Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades

Overview

Contractors and supervisors in carpentry trades supervise and coordinate the activities of workers classified in the following unit groups: Carpenters (72310) and Cabinetmakers (72311). They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, maintenance departments of industrial establishments, and custom furniture and fixture manufacturing or repair companies. Contractors may be self-employed.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of carpenters who construct, renovate and maintain structures of wood and other building materials and build and install interior finishing in residential, commercial and industrial buildings; and of cabinetmakers who construct and repair custom wooden cabinets, furniture, fixtures and related products

  • Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments

  • Requisition materials and supplies

  • Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity

  • Train or arrange for training of workers

  • Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions

  • Ensure standards for safe working conditions are observed

  • Prepare schedules and other reports

  • May manage the operations of their own companies

  • May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.

  • Small businesses' contractors may execute tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Job titles

  • cabinetmakers foreman/woman
  • cabinetmaking contractor
  • carpenter supervisor
  • carpenter-contractor
  • carpenters foreman/woman
  • carpentry contractor

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$54,226

Median

$72,996

High

$100,276

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

469

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • Several years of experience as a qualified carpenter or cabinetmaker are required.

  • Journeyman/woman trade certification as a carpenter or cabinetmaker is usually required.

Additional information

  • There is some mobility among jobs within a specific trade; however, there is little or no intertrade mobility.

Certification requirements

Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades in B.C.

  • Skilled Trades Certification - Contractors and Supervisors of Carpentry Trades
  • Contractors and Supervisors of Carpentry Trades Red Seal Certification

Skilled Trades Certification - Contractors and Supervisors of Carpentry Trades

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a contractor or supervisor of carpentry trades in B.C., you will need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

Visit website

Contractors and Supervisors of Carpentry Trades Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

Visit website

Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

Other careers