Description of the Carpenter Trade
“Carpenter” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by a carpenter.
Carpenters construct, install, renovate and repair residential, civil, institutional, commercial and industrial (ICI) structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials.
They can work for a wide array of employers, including new home builders and renovation firms, construction firms, building owners, property managers and tenants, building developers and government departments. Some carpenters are union members and a significant number are self-employed.
While the scope of the carpenter trade includes many aspects of building construction, a growing number of carpenters work for contractors in such areas of trade practice as concrete forming, framing, finishing, interior systems, renovations and surveying. Carpenters are employed in a variety of project environments, including houses under construction or renovation, ICI, civil and infrastructure projects, and plants that pre-fabricate buildings. Carpenters are found working in a variety of sectors such as construction, manufacturing, service, mining, agricultural, institutional, commercial, forestry, and transit and transportation.
Safety is critical to all carpenters. In addition to typical risks of injury resulting from slips and falls, falling objects and the use of hand and power tools, carpenters must be aware of constantly changing work surroundings to mitigate the chance of injury to self and others. The proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related training is very important to carpenters regardless of their location of work. Risk/hazard assessments prior to performing tasks are necessary and important.
Some important competencies of a carpenter are good knowledge of mathematics, the ability to use metric and imperial measurements, an understanding of building science, communication and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Other skills present in a competent carpenter are the ability to work at heights, the ability to stand or kneel for long periods of time, manual dexterity and good balance. Carpenters must be prepared to work in a variety of working environments including extreme temperatures. Carpentry at times may be a physically demanding occupation requiring the lifting of heavy tools and materials. Carpenters may operate equipment such as mobile elevated work platforms and material moving equipment. Journeyperson carpenters are expected to mentor apprentices given the hands-on nature of the trade.
This standard recognizes similarities and overlaps with the work of other tradespersons such as roofers, lathers (interior systems mechanics), building envelope technicians, drywall finishers and plasterers, floorcovering installers, concrete finishers, ironworkers (reinforcing) and cabinetmakers. Experienced carpenters may advance to supervisory positions, or become independent contractors, due to their involvement in most aspects of building construction.