Carpenter and Joiner
Also advertised as: Apprentice Carpenter, Bench Joiner, Carpenter and Joiner, Formwork Carpenter, Joiner, Kitchen Fitter
Builds and fits timber structures, doors, floors, kitchens and roofs.
What the job involves
Carpenters split broadly into site carpentry, first and second fix on construction projects, and bench joinery making items in a workshop. It is a craft trade where quality of finish is visible and reputation drives work.
Typical responsibilities
- Read drawings and set out work
- Carry out first and second fix carpentry
- Install doors, staircases, kitchens and floors
- Construct roof and timber frame structures
- Maintain tools and work safely on site
Common employers
- Housebuilders
- Shopfitting contractors
- Joinery workshops
- Self-employed
- Councils
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£21,000 – £28,000 a year
With experience
£34,000 – £48,000 a year
Typical hours
40 to 45 hours, early starts on site
Working environment
Construction sites and workshops
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Measuring and setting out
- Hand and power tools
- Drawing interpretation
- Finishing quality
- Site safety
Transferable skills you may already have
- Practical making
- Accuracy
- Physical work
Requirements employers ask for
- Measuring and setting out
- Hand and power tools
- Drawing interpretation
- Finishing quality
- Site safety
- Level 2 or 3 Carpentry and Joinery
- CSCS card
- CSCS card
Useful but not essential
- Practical making
- Accuracy
- Physical work
- NVQ Level 3 Site Carpentry
- Supervisory qualifications
Helpful qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 Site Carpentry
- Supervisory qualifications
Licences and checks
- CSCS card
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Carpentry and Joinery (Level 2)
- Advanced Carpentry and Joinery (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Carpentry
- Related subject: Construction
Where this career can lead
next
Site Supervisor
next
Site Manager
next
Joinery Business Owner
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Visible craft and finished results
- Self-employment is straightforward
- Consistent housebuilding demand
What people find hard
- Weather exposure on site
- Physically hard on the body
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a carpenter and joiner?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a carpenter and joiner earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £21,000 to £28,000 a year, rising towards £48,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Practical making, Accuracy, Physical work.
Related careers
Groundworker
Prepares the ground and lays foundations, drainage and roads before other trades begin.
Plasterer
Applies plaster, render and decorative finishes to walls and ceilings.
Gas Engineer
Installs, services and repairs gas boilers, cookers and heating appliances.
Heating and Ventilation Engineer
Installs and maintains heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in buildings.
Bricklayer
Builds walls, structures and features from bricks, blocks and mortar.
Roofer
Fits and repairs roofs using tiles, slates, felt or flat roofing systems.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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