Overview
Carpenters construct, erect, install, maintain and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials. They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements
Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools
Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials
Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
Fit and install trim items, such as doors, stairs, moulding and hardware
Maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments
Supervise apprentices and other construction workers
May prepare cost estimates for clients.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$62,568
$83,424
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
4,222expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification for carpenters is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Carpenters in B.C.
- Carpenter Red Seal Certification
- Skilled Trades Certification - Carpenters
Carpenter 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.
Skilled Trades Certification - Carpenters
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a carpenter in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
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.