to design, build and finish custom furniture pieces for clients. Working closely to a design brief, you’ll use a range of power tools and hand tools to create functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces in wood.

Site Foreman

An alternate career path for a carpenter is to progress in seniority on a building site, becoming a foreman responsible for managing the tradespeople working at a building site. Responsibilities include delegating tasks, ensuring workplace health and safety standards are being met and ensuring the quality of the work performed.

Study pathways for carpenters

Generally, those who pursue carpentry as a profession gain vocational training before becoming a qualified carpenter. To work on any building site in Australia, you will need to hold a Construction Induction Card.

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