Carpenters cut, shape, fit and assemble building materials in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, docks, and industrial plants. Carpenters today build with wood, metal, plastics, fiberglass, and styrofoam, and even composites of several materials. Following blueprints they measure , layout, and build foundations, walls, floors, ceilings and roofs. Also, carpenters remodel all kinds of structures framwork or interior trim. Carpenters use numerous hand tools like hammers, squares, chisels to name a few. Today's carpenters use pneumatic nail fasteners, advanced power saws and new laser leveling tools. Modern carpentry uses equipment and machines to lift and eliminate as much labor as possible and to make the jobsite safer. Thanks to safety training programs, employers have greatly reduced accidents on the job.
Today, government and private studies confirm the shortage of skilled Carpenters nationwide
Nationwide there was approximately 996,000 in the 1996 census
Factoring in retirements, job changes, Carpenters entering construction management of business ownership, it is easy to see the growing need for skilled Carpenters.
Future career path opportunites include jobs as estimator, distribution manager, inspector, project manager, trade instructor, foreman, and more...
Construction is one of the few industries where an individual can still own his or her own business