As a kid, you didn’t decide to learn how to ride a bike one day and then instantly excel at it. Mastering a skill takes work, effort, patience, and practice, just like riding a bike.
When you’ve made the decision to try your hand at carpentry, one of the first steps will be securing an apprenticeship.
Why? To hone your skills and learn new ones, and proper building techniques, before going off into the world to create great new things.
But how do you go about finding an apprenticeship, and what happens once you get it?
Education
You’ll need to make sure you’ve got a high school diploma or equivalent degree. You’ll need some basic education behind you, including some math and problem-solving skills, to make a real go of it.
Vocational Training
If possible, take up some vocational training. This will provide a way to start building your building skills and provide basic training on what carpentry entails. Vocational training can also give you an idea of what the work can look like, and can help you determine whether you want to specialize in a particular form of craftsmanship.
Finding the Right Opportunity
Start looking for an apprenticeship. Contact unions in your area or governmental offices at the Department of Labor to see if there are any positions open or to be added to a waiting list if applicable. Being an apprentice means you’re learning by doing, working side-by-side with seasoned professionals. Vocational schools can offer adult learning programs; two-year colleges might have some classes available.
Experience
Learn as much as possible, from making and reading blueprints to understanding specialized tools and learning various styles of woodworking. Maybe you want to make fine, high-end furniture, or maybe it’s more workaday pieces that will last for years and support busy families. The more knowledge you have, the better your career can be.
Learn and Earn
Be prepared to work, but earn along the way. An apprenticeship can last for years, but you’ll be moving up the ranks as you go and earn while training. You won’t bring home the top dollars at the beginning, but keep up the hard work, and you’ll get there. A typical apprenticeship can last up to four years, start to finish, with pay increases as skill expands.
Learn More About a Carpentry Career with Debbie’s Staffing
Carpentry is one of the world’s oldest professions and one of its most important. Without carpenters, who would build our homes?
If you’re ready to start a new career as a carpenter, or if you’re a company looking to hire a new crew member, contact Debbie’s Staffing for assistance. They can help match skilled workers with companies looking to expand or fill empty positions to help build new teams.
