Carpenter

Professions Published

A carpenter makes different objects and products from sawn timber or wood panels. Typically, carpentry work involves the construction, repair, modification or restoration of furniture and ornamental and functional objects. Carpenters also produce shaved products, such as mouldings and boards, and can also make and install doors and windows. The carpenter can work as an entrepreneur, in joinery shops and carpenters workshops, furniture factories and in the construction industry. In addition to manual skills, the profession requires care and precision.

In furniture factories, construction industry, joinery shops and carpenter workshops, and as independent entrepreneurs.

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Being a carpenter requires manual skills. In the woodworking sector, knowledge of the properties of wood is essential both in the manufacturing stage and in the final product. The carpenter is able to choose the most suitable working methods, materials, structures and joints for the object they are working on. Multi-skilled experts are appreciated in the sector.

The carpenter is able to draw up work stage plans using workshop drawings and carry out machining, assembly and finishing tasks. The carpenter is able to use different machines and equipment needed in the work adeptly.

The profession requires attention to detail and precision. The work is relatively independent and requires initiative. Carpenters working as entrepreneurs need knowledge of matters related to entrepreneurship. The work environment is often noisy due to the machinery.

Allergies can be an obstacle to working as a carpenter due to wood dust and adhesives.

Vocational institutions in upper secondary education offer training for a vocational qualification in the woodworking sector, which includes the possibility to qualify as a carpenter. Vocational institutions in upper secondary education and training also offer vocational qualifications in Art and Design with a specialisation to become an artisan which allows a specialisation in carpentry. It is also possible to complete a vocational qualification through an apprenticeship. 

After gaining more professional experience, it is also possible to complete a further vocational qualification and specialist vocational qualification in the woodworking sector. 

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Median salary

2643 €/mo

Private sector

2656 €/mo

Public sector

2491 €/mo

The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.

Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries

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