Joiner
Measure, saw and fix the wood inside homes, shops and bars, or build theatre and stage sets.
Also known as: carpenter
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About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£327
Entry level
£731
Experienced
Monthly
£1,417
Entry level
£3,167
Experienced
Yearly
£17,000
Entry level
£38,000
Experienced
18,200
people are currently employed
High growth
900 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life – Joiner
What it's like
You would install and repair the wood inside homes, shops and bars. Or you could build sets for film and TV.
You could work in people’s homes or on construction sites fitting out shops, bars and offices.
You’d carefully measure the wood and cut it to the required size and shape to make things like doors, floors and fitted furniture. Then you’d put it together and fix it inside the building.
You'll need an eye for detail, good maths skills for working out measurements and the ability to follow technical plans.
You would:
Cut and shape timber for floorboards, skirting boards and window frames
Make and assemble doors, window frames, staircases and fitted furniture
Fit wooden structures, like floor and roof joists, roof timbers, staircases, partition walls, and door and window frames (first fixings)
Install skirting boards, door surrounds, doors, cupboards and shelving, as well as door handles and locks (second fixings)
Build temporary wooden supports to hold concrete in place while it sets, for example building foundations (formwork)
Make and fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings
Construct stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions
Taking an organised approach to your work and being aware of health and safety requirements would be important.
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Hours
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Environment
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Travel
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Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- designing
- creative
- verbal communication
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Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Woodwork
The normal entry route is a Modern Apprenticeship recognised by the Scottish Building Apprenticeship Training Council (SBATC).
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this apprenticeship but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this apprenticeship.
Qualifications that show an understanding of the industry and practical ability such as Skills for Work Construction (SCQF Level 4/5).
A driving licence can be useful.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
Find the right course for you
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