Carpenters construct, erect, install, finish and repair wooden and metal structures and fixtures on residential and commercial buildings. They may also work on large concrete, steel and timber structures such as bridges, dams, power stations and civil engineering projects.
Duties and Tasks
Carpenters may perform the following tasks:
construct formwork into which concrete is poured
set out an outline of the building on the ground of the site, using string and pegs to allow for excavations
build floors, wall frameworks (timber or metal), roofs and suspended ceilings, and lay timber floors
read plans and specifications to determine the dimensions, materials required and installation processes
install metal and timber windows, sashes and doors
construct and erect prefabricated units, such as cottages and houses
cut materials with hand and power tools, and assemble or nail, cut and shape parts
install door handles, locks, hardware, flooring underlay, insulating material and other fixtures
With further training and experience, a carpenter could become a clerk of works, building supervisor, building and construction manager, building inspector, technical teacher, estimator, building contract administrator or purchasing officer.
Personal Requirements
enjoy practical work
able to work with your hands
good sense of balance and ability to work at heights
This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006
Carpentry and Joinery Tradespersons
Employment Status
Weekly Income ($)
Full-time
923
Part-time
525
Copyright 2007 education.au
This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
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