Four alternative jobs to carve out a career in carpentry

Carpentry is perhaps one of the oldest and most vital trades within the construction industry. It’s no wonder the carpentry sector is worth £3.8billion alone, according to the British Woodworking Federation.

It requires highly skilled craftsmen and women working with natural materials to create and install all types of fixtures and fittings – which could be anything from door frames, to hard wood floors. It’s a diverse skill and can be applied to lots of different industries. Keep reading as we discuss just a few of these. 

1. Heritage restoration 

You could choose to specialise in restoring and repairing historic and old buildings that often deteriorate due a number of reasons, including weather conditions, from the building users or even just neglect. However, there are special skills required to work in building restoration as there are many more structural issues that need to be considered. 

2. Kitchen fitter

As a kitchen fitter, your role will involve installing and fitting kitchens in homes or businesses. You’ll be responsible for removing current fixtures to make space for new units and worktops, which you’ll also have a hand in installing. This will mean working around any potential hidden pipes, as well as sinks, cookers or hobs. You could also be involved in producing and fitting cornices, beams and plinths. 

3. Theatre/film set production

Set carpenters add lots of character to film sets, theatre shows, stages, TV sets and more. Whilst they aren’t in high demand, there’s one Midlands based carpentry company whose work you might recognise on the sets of, ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘The Wolverine’. You’ll be expected to work closely with the set engineers and other construction professionals to carry out your brief to an extremely professional standard. 

4. Shipbuilding

Often referred to as shipwrights, ship carpenters build and maintain boats and ships, based on blueprints they’re provided. The role of a ship carpenter can be very physically challenging and involves working with a variety of materials including wood, but also aluminium and fibreglass. You’ll be expected to create the ships’ parts and frames, keep up with maintenance and repairs as well as finishing all the outside surfaces.  You could find yourself working on a variety of vessels, from cruise ships to repairing fishing boats.

With the current skills shortage across the construction industry, qualifying as a carpenter could give you the edge you need to pursue any of these roles. At Walsall College, we have state of the art workshops and industry standard equipment that will prepare you for the real world of work.

Apply now to secure your place for September.  See our Carpentry courses.