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Carpenter: Easy Reading Job Profiles - alis
Carpenters build and repair things.
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Word Meanings
What do carpenters do?
Carpenters build and repair things.
They use wood and other materials. For example, metal.
They might build the outside of houses, schools or factories. Or they might build inside things. For example, kitchen cabinets or stairs.
Meet a carpenter
Matt is a carpenter. He helps build houses. He works on the outside of houses.
Here are things that Matt does:
- He gets instructions from his supervisor. He reads building plans.
- He measures and marks pieces of wood.
- He cuts wood with saws.
- He uses hammers, nail guns, drills and other tools.
- He checks his work carefully. For example, window and door openings must be the right size.
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Strength Required Lift over 20 kg
What is a carpenter’s work like?
Matt’s work is seasonal. Matt works many hours in the spring, summer and fall but not the winter. He usually works with other carpenters and helpers.
Matt lifts and carries wood and other materials. These things can weigh up to 25 kilograms (about 55 pounds).
Matt uses hand tools and power tools. Some tools are sharp. He must be careful. He doesn’t want to cut himself.
He also climbs ladders. He doesn’t want to fall. Matt always wears steel-toed boots, safety glasses and a hard hat.
Do you want to be a carpenter?
- You need to be strong. You must stand, bend and kneel a lot. You must lift heavy materials.
- You must be good at working with your hands.
- You must have good balance. For example, Matt sometimes works on roofs. He must be careful not to fall.
- You must be able to do math problems quickly and correctly.
- You need to work well with a team.
What education do carpenters need?
- Some people start as construction labourers. They help skilled workers do their jobs Then they may become carpenters. They learn about carpentry on the job. They don’t need a high school diploma.
- Some people take carpentry courses. They may get a certificate in carpentry.
- Carpenters can take an apprenticeship. They learn on the job and take courses at a post-secondary school. After 4 years, they can become a journeyperson carpenter.
You can ask your career advisor or tutor about working as a carpenter. You can ask about training, too.
What can carpenters do in the future?
Many carpenters work for construction companies. Carpenters can work on many kinds of buildings or on bridges, tunnels and other places.
Some carpenters start their own business. Carpenters with experience may become supervisors or forepersons.
How much does a carpenter make?
$23.00
to
$37.65
Per Hour
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Employment Standards Rules.
Other jobs to think about
You can ask your career advisor or tutor about other jobs that are like carpenter.
Do you want more information?
Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.
There are red words on this page. To learn what these words mean, click or tap them, or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.
Updated Oct 10, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the date shown.
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