Among their many skills, carpenters repair, construct, and install various kinds of structures made from wood and other types of materials. They read blueprints and building plans and install fixtures such as windows and doors. They measure, cut, and shape materials as they construct building frameworks including floors and walls. Carpenters use many different hand tools including squares, levels, chisels, sanders, saws, nail guns, and welding machines.
Becoming a carpenter typically requires a high school diploma and on the job training through an apprenticeship. There are vocational-technical high schools that offer training. In addition, many postsecondary career schools offer associate degrees in carpentry. The programs vary in length depending on the specialties that may be included.
Approximately 29% of carpenters are self-employed. Most of the others are employed by private contractors. The median average earnings for carpenters is more than $48,000. The overall range varies from about $38,000 to more than $80,000. Currently, there are more than 91,000 job openings for carpenters each year.
Earning a certification can help a carpenter to obtain a job since it demonstrates that s/he has mastered basic skills and knowledge. The most common certification is the OSHA Safety Certificate. However, other popular ones are the EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certificate and the Certified Construction Manager (CCM). The process of earning a certificate can teach additional skills that can enhance one’s resume, employment opportunities, and income.
To become a construction assistant, a degree is often a requirement. About 47% of them have such a degree, but it is possible to obtain a position with only a high school diploma or GED. Construction assistants manage and supervise projects. They perform general administrative and secretarial duties, negotiate material sales contracts, and oversee safety precautions at construction sites. In addition, they often prepare plans and specifications for new and existing projects to ensure that they comply with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements. Salaries range from about $28,000 to more than $54,000.
Postsecondary career and technical schools that prepare carpenters and construction assistants often earn certifications, too. This ensures that the curriculum and instruction they provide is comprehensive and results in well-qualified graduates. Such schools cannot function properly without the assistance of career school student information software. STARS* is a top-rated example of such a system. It provides a comprehensive set of features that minimizes the need for additional third-party software. STARS runs in the cloud on an IBMi Power 9 server which provides extremely fast response times, 99.99% uptime, and the highest degree of security available.
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*STARS® is an acronym for Student Tracking and Accounting Records System. This type of software is also referred to as a student management system, career college management system, student information management system, campus management software, school information management system, college management system, student record management system, campus management system, student information system software, online student management software, vocational school management system, etc.
