Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Trade Profile - Carpenter

Learn what it takes to be a carpenter

Over the next ten years, it is estimated that over 261,100 tradespeople will retire in Canada, while only 221,300 will enter the field, resulting in a significant loss of skilled workers. In addition, due to the aging population, the overall number of people who are considered to be in their working prime (age 25-54) is expected to decline. These factors will make it increasingly difficult to replenish the retiring workforce.

In response to the anticipated shortage of skilled apprentices, the construction industry has developed several initiatives, opportunities, and grants to encourage youth, women, the indigenous population, and other groups to consider a career in the skilled trades. Alongside various partners, CLAC has become increasingly involved in promoting the skilled trades as a rewarding career option, while simultaneously looking for new ways to support industry and workers alike.

Over the next year, we will share a variety of trades-related blogs here on Your Voice. We will highlight in-demand trades by providing you with a snap shot of their education requirements, average salary, and employment outlook.

Do you enjoy building or fixing things using wood or wood-based materials? Do you enjoy working with your hands and solving math problems? Then you may be interested in pursuing a career in carpentry!

Carpenters construct, renovate, erect, and repair buildings and other structures made of wood and a variety of other materials. They work in the residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance sectors and can specialize in specific types of work such as framing and interior or exterior finishing. Their tasks include reading drawings, planning sequence and method of work, cutting and shaping materials, and following building codes.

CLAC represents various contractors who employ carpenters. Journeyperson wages can range from $25 to $38 per hour plus additional benefits (in Alberta). Carpentry is an excellent stepping stone to unlimited career possibilities as carpenters are often involved in every phase of construction. They have the opportunity to advance to various supervisory positions such as foreperson, subcontractor, or superintendent. Further, a carpenter’s vast range of skills can lead to many other career paths outside of the construction industry, including teaching or project management.

So how do you become a carpenter? To work as a carpenter in Alberta, a person must be a registered apprentice, or an Alberta-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential, or work for an employer who is satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected to be working in the trade.

How do you enter the trade? High school students can become apprentices through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), which allows them to earn credits towards their apprenticeship training and high school diploma at the same time. Students who are interested in joining the RAP should speak to their off-campus coordinator.

To become an Alberta-certified journeyperson, your employer must register your apprenticeship with Alberta Apprenticeship and Training (AIT) and you must complete 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year during your four-year apprenticeship. Unlike many university graduates, skilled trades workers are often able to complete their education with little to no student debt because students are able to earn while they learn. There are also various grants and loans that an apprentice can obtain while working in any Red Seal trade. Learn more at clac.ca/apprentice/alberta.

CLAC Training can help you navigate the apprenticeship pathways, enroll in technical training, and provide information regarding student funding, loans and grants.

Trade Profile - Carpenter

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