AT A GLANCE
Carpenters are vital to any construction job. They build footings, forms, and scaffolds or frame and finish a building. Carpenters are involved in the construction of every kind of building as well as structures like bridges and tunnels. This work involves laying out, cutting, and shaping materials, according to blueprints or instructions from a supervisor. While carpenters are trained in all aspects of the trade, some choose to specialize in one area of carpentry such as finishing work or building scaffolding.
CAREER VIDEO(S)
RELATED CAREERS
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work environments for construction careers can be located outdoors or indoors or both. Work hours may vary as well. Some positions are seasonal while others are all year round, but part-time. Other positions are project-based and may require you to work full-time until the project is complete. And, of course there are careers that have full-time hours all year round.
Below is a list of workplaces where you might find opportunities to gain apprenticeship hours and/or experience:
- Construction companies
- Carpentry contractors
- Construction contractors
- Wood product manufacturers
- Maintenance departments of large institutions and factories
- Governments
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Self-employed
MINI SKILLS ASSESSMENT
If you answer YES to the questions below, then a career as a Carpenter might be a great fit for you!
- Do you have strong math skills?
- Do you work well with your hands?
- Are you good at problem solving?
- Do you have good balance?
- Are you a good communicator?
- Are you in good shape?
ESSENTIAL SKILLS PROFILES
The Government of Canada Job Bank has identified Nine Literacy and Essential Skills (Reading, Writing, Document Use, Numeracy, Computer Use, Thinking, Oral Communication, Working with Others, and Continuous Learning).
Below you will find links to the Essential Skills Profiles for this occupation and/or related ones:
WAGES
Minimum for Apprentices Skills Booklet 2016, Skills Canada/Manitoba | $37,440 |
Average for Journey Persons Skills Booklet 2016, Skills Canada/Manitoba | $39,270 – $58,863 |
For more information on apprenticeship wages, click here
Minimum Wage Rate | January 1, 2017 or after |
Journey Persons | $31.60 |
TRAINING
Note: To receive the most up-to-date information about satisfying apprenticeship level requirements, contact Apprenticeship Manitoba or visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/
Carpenter | |
Program Length (Minimum Years) | 4 years |
Level Requirements | |
Required Hours for each level (L) | L1: 1,800 hours L2: 1,800 hours L3: 1,800 hours L4: 1,800 hours |
Technical Training/Year (weeks in class) | Y1: 8 weeks Y2: 8 weeks Y3: 9 weeks Y4: 8 weeks |
Additional Licensing | No |
Trades Qualification Requirements (minimum experience required) | |
Minimum years of experience required (within last 10 years) | 6 years |
Minimum hours experience required | 10,800 hours |
Practical Exam required | Yes |
Compulsory Apprenticeship/Certificate of Qualifications required to work | No |
Red Seal Trade available | Yes |
ASSOCIATIONS
Click the links below for associations related to this career!
