CARPENTERS California Occupational Guide Number 169 Interest Area 5-B 1997
THE JOB
CARPENTERS work in almost every type of construction. The jobs they do depend on the type of construction, the type of company, and the particular skills of the Carpenter. Working for a small home builder, a Carpenter might be involved in every part of a project, such as putting up the framework, walls, roofs, and installing doors, window, flooring, cabinets, paneling, and molding. In a larger operation, where there is more opportunity for specialized work, a Carpenter might do only one thing, such as roof framing or installing doors and windows. Carpenters working for a special trade contractor would specialize in whatever special work might be, such as the installation of hardwood flooring. In other types of construction, Carpenter jobs can be as different as constructing wooden forms for pouring concrete, building wooden bridges, piers, and trestles, and installing tunnel bracing.
Most Carpenter's work involves certain basic steps: They read plans, identify and find the materials they need, determine the sizes of the parts required, and measure and mark the materials for cutting. Working with hand tools and power equipment, Carpenters cut and shape the material and assemble or install them following the plans.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Carpenters usually work as part of a crew. The work can be indoors or outdoors, at floor level, or on ladders or scaffolding, often in dusty, noisy places. Training for Carpenters stresses working safely and wearing protective equipment and clothing, because Carpenters can be injured from falling objects, from sharp tools and power equipment, or from falling from high places.
Carpenters provide their own hand tools and work clothing. The employer provides ladders, scaffolding, and any heavy equipment needed on the job. Jobs are different in length, from one-day house repairs to industrial construction projects that last years. In the winter, when it's cold and rainy, there aren't as many jobs for Carpenters. During the winter, many construction carpenters take on small indoor jobs. Most journey-level workers and apprentices belong to locals of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Big city areas are mostly union, but smaller communities have a lot of nonunion workers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Carpenters in California will reach 92,990 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 33,070 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 16,750 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 33,070 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 49,820 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Beginning pay for Carpenters goes from minimum wage to over $2.00 an hour. Journey-level Carpenters can earn up to $25.00 per hour. Fully experienced Carpenters can make as much as $28.00 per hour.
Both union and non-union fringe benefits include vacation pay, health and welfare coverage, and retirement plans. Most Carpenters work an eight-hour day, Monday through Friday, but there can be lot of overtime.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Taking high school math, drafting, and shop courses is a good way to prepare to become a Carpenter. Formal pre-apprenticeship training is given by some public schools, community colleges, and other local organizations.
The usual way to become a journey-level Carpenter is by completing a four- year apprenticeship program. To become an apprentice, candidates should apply to their local Joint Apprenticeship Committee or the Carpenter's Union. Apprenticeship candidates have to complete the 12th grade or its equivalent, be physically able to do the work, and be at least 17 years old. The union apprenticeship involves on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Workers sometimes get carpentry skills without going through the formal apprentice program. With enough on-the-job experience, they can apply for the journey-level with the carpenter's union.
ADVANCEMENT
Carpenters with experience, skills, knowledge of new developments in carpentry, and leadership may be promoted to supervisor. Some may become a superintendent or estimator. Those with enough money and business knowledge may become self-employed contractors.
FINDING THE JOB
Journey-level union Carpenters usually find work by reporting to their union hiring hall. Sometimes it is helpful to check the want ads, contact former employers, and check with the local offices of the California Employment Development Department. Apprentice candidates are allowed to call on different contractors and apply for their own jobs. For government jobs, they may contact their local city, county, and State personnel offices or the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For apprenticeship information contact the local Carpenter's union or :
California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards 455 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 703-4251
For general information about this occupation:
Associated Builders and Contractors 729 15th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 637-8800
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America 101 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 546-6206
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Teachers, Trade and Technical No. 404
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Carpenter 860.381-022 Joiner 860.381-050 Boatbuilder, Wood 860.361-010 Carpenter, Maintenance 860.281-010 Carpenter, Apprentice 860.381-026 Carpenter, Rough 860.381-042
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Carpenters 871020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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