professions > Carpenter
Carpenter
Everyone can imagine something about the profession of a carpenter. But what exactly does a carpenter do? Read all about the profession, training and job opportunities.
What is a carpenter?
A carpenter builds, installs and repairs mainly wooden parts, such as window frames, doors, (roof) structures. This involves a carpenter working with various hand and power tools.
Sometimes a carpenter also designs a structure himself or has it made. Often, as a carpenter, you work based on someone else’s drawing or design. You may work on a construction site where new homes or commercial properties are being built. But you can also work as a carpenter making, installing or repairing (custom) cabinets, sheds and other objects on behalf of companies or individuals.
Different types of carpenters
Within the profession of carpentry, there are several specializations:
- Construction carpenter
- Woodworker
- Roofing contractor
- Ship carpenter
- Restoration carpenter
- Interior Carpenter
- Furniture maker
- Concrete Carpenter
What does a carpenter do?
The duties of a carpenter are:
- Reading and working from a drawing
- Handling hand and power tools
- Assembly of wooden structures, such as frames, walls, roofs.
- Assembling wooden elements
- Repairing old / damaged woodwork
- Checking carpentry and structures
- Creating custom structures
- Finishing carpentry
Apprentice carpenter
An apprentice carpenter is trained as a carpenter and undergoes (practical) training for this purpose and works under the supervision of an experienced craftsman on various wooden structures.
In this way, a novice craftsman can make meters in construction under the supervision of a carpenter. During the training, theory is mainly covered, which the student will then put into practice.
Once you start working as an apprentice carpenter, you quickly learn that things are not the same everywhere. The profession of carpentry is very versatile. For example, you may make, assemble or repair structures. Usually made of wood, but sometimes plastic, plaster or even metal. You may be building something totally new, or getting to work on a huge renovation project.
Freelance carpenter
A freelance carpenter is an independent construction professional with extensive experience in the field of carpentry. This professional specializes in creating and installing wooden structures, such as frames, doors, stairs, and furniture. What distinguishes a self-employed carpenter from an employed carpenter is his self-employed status. He runs his own business and is responsible for taking orders, managing projects and maintaining client relationships. Freelance carpenters are often hired for renovations, new construction projects and repair work.
A freelance carpenter’s flexibility and craftsmanship make him a valuable asset to the construction and renovation industry. These professionals often have a wide range of skills. They also have the freedom to set their rates and work schedules, which allows them to manage their business on their own terms. This makes them attractive to contractors and private customers looking for customized solutions.
Did you know that about 5% of all carpenters are women?
What does a carpenter earn?
What a carpenter earns can vary, depending on several factors such as experience, age and where you work. In general, this is what you can earn:
- A junior earns €1,900 to €2,300 gross per month
- A medior earns €2,300 to €2,900 gross per month
- A senior earns €2,900 to €3,400 gross per month
Hourly wage freelance carpenter
Generally, the hourly rate for a freelance carpenter in the Netherlands is somewhere between €30 to €50 per hour. They may charge higher rates for specialized skills or projects with special requirements. It is important to note that freelance carpenters must also consider taxes, insurance and other business expenses when determining their hourly rate.
How do you become a carpenter?
The road to becoming a carpenter usually begins with good preparation in high school. It is helpful to take subjects such as math, physics and engineering, as these provide a good foundation for future carpentry. Through the VMBO you have the opportunity to choose the profile Building, living and interior design. This is a good stepping stone to MBO.
At the MBO you have different levels, where at level 1 you can already do the assistant construction. Levels 2 and 3 is for carpenter and with nivesau 4 you can become a contractor. After that, there are also opportunities at HBO. For example, you can choose to study structural engineering, construction management or construction engineering.
Over time, you may consider specializing in some aspect of carpentry, such as furniture making, restoration or sustainable construction, depending on your interests and career goals.
Becoming a carpenter later in life
Becoming a carpenter later in life is possible, however, there are 2 things to consider. First of all, it is helpful if you have had a lot of experience with carpentry yourself, for example with chores in your own home. Secondly, with any career switch it is that you have less experience and then often go backwards in terms of salary. You must be able to bear this financially temporarily.
Retraining to become a carpenter
There are many customized courses to get trained as a carpenter if you want to do this later in life. For example, there are several evening/weekend courses so that this can be combined well with your current work. You can do a full MBO track or you can choose an abbreviated, practical training with a trainer or company. At Jobxion, we have a short retraining program that allows you to enter as an assistant carpenter. You will then end up really learning the trade with one of our clients.It’s never too late to follow your passion for carpentry and start a new career as a carpenter!
Future Prospect
The future prospects for carpenters look good, as many homes need to be built. Experienced carpenters are in high demand to do this. Also, the demand for sustainable construction and renovation is growing, creating a lot of work. With the aging of the current tradesmen in the construction industry, there is also a need for young carpenters so that the labor shortage does not increase.
We are also seeing more and more new construction techniques to build faster and more sustainably. Consider modular construction and building with prefabricated parts made in a workshop or factory. This affects the development of the carpentry profession. Given the work ahead, the demand for carpenters will certainly not diminish.
Temporary employment agency for carpenters
We are an employment agency also specialized in Carpenters. Experienced carpenters are in high demand, but there are also opportunities for entry-level, lateral entry and junior/apprentice carpenters. As a staffing agency, we always look at what someone can do, what they want and what projects fit well with that. Together we find a nice project in the neighborhood and we provide all the equipment needed to do your job well.
Benefits of working as a carpenter through Jobxion
Working through Jobxion has benefits for you as a carpenter. We list them:
- A good salary, paid weekly
- You build up a pension
- Choose projects that suit you
- Own transportation that allows you to drive privately
- Choose permanence or flexibility
- Top tools you get in usable one
- We arrange work clothing and protective equipment
Curious about your options?
Check out the job openings or make an open application!
Frequently asked questions about carpenter
The duties of a carpenter are:
- Reading and working from a drawing
- Handling hand and power tools
- Assembly of wooden structures, such as frames, walls, roofs.
- Assembling wooden elements
- Repairing old / damaged woodwork
- Checking carpentry and structures
- Creating custom structures
- Finishing carpentry
What a carpenter earns can vary, depending on several factors such as experience, age and where you work. In general, this is what you can earn:
- A junior earns €1,900 to €2,300 gross per month
- A medior earns €2,300 to €2,900 gross per month
- A senior earns €2,900 to €3,400 gross per month
The road to becoming a carpenter usually begins with good preparation in high school. It is helpful to take subjects such as math, physics and engineering, as these provide a good foundation for future carpentry. Through the VMBO you have the opportunity to choose the profile Building, living and interior design. This is a good stepping stone to MBO.
Apply by clicking on the “apply” button. Then fill in your details and submit your application. We’ll get back to you soon after that.
If you have a question, please contact Sabine. Send a whatsapp or call: 06 52 53 29 18 or send an email to sabine@jobxion.nl